New Mexico State Courts
New Mexico’s judicial system incorporates one federal district court, alongside a number of trial courts across the regions and counties of NM. These trials courts can, if needed, see their cases appealed to the state court of appeals and ultimately the state’s own supreme court.
The one federal district court, where a number of federal cases can originate, is the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. If appeals are required from this court, they are referred to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
New Mexico’s circuit court system is split into a number of courts of limited jurisdiction. These operate underneath the New Mexico District Courts These District Courts have general jurisdiction over 13 different districts which cover the 33 counties around New Mexico.
Limited jurisdiction courts include a number of magistrates courts, which may deal with primary hearings for felony cases but also deal with traffic violations and some localized warrants.
The New Mexico Municipal Courts are usually in control of smaller misdemeanors and other motor vehicle offences.
There is a specific metropolitan court in Bernalillo County which hears trials relating to landlord and tenants as well as some felony arrest trials. Jurys do sit in this court.
As with many other states, there are specific probate courts, 33 judges within these to cover all three of the 33 counties.
On top of this, there are some problem-solving courts which mainly help previous offenders stop reoffending, and there is a Workers’ Compensation court for any appeals relating to workplace terminations and injuries.
| Court Name: | New Mexico Supreme Court |
| Address: | New Mexico Supreme Court 237 Don Gaspar Avenue, Room 104 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 |
| Phone: | (505) 827-4860 |
| Website URL: | https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/ |
Intermediate and Supreme Courts
New Mexico’s has an appellate court, the New Mexico Court of Appeals. This can deal with appeals from any of the lower courts, but if they involve life sentences or capital punishment then they may be referred straight to the supreme court. This court deals with civil and juvenile cases, too.
Court cases from this intermediate court can be referred to the Supreme Court, but it is not always obliged to consider the appeals. The court deals with all election challenge cases and can grant or deny writs which are out of the ordinary, such as habeas corpus.
Types of Courts in New Mexico
How to Find New Mexico Court Records Online
You can search through the New Mexico court records on our simple-to-use tool. We can quickly show details of issues as varied as divorce records to plea and sentencing details and even arrest warrants. The records that the local government keeps regarding these cases must be made available by rights to the public, with New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act dating back to the 1920s protecting this by law. Most details from modern cases can be searched through and copied.