New Mexico Statutes 17-2-22. Sale of evidence in cases of appeal
A. For the purpose of avoiding waste, game or fish confiscated and held as evidence in any prosecution for violation of the game laws, if fit for human consumption, shall be sold by the conservation officer or other officer having jurisdiction in the prosecution as soon as possible after the filing of any appeal from the decision of the court to any higher court.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 17-2-22
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
B. The evidence shall be sold for the highest cash price offered and the proceeds of the sale forwarded to the main office of the department of game and fish at Santa Fe to be deposited in the game protection fund. A copy of the receipt of sale shall be delivered to the court and shall be attached to the papers forwarded to the higher court on appeal.
C. If the higher court finds the defendant to be not guilty of the charge he shall be reimbursed within ten days after such decision by the department of game and fish for the full amount of the proceeds from the sale of evidence.