Judge charged with DWI

Tucumcari's Municipal Judge was arrested for driving while intoxicated by New Mexico State Police on Sunday in Tucumcari.

Joe Dominguez, 71, was arrested by state police after he failed a field sobriety test. Dominguez was charged and booked for DWI following a subsequent breath test determined his breath alcohol content was .09.

Dominguez declined to comment, directing questions to his attorney Don Schutte, based in Tucumcari.

Schutte could not be reached immediately for comment.

"There is no language in the municipal code that would prevent Dominguez from continuing his service as Municipal Judge following his arrest," said Angelica Gray, Tucumcari City Clerk.

Gray said according to the municipal code, the Municipal Judge must declare candidacy, reside in the city and not be a convicted felon. She said Dominguez has only been charged with DWI first offense, which is a misdemeanor offense in New Mexico.

City Manager Jared Langenegger could not be reached for comment.

Dominguez is seeking re-election, and is unopposed in the March 6 municipal election.

According to a release from the New Mexico State Police:

• On Sunday, a state police officer on patrol in Tucumcari saw a white pickup fail to properly stop at a stop sign on the corner of Second and Robinson. The officer stopped the vehicle for the observed traffic violation.

• As the officer conducted the traffic stop he smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle.

• The driver, identified as Dominguez, admitted to consuming alcohol prior and performed poorly on sobriety tests.

• During the course of the investigation Dominguez identified himself as a Tucumcari Municipal Court judge.

• Dominguez was booked into the Quay County Detention Center and charged.