Presiding Judge Debra S. Watlington informs the public and the members of the Virgin Islands Bar Association of the appointment of Attorney Venetia H. Velazquez as Magistrate Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Pursuant to 4 V.I.C. § 123, magistrate judges administer oaths and affirmations; issue civil and criminal process, including warrants of arrest, search warrants, subpoenas and orders (release on bail, for detention of persons pending trial and contempt); take acknowledgments, affidavits and depositions; conduct marriages; hear all non-felony traffic offenses, litter cases, misdemeanor criminal cases (up to 364 days imprisonment); conduct arraignment and probable cause hearings in any criminal or traffic offense matter; hear small claims cases, probate matters and civil cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $75,000; issue temporary and permanent restraining orders in domestic violence cases; and, hear forcible entry, detainer, landlord and tenant actions.
In addition, magistrate judges may be designated by a superior court judge to hear and determine any pretrial matter pending before the court; conduct evidentiary and other hearings to submit proposed findings of fact and recommendations for disposition by a superior court judge; conduct all proceedings in a jury or non-jury civil matter upon consent by the litigants; and perform such other duties as conferred or imposed by law.
Attorney Velaquez’s legal career has been distinguished by her service as an appellate public defender with the Office of the Territorial Public Defender, where she represented indigent persons challenging their convictions on appeal before the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and in initial proceedings before the superior court; deputy counsel to the Office of the Governor; and as assistant attorney general where she served as a prosecutor, police advisor, hearing officer, civil litigator and, finally, chief of the Civil Division.
She is admitted to practice law in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She brings with her her experience as a certified mediator and trained arbitrator to the bench.
Presiding Judge Watlington warmly welcomes Magistrate Velazquez to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands family and thanks her for her willingness to serve the people of the Virgin Islands.
