What are Lea County Public Records?
Per the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), Lea County public records are documented materials or information generated, owned, used, maintained, or received by public bodies while performing their duties. Public records in Lea County may appear in formats such as papers, letters, books, maps, sound recordings, photographs, tapes, graphs, and other devices or materials capable of storing information. Although most records in Lea County are public, the law permits some documents to be exempt from records search. Examples of such documents that may be exempt include:
- Documents that reveal the medical history of an individual
- Trade secrets or other information gathered due to attorney-client privilege
- Documents that reveal details of an informant of an investigative case or jeopardize the security and safety of parties involved
- Any document protected by law or court order
Lea County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Uniform Crime Reporting compiles and publishes yearly reports on criminal activities in the United States. Per the 2019 crimes report, Lea County documented 60 violent crimes, 342 property crimes, and zero arson. A breakdown of the violent crimes consists of four murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, four rape cases, five robbery cases, and 47 aggravated assault cases. Meanwhile, property crimes include 112 burglary cases, 160 larceny-theft cases, and 70 motor vehicle theft cases.
Are Lea County Criminal Records Public?
Lea County criminal records are partly available to the public. Requesters must submit record requests to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The department is responsible for compiling and issuing public access to statewide criminal information history. Requesters must complete and submit the Authorization for Release of Information Form in English or Spanish. Each application costs $15 and must be notarized. Acceptable payment method to the Department of Public Safety includes money order and cashier's check. Typically, each request requires a processing time of 7 - 15 days. All requests must be sent by mail to:
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628
ATTN: Records
As an alternative, individuals interested in Lea County criminal records can obtain them at the Sheriff's Office:
Lea County Sheriff Office
1417 S Commercial Street
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-3611
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
How to Obtain Lea County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Requesters can find Lea County police reports and arrest records at the Lea County Sheriff's Office. The Office compiles and issues access to county-wide records of law enforcement activities within its purview. Some of the information available include traffic incidents, accident reports, arrest records, and more. Individuals interested in any of these documents must contact the Sheriff's office:
Lea County Sheriff Office
1417 S Commercial Street
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-3611
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lea County
Individuals interested in sex offender information in Lea County can find the records via the New Mexico Sex Offender Registry. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) collates and provides statewide coverage of registered sex offenders in the state. In compliance with state laws, sex offender records are public to enhance public safety among citizens. Requesters can obtain sex offender information such as first name, last name, address, physical description, booking photograph, and more. The registry enables access to the information through the following search categories: In your area, name, city, non-compliant, internet name or email, and phone number.
The "In Your Area" search option enables requesters to obtain sex offender records in work, school, or residential areas. Interested persons must fill out the address, zip, city, and zip plus. The name search allows users to access sex offender information using the last name and first name. The City search query uses a city name to provide information on sex offenders in a chosen city. Registers can find the list of sex offenders who have broken the rules of their registration through the non-compliant search. Another alternative is to search using phone numbers. Although, results will only show if there is a match with the number. Interested individuals can use the internet name or email in a situation whereby the name or address is unknown.
How to Find Lea County Inmate Records
The Lea County Detention Center (LCDC) is responsible for compiling and providing public access to inmate records in the county. Requestors can find Lea County inmate records via the LCDC Detainee Roster. The inmate information accessible on the roaster includes the inmate's full names and the local number. Interested individuals can also call the main jail number at (575) 396-8694 to obtain a detainee's information such as charges, bond, policy, and more.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lea County Jail?
Family and friends can visit an inmate via video visitation at the Lea County Detention Center. Interested individuals may use the onsite or home video visitation option. However, visitors must first create an account before they can schedule a visit. The Lea County Detention Center prohibits tight-fitting or other provocative clothing. Also, all visits between an inmate and family members or friends are subject to recording.
The Detention Center allows adults to schedule two (2) on-site visits per week, while home video visitations are unlimited. Visitations are open for both types of visitation from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On the other hand, juveniles are allowed two (2) on-site visits per week, while home visitations are unlimited. Below is the schedule for both on-site and home visitation:
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Monday to Friday: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Court Records
Anyone can obtain Lea County court records upon submitting a record request. Although, not all court documents are available for the general public view. In compliance with the New Mexico Inspection Public Records Act, government bodies can restrict documents that are not of public interest. In Lea County, there are four types of trial systems available: District Courts, Magistrate Courts, Probate Courts, and Municipal Courts. Below are the different court locations in the county.
District Courts in Lea County
Lea County 5th Judicial District Court
Lea County Courthouse
100 North Main Avenue
Box 6-C
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8571
Fax: (575) 396-2428
Magistrate Courts in Lea County
Lea County Magistrate Court - Division I and II
2110 North Alto Drive
Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone: (575) 397-3621
Fax: (575) 393-9121
Lea County Magistrate Court - Division III
2200 West Avenue O
P.O. Box 240
Eunice, NM 88231
Phone: (575) 394-3368
Fax: (575) 394-3335
Lea County Magistrate Court - Division IV
100 West Central Avenue
Suite D
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-6677
Fax: (575) 396-6163
Lea County Magistrate Court - Jal Circuit
3421 State Highway 18
P.O. Box 507
Jal, NM 88252
Phone: (575) 395-2740
Fax: (575) 395-2595
Probate Courts in Lea County
Lea County Probate Court
Lea County Courthouse
100 North Main Avenue
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8648
Municipal Courts in Lea County
Eunice Municipal Court
1321 Main Street
P.O. Box 147
Eunice, NM 88231
Phone: (575) 394-2635
Fax: (575) 394-2019
Hobbs Municipal Court
301 North Turner
Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone: (575) 397-9272
Fax: (575) 397-9365
Jal Municipal Court
3421 State Highway 18
P.O. Box 507
Jal, NM 88252
Phone: (575) 395-3314
Lovington Municipal Court
213 South Love Street
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-4043
Fax: (575) 396-0161
Tatum Municipal Court
120 West Broadway
P.O. Box 156
Tatum, NM 88267
Phone: (575) 398-8880
Fax: (575) 398-8881
Are Lea County Court Records Public?
