We remember Judge Quiñones, who passed away at 93, as someone who tempered retribution with compassion. He was fair, committed and effective. For instance, when a Spanish interpreter was not available, he would assume the role in order to expedite the proceedings and not deny the parties language access.

Judge Quiñones was intolerant of overzealousness in law enforcement. During his 25-year stint in the criminal and family courts, he would dismiss unwarranted charges. For example, in presiding over a matter involving a sidewalk incident of dicing and gambling he was able to get the police officer involved to admit that the man then in court had been only standing and watching. “Watching is not an offense, thank you both,” said the judge, dismissing the ticket.