There are magistrates who are recommended by some, “but every now and then we get people that come recommended by all,” Halifax County Senior Superior Court Judge Brenda Branch said.
That person is Natara Velazquez, who on Monday became the first bilingual magistrate in the county. “And that’s a plus when you come recommended by all — that’s judges, that’s the sheriff, that’s staff. That makes you very special and the fact that we have someone who’s caring … and to be bilingual — this is an absolute first and we wanted the citizens of Halifax County to know we have such a person here today that can respond to all of our citizens.”
In the audience supporting Velazquez, a former Roanoke Rapids police officer and district attorney’s office employee, were her family, church friends, and other close friends.
Chief District Court Judge Teresa Robinson Freeman, who administered the oath of office, told Velazquez, “This is special for me because you will be the first magistrate that I was involved in the hiring process as chief district court judge.”
The appointment of Velazquez as magistrate comes at pivotal time, Freeman said. “We have three chief magistrates that are getting ready to retire effective October 1st throughout our judicial district so this is a wonderful time for you to be coming in.”
Freeman also praised the new magistrate’s character. “I’m so grateful that we have such a strong person that we were able to hire to come in to assume this position.”
With her mother holding her Spanish Bible, Velazquez placed her left hand on it as Freeman recited the oath.
Cynthia Pitchford, chief magistrate, said, “I feel very comfortable in hiring her and I feel confident that the citizens will get such wonderful, long-term service from you. We really do feel special in having the first bilingual magistrate in this area.”
Velazquez told the audience, “I am deeply indebted to Judge Branch and Judge Freeman. I am so grateful. I’m humbled to be here and ready to work and serve the community.”
Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis said Velazquez was always on his radar when he was chief at Enfield and then when he became sheriff.
While there is not necessarily an increase in the need for bilingual magistrates, there are times when it is needed, Branch said. “It’s one of those things that when you need it you really need it because someone’s constitutional rights are always at risk when they’re coming into the system.”
And the magistrate is one of the faces of the system, Branch said. “In cases of domestic violence … it’s good to have someone that can interpret on the spot for that.”
At times the system would have to reach out to the administrative office of the courts for an interpreter.
Velazquez said this was a full circle moment. “It was a goal for many, many years and I’ve seen the other side from a law enforcement standpoint and the prosecution standpoint and now this just gives me another chance to be a part of the whole big picture so this is very, very, very meaningful for me.”
Of Puerto Rican and African-American descent, Velazquez said, “I’ve always had a heart to serve and a heart for justice. I’m so happy to be able to serve in this capacity.”
With fluency in Spanish, Velazquez is hopeful that members of the Hispanic community “can feel that is their justice system too — if they need an ex parte order, a domestic violence protective order or need some assistance that we’re here and able to give them support as well.”
When she was a cop, language barriers arose on traffic stops. “I saw a lot of domestic violence where people were scared to come forward or really didn’t know how to approach it and come forward.”
Velazquez said she was especially proud to have her family and friends supporting her while she took the oath. “They’ve all been a part of my journey at some point or another and the people that are in the room today are people that have never wavered in their friendship, love, and their support for me.”
