Peggy Nelson

Peggy Nelson came to Taos County, NM straight out of law school at UCLA, to take a job with Northern New Mexico Legal Services.  She ultimately became director of a five- office program, providing civil legal services to poor people.  She continued to provide low cost and free legal services while later working with the Community Law Center, and as contract Public Defender for Taos County.  In 1988 she was appointed to the bench in the 8th Judicial District of New Mexico, and retired in 2006.  While on the bench, in an area of small population, she handled and managed all manner of cases, but as is usual, spent more time in court on criminal and juvenile matters than on any other one area of law.  Since retiring, she has returned to a life of activism, serving on many non-profit boards.  Being a member of the Board of NMIJP has addressed her personal need and desire to ensure that the criminal law in its application and in its results is just and equitable, and that those wrongfully convicted are ultimately exonerated and reintegrated into society.