New Mexico Statutes 35-15-1. Proceedings to enforce ordinances; plaintiff; appeals
A. All actions to enforce any ordinance of any municipality shall be brought in the name of the municipality as plaintiff. No prosecution, conviction or acquittal for the violation of an ordinance is a defense to any other prosecution of the same party for any other violation of an ordinance, although different causes of action existed at the same time and, if united, would have exceeded the jurisdiction of the court.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 35-15-1
- Acquittal:
- Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- A verdict of "not guilty."
- 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.
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- 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.
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
B. The plaintiff or defendant may appeal to the district court from the judgment of any municipal court within fifteen days after judgment and sentence rendered in the municipal court. Failure of either party to appeal within the prescribed time is jurisdictional and an appeal not timely filed shall not be entertained by the district court.