Most Lea County court records are considered public records under the New Mexico Inspection Public Records Act. Some documents, however, may be exempt from public records search. Such documents may be sealed or protected due to sensitive information. For instance, court documents that involve a minor are not public.
How to Obtain Lea County Civil Court Case Records
The Fifth Judicial District Court in Lea County serves as the repository for all civil court case records within its purview. Individuals interested in Lea County civil court case records can obtain them in person or online. The Court maintains an online database for records via the Case Lookup website. Meanwhile, requesters who intend to obtain these documents in person must contact the courthouse location:
Court Office
100 North Main
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8571
Fax: (575) 396-2428
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Mailing Address
100 North Main
Box 6-C
Lovington, NM 88260
How to Obtain Lea County Criminal Court Records
Requesters can get copies of Lea County criminal court records at the Fifth Judicial District Court in Lea County. The District Court serves as the record custodian for all criminal records in the area. Interested persons who intend to obtain criminal court records in Lea County must provide relevant information to support the records search. The District Court permits requesters to obtain its documents in person or online - via the Case Lookup website. For in-person requests, interested persons can walk into the courthouse location:
Court Office
100 North Main
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8571
Fax: (575) 396-2428
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Mailing Address
100 North Main
Box 6-C
Lovington, NM 88260
What are Lea County Vital Records?
Lea County vital records are documents created and maintained by government bodies to document important life events in the county. These vital records include birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates. Lea County vital records are available at the Department of Health and Clerk of Courts. However, not all vital records are open to the general public. For instance, birth and death records are only accessible by eligible persons for a period before being available to others.
Where and How to Obtain Lea County Divorce Records
Lea County divorce records are available at the Fifth Judicial District Court in Lea County. The District Court is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of divorce records with its jurisdiction. Individuals can inspect or obtain these documents in person or online. The Case Lookup website provides online access to court records. As an alternative, requesters can contact the county courthouse location:
Court Office
100 North Main
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8571
Fax: (575) 396-2428
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Mailing Address
100 North Main
Box 6-C
Lovington, NM 88260
Where and How to Get Public Lea County Marriage Records
The Lea County Clerk compiles and issues copies of marriage licenses that occurred within its purview. Individuals interested in Lea County marriage records can inspect or obtain them in person or by mail. The office location is open to requesters from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, requesters must provide a means of identification and relevant information to facilitate the record search process.
Lea County Clerk
100 N. Main Avenue
Suite 1C
P.O. Box 1507
Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-8619
Fax: (575) 396-3293
Where and How to Find Lea County Birth Records
The New Mexico Department of Health is in charge of all birth records in Lea County. Interested individuals can contact the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics division to inspect and obtain the documents. The division permits requesters to access Lea County birth records in person, by mail, by phone, or online. However, most birth certificates in the jurisdiction are only accessible to eligible applicants. Lea County birth records are confidential for the first 100 years, after which anyone can obtain the document. Applicants who are eligible to access the documents must provide valid photo identification. Examples of acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, driver's license, military ID, and more.
Birth records in Lea County cost $10 per copy. Individuals interested in obtaining these documents via mail must complete and submit a birth records request form in English or Spanish. The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics also permits requesters to submit a written letter in place of the birth records request form. Examples of information required include the birth name of the person on the record, date of birth, city of birth, county of birth (optional), mother's full name, father's full name, relationship with the registrant, purpose of the request, requester's name, requester's signature, and requester's mailing address. Requesters must address all mail requests with the appropriate fees to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
Interested individuals can order copies of Lea County birth records online or via phone by calling (877) 284-0963. On the other hand, in-person requests require record seekers to visit any of the vital office locations:
Santa Fe
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Phone: (505) 827-0121
Albuquerque
Midtown Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
2400 Wellesley Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Phone: (505) 841-4100
Socorro
Socorro County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
214 Neel Avenue NW
Socorro, NM 87801
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Only on Tuesday.
Phone: (575) 835-0971 (to schedule a visit)
Gallup
McKinley County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
1919 College Drive
Gallup, NM 87301
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday and Thursday. By appointment only.
Phone: (505) 722-4391
Where and How to Find Lea County Death Records
The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics of the New Mexico Department of Health keeps and issues copies of death records within its purview. Individuals interested in Lea County death records can obtain or inspect them by submitting a record request in person, by mail, by phone, or online. However, Lea County death records are mostly confidential. These documents are restricted from public view for the first 50 years after the event. Only authorized individuals can access death records within this period. According to the state statutes, authorized individuals include but are not limited to spouse, parent, child, grandchild, and legal representative.
Death records in Lea County cost $5 per copy. Interested individuals must complete a death records request form to obtain the documents via mail. Note, the request form is available in English and Spanish. As an alternative to filling the form, requesters can write a letter that includes the decedent's name, date of death, city of death (and county if known), decedent's social security number (if known), and more. Mail requests must be addressed with the correct fees to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
Also, requesters can order a copy of Lea County death records via phone by calling (877) 284-0963. All in-person requests must be carried out at the vital office location:
Santa Fe
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Phone: (505) 827-0121
