COURT DESCRIPTION
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over all violations of Town Ordinances and to try contested Cases. It has the power to issue subpoenas, summons, and arrest warrants. Complaints that allege ordinance violations are filed by citizens, the Town's Ordinance Enforcement Officers and by the Town's Police Officers. The court may punish for these violations by fine and jail sentences. The Court also has contempt powers.
Municipal Judge
The Municipal Judge is elected for a four year term at a regular Municipal
election. Any qualified elector who is a resident of the Town is eligible
to be the Municipal Judge.
The duties of the Municipal Judge are:
To preside over all
hearings at every stage of any proceedings concerning a violation of a Town
Ordinance pursuant to the Rules of Procedure for the Municipal Courts as set
forth by the Supreme Court of New Mexico.
Insure the establishment of appropriate judicial and administrative procedures
for the efficient and effective operation of the Municipal Court; Hire and
supervise court employees, Review and approve a budget for submission to the
City Council; Establish hours during which time the Municipal Court will be
open for the conduct of Municipal Court business, provided however that the
court will be open a minimum of 30 hours per week; Adhere to the provisions
of state law and the rules of procedure for Municipal Courts.
Municipal Judge Qualifications
ORDINANCE NO. 772, CHAPTER 14, MUNICIPAL COURT
ARTICLE I . Section 14-2. Qualification
A person shall be qualified to hold the office of municipal judge if such person:
is a qualified elector of the town, as defined in Section 3-1-2K NMSA 1978, as amended; has been awarded a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof; has taken the oath of office after having been issued a certificate of election or having been duly appointed to fill a vacancy; and has furnished a surety bond as required by this ordinance.