The Honorable William P. Lynch
United States Magistrate Judge
BIO

Address:
United States District Court
200 East Griggs
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001

Chambers' Phone: (575) 528-1660
Chambers' Fax: (575) 528-1665

Court Matters / Scheduling: (575)528-1660
Criminal / Courtroom Deputy: (575)528-1401

Proposed Orders/Text: wplproposedtext@nmcourt.fed.us
Proposed orders must be submitted in WordPerfect format.
 


Map to Courthouse



Courtroom Proceeding     Top of Page

1. Counsel and parties should be seated at counsel table ready to proceed no less than five minutes before the Court's scheduled starting time.

2. On trailing calendar proceedings, including all preliminary criminal proceedings, special requests to advance or delay appearance times due to counsel's scheduling conflicts may be presented to the Court's courtroom deputy.

3. Please determine well in advance of trial is there is a need for court interpreters for civil cases. The Court's courtroom deputy can assist counsel in locating qualified interpreters for civil proceedings. In all criminal cases, the Court will supply certified interpreters.

4. Gum chewing is not permitted in court. Counsel should ensure that parties, witnesses, as well as any friends, family or courtroom observers properly dispose of gum in appropriate receptacles prior to entering the courtroom.

5. All cell phones and pagers must be turned off so as not to disrupt court proceedings. Counsel should advise their clients and witnesses as well to turn off pagers and cell phones.

6. Counsel should question witnesses from the podium and approach the witness stand or jury box only with the Court's permission.

7. Speaking objections are prohibited. Counsel should simply state the objection and the basis for the objection without argument, i.e., "Objection. Hearsay," or "Objection. Leading."

8. Opposing counsel should not respond to objections unless the Court specifically requests a response.

9. Please stand when the jury enters or leaves the courtroom; stand also when stating objections or addressing the Court.


• Civil Stock Jury Instructions       Top of Page

• Phone Conferences to Resolve Minor Discovery Matters     Top of Page
Judge Lynch will accept requests for telephonic resolution of motions on discovery matters, including resolution of problems occurring during a deposition, provided that the following requirements are met, to wit:

1. The matters shall be of a narrow or discrete nature; i.e., instructing a witness not to answer, protective orders, scheduled depositions or production of files or documents. Requests to compel responses to a number of interrogatories, etc., cannot be easily resolved in telephone conferences.

2. Scheduling arrangements have been made with the Judge's staff.

3. Written requests for a telephonic discovery conference should not include any argument on the merits of the request, nor should requesting counsel use the written request as an opportunity to chastize or criticize opposing counsel. Simply make your request for a discovery conference.

• Dress Code          Top of Page
Notice: To all witnesses, jurors, agents and courtroom spectators.
To maintain the dignity of the Court, the Court requests that the following list of minimum standards regarding appropriate dress be met before entering the courtroom.

1). Men should wear a shirt with a collar and long pants. (Jeans are acceptable).

2). Women should wear a dress, or a blouse and skirt or long pants. (Jeans are acceptable).

3). All laypersons should wear shoes in the courtroom. (Thongs are not acceptable).

4). Shorts, T-shirts, and revealing clothing are not acceptable. (Anything that reveals the midriff or underclothing).

5). Hats or caps must be removed while in the courtroom.

Deviations from the above standards by laypersons (other than those who are in custody at the time of the proceeding) should be brought to the attention of court personnel and approved by the Court prior to entering the courtroom.

Your cooperation is appreciated.