Bernalillo County Court Records
New Mexico Rule of Civil Procedure for District Courts 1-079 defines "court records" as papers, documents, exhibits, or other materials generated, received, or filed in a legal action or proceeding. A court record also includes the register of actions and docket entries used by any Bernalillo County court to document the activity in a case.
According to Section 14-2-7 NMSA 1978, each public body shall designate at least one Bernalillo County Public Records custodian. For example, in the Second Judicial District Court, the Court Clerk is the official custodian of all court records. The Clerk's office oversees the official court record for criminal and civil cases. Court records serve as fundamental components of the Bernalillo County court system for various reasons:
- Ensure integrity, transparency, and fairness of legal proceedings.
- Offer accurate insights into procedural and substantive aspects of the judicial process.
- Establish legal precedents for guiding future cases and developing legal principles.
Are Court Records Public in Bernalillo County?
Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), most court records held in Bernalillo County are accessible to the public for viewing and obtaining copies. However, certain exemptions exist under the IPRA to restrict access to sensitive information.
While the IPRA generally provides a right of access to court documents, some records may contain details that could jeopardize people's safety, compromise ongoing legal proceedings, or disclose highly private matters. For example, case files relating to juvenile offenders, mental health issues, child welfare, or adoption typically remain confidential.
Protecting information in these cases aims to prevent harm and uphold individuals' privacy rights. Members of the public should review both the IPRA and applicable court rules when seeking access to court records in Bernalillo County. This ensures any exemptions for protected information documents are correctly observed while promoting transparency overall.
What Do Bernalillo County Court Records Contain?
Bernalillo County court records encompass a comprehensive range of details concerning legal proceedings handled within the county. These records offer insights into various facets of the court case, including:
- Case detail (case number, name of current judge, filing date, and court’s name)
- Parties of the case (party type, description, number, and name)
- Criminal charge detail (party, count, sequence number, statute, charge, class, charge date, citation number, plea, disposition, and disposition date)
- Hearings for the case (hearing date, time, type, and judge, court, and courtroom)
- Register of actions activity (event date, description, and result, party type, number, and amount)
- Judge assignment history (assignment date, judge’s name, sequence name, and assignment event description)
Where to Conduct a Bernalillo County Case Lookup
Individuals seeking to perform a court case lookup in Bernalillo County can do so at the following courts:
- Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
- Second Judicial District Court
- Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate
How to Conduct a Bernalillo County Case Records Search
Interested individuals can visit the Second Judicial District Courthouse during operating hours to conduct a case records search. There are public terminals available at the court premises to access court records. The primary search criteria employed at these terminals are usually the case party's name or the case number. Following the search, individuals can access and view electronic case records aligned with the specified search criteria. Alternatively, individuals can conduct case records searches online through the New Mexico State Judiciary Case Lookup tool. The search criteria are by name or case number.
The Bernalillo County Probate Court has a Case Lookup tool where individuals can access court records from 1964 through the current date. Enter the case party name, case number, or filing date to initiate a search. Alternatively, interested persons can call (505) 468-1233 to obtain copies of court records or view official court records in person at the Probate Court office during normal business hours.
Bernalillo County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court cases in Bernalillo County involve non-criminal legal matters addressing private rights and responsibilities. The Second Judicial District Court Civil Division handles disputes between individuals, businesses, or government. These disputes involve personal injury or property damage, real estate or other property rights, automobiles or other accidents, landlord-tenant relations, medical malpractice, and breach of contract. Individuals can retrieve civil court records online or in person at the Second Judicial District Court Civil Clerk’s Office.
Bernalillo County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data from the judicial system concerning criminal offenses. The Second Judicial District Court Civil Division handles all criminal cases in Bernalillo County. Individuals can view criminal court case records at the Second Judicial District Court Criminal Clerk’s Office upon request. Record seekers must provide a case number, defendant’s name, social security number, or date of birth to facilitate the search. Copies of court records cost 35 cents per page. Information on documents filed in a specific case can be viewed online through the New Mexico State Judiciary Case Lookup tool.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
As per the guidelines outlined in the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), Bernalillo County allows for remote access to court records. Specifically, 14-2-6.F NMSA of the court rules governs this aspect. However, it is noteworthy that the court reserves the right to impose charges for such remote access or establish a fee-based framework at its discretion.
To conduct a free online case lookup in New Mexico, individuals can use the online case lookup tool available on the New Mexico Courts Website. By carefully following the procedure below, seekers should be able to find the exact case record of their choice easily.
- Upon accessing the website, proceed to click on the "Find a Case" icon at the top bar
- Clicking the menu leads to a new page where inquirers are to accept or cancel a disclaimer.
- Upon accepting the disclaimer, a fresh page follows where enquirers are to prove that they are humans by ticking a box before proceeding to the "case lookup" page.
- Conduct a search by name or case number. Careful input of these details should generate the desired case file.
Courts in Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County encompasses a network of court facilities, each serving distinct legal jurisdictions within the region. The following is a compilation of the courthouse locations in Bernalillo County, along with pertinent contact information:
Second Judicial District Court
400 Lomas Blvd.
NW Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 841-7400
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd.
NW Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 841-8100
Bernalillo County Probate Court
415 Silver SW
2nd Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 468-1229
Fax: (505) 468-1298
Email: probate@bernco.gov
Second Judicial District Court Children's Court
John E. Brown Juvenile Justice Center
5100 Second St.
Room 173, 1st Floor
NW Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 841-7350
