Fernando Macias makes his case in district attorney's race, funding for more prosecutors

Fernando Macias is well known to voters in Doña Ana County.

Since graduating from Georgetown University Law Center, he has been the county manager for nine years. He has also been a public defender, an assistant DA in the Third Judicial District and a Third Judicial District judge. He served as a state senator for 16 years, where he also was chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Macias is once again asking for votes in a highly competitive Democratic primary for district attorney, where the field also includes incumbent Gerald Byers and local attorneys Shaharazad Booth and Ramona Martinez.

The winner of the June 4 primary election will face Republican Phil Cain in November.

More: District Attorney candidates face off in forum ahead of competitive race

"I have very broad experience," Macias said. "I have had to perform on a broader level. I can bring those resources to make improvements in the community, but it’s a team along with all of the stakeholders in law enforcement, the schools, the probation office and the detention center.

"We need a plan and a person willing to present a plan that this is what I think will make the most improvements in the criminal justice system."

Improving how much money is available to the DA's office has been a constant conversation in candidate forums leading up to the election, particularly how to fund more positions in the state's second largest jurisdiction.

According to Byers, the office currently employs 18 attorneys.

While Macias was a state senator, he points to his recent experience as county manager, where relationships with current legislators could be valuable when securing funds for the DAs office to add positions.

"I think I have the best chance of anyone to appeal to the state and legislature to appeal for additional support for the office," Macias said. "I have been working with the current delegation as county manager. I understand the process and what selling points we have for additional support."

If elected, Macias said he would focus the resources available to him on repeat violent offenders.

From an organizational standpoint, Macias said he would instruct law clerks and paralegals to prepare summaries of those cases. A senior team of prosecutors and the district attorney would prioritize the cases that result in a longer term of incarceration. Those who don't fit that criteria, Macias said, the assistant district attorney would have greater discretion to resolve cases early.

Additionally, Macias said he would evaluate cases that involve sex crimes and domestic violence.

"You have to get to those cases quickly because if you don't, the dynamics change," Macias said. "If there is a prolonged period of uncertainty, by the time you go to trial, you don't have the same dynamics as the time the crime occurred.

"The ultimate goal is to reduce crime in the community."

Here Macias points to his experience as a judge when evaluating if cases are ready to go to trial.

"I felt frustrated as a judge when the district attorney's office is not presenting a level of evidence necessary to hold a person in custody," He said. "The judge has to wait and listen to the evidence to make a determination.

"If they are there and we are successful for holding a person in jail, that case becomes a priority to prosecute it."

Macias said he is realistic in terms of what can be achieved in the first year if there is a change in district attorney.

"You have to stay consistent with your needs as you build your office as efficiently and quickly as you can," he said.

"It's going to take some time. I'm realistic, but you can still make cultural changes and set a different tone in terms of leadership, but you absolutely still need the resources."

Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X, @jpgroves.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Fernando Macias runs for district attorney in Doña Ana County