**How to Find Court Records in New Mexico**
Have you ever wondered what happened in a particular court case? Or maybe you need to find out if someone has a criminal record? If so, you may need to access court records. Court records are public documents that contain information about court proceedings, including the charges, the parties involved, and the outcome of the case.
In New Mexico, there are several ways to find court records. You can go to the courthouse in the county where the case was filed and request to view the records in person. You can also contact the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office to request copies of court records by mail or email.
**Types of Court Records**
There are many different types of court records, including:
- Civil case files: These files contain information about lawsuits between private parties, such as breach of contract cases, personal injury cases, and divorce cases.
- Criminal case files: These files contain information about criminal charges, such as murder, theft, and assault.
- Bankruptcy case files: These files contain information about bankruptcy proceedings.
- Probate case files: These files contain information about the estates of deceased persons.
**How to Access Court Records**
The New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office provides public access to court records through the following methods:
- In person: Visit the courthouse in the county where the case was filed and ask to view the records in person. You will need to provide the case number or the names of the parties involved.
- By mail: Write to the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office and request copies of the court records you need. You will need to provide the case number or the names of the parties involved.
- By email: Email the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office and request copies of the court records you need. You will need to provide the case number or the names of the parties involved.
**Fees**
There is a fee for obtaining copies of court records. The fee is $0.50 per page for copies made in person and $1.00 per page for copies made by mail or email.
**Tips for Finding Court Records**
Here are a few tips for finding court records in New Mexico:
- Know the case number. The case number is the easiest way to find court records. If you know the case number, you can simply contact the courthouse or the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office and request the records you need.
- Know the names of the parties involved. If you do not know the case number, you can still find court records by providing the names of the parties involved. However, this may be more difficult if the parties have common names.
- Be specific in your request. When you request court records, be as specific as possible about the information you are looking for. This will help the courthouse or the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office find the records you need more quickly.
**FAQs**
Q: How long does it take to get copies of court records?
A: The time it takes to get copies of court records varies depending on the method you use to request the records. If you request the records in person, you should be able to get them the same day. If you request the records by mail or email, it may take several days or weeks to receive them.
Q: Can I get copies of court records for free?
A: No, there is a fee for obtaining copies of court records. The fee is $0.50 per page for copies made in person and $1.00 per page for copies made by mail or email.
Q: What if I can’t find the court records I need?
A: If you cannot find the court records you need, you can contact the New Mexico Judicial Branch Access to Public Records Office for assistance. The Access to Public Records Office can help you locate the records you need and provide you with instructions on how to obtain them.
**Conclusion**
Court records are public documents that can be accessed by anyone. If you need to find court records in New Mexico, you can follow the steps outlined in this article. With a little effort, you should be able to find the records you need.
Are you interested in learning more about court records? Leave a comment below and let me know what you would like to know.
