The week of July 21, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the IJIS Court Integration Excellence Award ceremony at the NACM Conference, where New Mexico’s Pretrial Justice Program received an Honorable Mention. It was a powerful moment that conveyed what meaningful change truly looks like.
The true story isn't about technology or recognition. It's about a group of people in New Mexico who decided their efforts weren't enough. They noticed how courts slow down when defendants fail to appear. They understood the cost, not just in paperwork or bench warrants, but in trust. And they chose to take action.
Most people want to handle their court business. They are not trying to avoid responsibility. They aim to stay compliant, to show up, and to move forward. What they need is a nudge— a simple message, in a language they understand, that tells them when and where to be.
New Mexico made that happen. With support from Ideas42 and the eCourtDate platform, they delivered over 270,000 multilingual reminders in the first year alone. These were not just messages; they were personalized, clear, and behaviorally informed. They helped people stay on track.
And it worked. Statewide appearance rates hit 74 percent. Ninety percent of released defendants had no new violent criminal charges. Those numbers are not just statistics; they show people getting the chance to show up and be seen.
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That kind of success requires leadership. It requires people like Gilbert Jaramillo and the entire AOC team who believed that something better was possible and worked to create it. It also requires people like Marshall Dixon, whose name may not always be in the spotlight but whose impact is undeniable. As Gilbert confided in me at the luncheon, none of this would have worked without Marshall.
One of the best aspects of my role at eCourtDate is meeting and working with amazing people who are transforming court systems nationwide. Being in that room reminded me of how much it matters and how many more rooms we still need to enter. (1).jpg)
About Greg Shugart
Director of Government Relations
Greg Shugart brings over 30 years of public sector experience to the eCourtDate team, with a background in court administration, criminal justice reform, and government operations. He previously served as Criminal Courts Administrator for Tarrant County, Texas, where he led statewide-recognized initiatives in pretrial modernization, court communications, and system efficiency. Greg now contributes to eCourtDate’s strategy and partnerships, helping agencies implement technology that improves access, compliance, and trust in the justice system.