Attorney asked to explain absence

A Clovis magistrate judge has issued an order asking attorney Angelina Baca to explain why she didn’t show up for a jury trial on May 27 — the day she landed in Albuquerque after attending a convention and mini-vacation in Hawaii.

Baca, also a Curry County commissioner whose trip was partially funded by taxpayers, is under orders from Judge Richard Hollis to show why she isn’t in contempt of court.

Baca did not return calls seeking comment on Monday and Hollis was not available for comment.

Court records show one of Baca’s clients was scheduled in court to stand trial for three misdemeanor charges. A prosecutor, a Spanish interpreter and the jury panel “appeared as scheduled,” according to the judge’s order.

A mistrial was declared after Baca did not appear, the order shows.

Baca’s client was accused of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content level of 0.12 - 0.14, driving on a suspended license and without auto insurance.

County records show Baca’s flight from Hawaii to Albuquerque was scheduled to arrive in Albuquerque at 2:45 p.m. on May 27. She left the airport parking lot at 3:07 p.m., according to records Baca provided to the county.

Records show taxpayers reimbursed Baca for about $2,000, including air fare and her hotel room, for the conference related to county government.