FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
| The DA’s Office prosecutes the offender who committed the crime. In most situations, these will be cases where either a felony has been committed, or it was a DWI or case of domestic violence. In many misdemeanor cases, the police agency who brought the charge may prosecute the case, so the DA’s Office will not be specifically involved. The DA’s Office also has a Victim Advocate who will coordinate making available to you, as a victim, a variety of community and state resources, which could include restitution funds, in some cases. Victims of crime and members of the public can also register to receive automatic notifications – by text, email or phone – about changes in court case status by registering on NMSAVIN.COM |
| Citizens should realize that their first and closest help in the law enforcement community are the police agencies. In most cases, they include the local police department, the county sheriff’s office and the New Mexico State Police. The police are a vital link in the process. These agencies are responsible for making a report of the crime, for investigating it, developing suspects and collecting evidence. It is the result of an investigation that the police bring to the DA’s Office and allows charges to be filed on an offender. Generally, a citizen who comes to the DA’s Office to report a crime will be referred to a police agency. The proper agency will largely depend on the place, or jurisdiction, where the crime occurred. |
As stated above, your first and closest help in the law enforcement community are the police agencies. In most cases, they include the local police department, the county sheriff’s office and the New Mexico State Police. The police are a vital link in the process. These agencies are the ones responsible for making a report of the crime, for investigating it, developing suspects and collecting evidence. It is the result of an investigation that the police bring to the DA’s Office and allows charges to be filed on an offender. So if a citizen comes to the DA’s Office to report a crime, they will be referred to a police agency. The proper agency will largely depend on the place, or jurisdiction, where the crime occurred.
| In most cases, the DA’s office will be in touch with you several days prior to needing you in court. A subpoena will normally be delivered to you, listing the date, time and place where you will be needed. If you have not received such a subpoena, and would just like an idea of the timetable on your particular case, you may call the DA’s Office where you can speak to the paralegal assigned to the case. ALso, as stated above, you can also register to receive automatic notifications – by text, email or phone – about changes in court case status by registering on NMSAVIN.COM |
Once your are represented by legal counsel, it is a conflict of interest for you or anyone in your family to make contact with the prosecuting attorney. If you plan on representing yourself, please call the district in which the case is pending.
| You can contact the victim advocate assigned to the case or look for more information on the NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission website. |
| You can get child support information by calling the Children, Youth, and Families Department at (505) 827-7602 |
| You will need to call the Attorney General’s Office at (505) 827-6000. |
| For issues with how a prosecuting attorney handled a case, please contact the District Attorney’s Office in the appropiate district where the attorney works. |