San Juan Co. judge steps down | News

A district court judge in San Juan County said a court order calling for his resignation was actually his idea.

Two months ago, Judge Thomas Hynes was kicked out of Three Rivers Brewery in Farmington.

According to police reports, employees at the restaurant thought he was drunk after he demanded a beer.

“I think a judge has to have a certain amount of decorum about him and presumably should not lose his temper. And so I guess I shouldn't have lost my temper,” Hynes said.

The Judicial Standards Commission for the state asked for a temporary and immediate suspension.

It was during this time that Judge Hynes called the commission. “And I said I think it's just probably--easiest way to deal with this is I'm just going to resign."

Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a court order for his permanent resignation.

Hynes said he was not drunk at Three Rivers.

He agreed to resign as a way to put an end to the entire incident.

“Responding to stuff that was just not true and going through that process...I just really didn't feel like going through the process. I really didn't,” he said.

After nine years on the bench, Thursday will be Thomas Hynes' last day as district court judge.