New Mexico Second Judicial District Court, Division I
Background William E. Parnall serves as a District Court Judge in Division I of the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court. He primarily handles cases in the Children’s Court Division involving child welfare, abuse, neglect, and juvenile matters. He is an Albuquerque native.
Education He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico.
Prior Experience Prior to his judicial appointment, Parnall had a 30-year career as a trial attorney specializing in criminal and juvenile defense in state and federal courts. This included roles in the City Public Defender’s Office and the State Public Defender’s Office.
He has been appointed by the New Mexico Supreme Court as co-chair of the New Mexico Tribal/State Judicial Consortium and has served on the State Bar of New Mexico.
Appointment & Current Role A Democrat, he was appointed to the bench in November 2007 by Governor Bill Richardson following a recommendation from a bipartisan committee.
He has presided over a number of children’s court cases that were later appealed:
- In State ex rel. CYFD v. Keon H. (2018), he terminated a father’s parental rights; the New Mexico Supreme Court later affirmed the order.
- In State ex rel. CYFD v. Franklin C. (2020), he adjudicated a child as abused/neglected; the Court of Appeals affirmed on most issues with a partial remand.
- In State ex rel. CYFD v. Norman M. II (2022), he terminated parental rights; the Court of Appeals affirmed.
- In State ex rel. CYFD v. Kenya C. (2024), he ruled on child placement and parental compliance; the Court of Appeals affirmed in part and remanded for clarification on certain requirements.
- In State v. Maximillian H. (2024), he adjudicated a juvenile as delinquent; the Court of Appeals affirmed.
Election Status He was elected to the position in 2008 and has been retained in subsequent elections, including a 2020 retention vote in which he received 71 percent approval. His current term ends on January 1, 2027.
