Jolanna K. Macias
Tijeras,NM
Summary
Experienced and trial-tested felony prosecutor with over 8 years of courtroom experience in prosecuting violent crimes, homicide, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. Manages a high-volume caseload, coordinates multi-agency investigations, and provides on-call legal guidance for homicide and violent crime response. Proven ability to lead complex investigations, build strong victim and witness rapport, and deliver successful trial outcomes under pressure.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant United States Attorney
United States Attorney's Office District of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
01.2026 - Current
- Drafted legal briefs and memoranda to support prosecution efforts in federal cases.
- Conducted thorough legal research on complex statutory and constitutional issues.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build case strategies.
- Engaged in negotiations with defendants, achieving favorable plea agreements for the government.
- Presented oral arguments in court, demonstrating strong advocacy skills and legal acumen.
Deputy District Attorney, Major Crimes Division – Homicide
Second Judicial District Attorney
Albuquerque, NM
01.2018 - Current
- Lead felony prosecutor in complex violent crime cases, including homicide, attempted murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
- Responsible for all phases from intake through sentencing.
- Directed grand jury presentations and prepared witnesses for testimony in high-profile violent crime matters.
- Drafted and argued extensive pre-trial motions, including motions to suppress, competency evaluations, and detention hearings.
- Managed a rotating caseload of 50–75+ felony matters, balancing courtroom appearances, investigative support, and victim coordination.
- Served in on-call capacity for homicide and officer-involved shooting investigations, responding directly to crime scenes to coordinate with detectives, approve search/arrest warrants, and review criminal complaints/ arrest warrants under time-sensitive conditions.
- Collaborated with the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and Federal Law Enforcement Partners and Task Forces to prosecute violent offenders and career criminals.
- Mentored junior prosecutors on trial preparation, witness examinations, and motion practice.
Assistant District Attorney, Juvenile Crimes Division & Misdemeanor Domestic Violence
Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney
Belen, NM
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Prosecuted all levels of juvenile felony and misdemeanor offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, drug trafficking, and property crimes, across Valencia county.
- First-chair trial attorney in multiple bench and jury trials involving juvenile violent offenders; handled all pretrial litigation, witness prep, and sentencing arguments.
- Appeared in district and magistrate court for arraignments, evidentiary hearings, detention hearings, and dispositions.
- Assigned ADA to Juvenile Drug Court, advocating for supervised rehabilitation while ensuring community safety.
- Coordinated with Juvenile Probation, Law Enforcement, and treatment providers to monitor offender compliance and address violations.
- Conducted case screening and made charging decisions in collaboration with Law Enforcement partners
- Developed case strategies aligned with public safety and offender accountability.
Clinical Law Student – DWI and Domestic Violence Prosecution Clinic
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Prosecuted misdemeanor DWI and Domestic Violence cases in Metropolitan Court on behalf of the State of New Mexico under student practice license.
- Conducted evidentiary hearings, plea negotiations, and pretrial conferences; assisted with Voir Dire and jury selection.
- Interviewed victims and law enforcement officers to prepare for trial.
- Researched and briefed issues related to suppression, probable cause, and sentencing guidelines.
- Drafted criminal complaints, pretrial motions, and discovery responses.
- Analyzed complex legal issues and provided concise summaries for faculty review.
Law Student – Child and Family Justice Clinic
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Represented clients in family law matters involving guardianship, child support modifications, and immigration-related issues.
- Provided guardian ad litem representation for incapacitated adults in district court proceedings.
- Investigated legal permanent residency (LPR) petitions and coordinated with United States Customs and Immigration on case status and deficiencies.
- Appeared in court to advocate for permanent guardianship on behalf of vulnerable individuals.
- Delivered trauma-informed legal counseling to families navigating complex legal systems.
Law Clerk – Felony Division
Second Judicial District Attorney
Albuquerque, NM
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Supported felony prosecutors by drafting motions, researching case law, and preparing pretrial litigation materials.
- Observed high-stakes proceedings including homicide trials, suppression hearings, and voir dire
- Drafted material witness warrants and motions to compel, ensuring witness compliance in violent crime prosecutions.
- Conducted legal research on sixth amendment confrontation clause and suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence.
Law Clerk – Children’s Legal Services
Pegasus Legal Services
Albuquerque, NM
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Assisted attorneys with litigation involving termination of parental rights, emergency child removals, and foster care placements.
- Compiled data on Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) referrals and case outcomes to inform policy decisions.
- Conducted client interviews to assess needs and current family conditions.
- Researched national and international standards on children’s rights and best interest doctrine.
- Observed children’s court proceedings and drafted memoranda on case law related to custody and guardianship.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM01-2012
Timeline
Assistant United States Attorney
United States Attorney's Office District of New Mexico
01.2026 - Current
Deputy District Attorney, Major Crimes Division – Homicide
Second Judicial District Attorney
01.2018 - Current
Assistant District Attorney, Juvenile Crimes Division & Misdemeanor Domestic Violence
Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney
09.2017 - 01.2018
Clinical Law Student – DWI and Domestic Violence Prosecution Clinic
University of New Mexico School of Law
01.2017 - 05.2017
Law Student – Child and Family Justice Clinic
University of New Mexico School of Law
08.2016 - 03.2017
Law Clerk – Felony Division
Second Judicial District Attorney
05.2016 - 08.2016
Law Clerk – Children’s Legal Services
Pegasus Legal Services
05.2015 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
University of New Mexico
Juris Doctor -
University of New Mexico School of Law