Judge Vincente Vigil, District Court Judge in the 19th Judicial District, has been named North Range Behavioral Health’s 2024 Community Champion for Behavioral Health. Vigil oversees the Weld County Adult Treatment Court program, where he is deeply committed to helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders. His involvement with the program dates back 16 years when he worked as a public defender during its inception.
A lifelong Weld County native, Vigil grew up in LaSalle and has a personal connection to the community and the challenges that the treatment court addresses. Having experienced loss in his own family due to substance use, his work of prioritizing treatment over incarceration carries a personal meaning. "Being able to help play a role in recovery is very meaningful for me," he said.
The unique model of the Adult Treatment Court focuses not just on substance use disorders but also on addressing co-occurring mental health challenges. Participants meet with the judge regularly, allowing for real-time interventions and fostering a compassionate, person-centered approach. “We don’t want to just address failures but also acknowledge successes. This contributes to more meaningful participation from those who maybe haven’t always felt heard,” Vigil explained.
“I see myself in the people who come to Adult Treatment Court. This work is to try to help the people who live on my street, the parents of kids that my kids go to school with, the people I see every day. I get to have a job where I help my home. Being able to work in a job that serves the community where I grew up is unbelievable to me,” Vigil shared.
Judge Vigil’s personal journey adds depth to his commitment. After growing up in poverty and dropping out of high school, he earned his GED, worked his way through college, and eventually became an attorney. His life experiences give him a unique understanding of the struggles faced by those in the court system.
Judge Vigil's humility shines when he interacts with individuals charged with crimes stemming from behavioral health issues. He treats them with the respect and compassion he believes everyone deserves, never judging them as unworthy of behavioral healthcare. His commitment to keeping individuals within the community for treatment helps prevent family separation and foster healing.
Judge Vigil was honored during the North Range Behavioral Health Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, November 12th.
