Gonzales worked as a law clerk for Chief Justice Joseph F. Baca of the New Mexico Supreme Court from 1994 to 1996.

He served as a legislative assistant for United States Senator Jeff Bingaman from 1996 to 1999.

He is an adjunct professor of criminal law at The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School.

[1] On January 2, 2013, his nomination was returned to the President, due to the adjournment sine die of the Senate.

[2][5] He became chief judge on January 10, 2025, after William P. Johnson assumed senior status.