New Mexico Statutes 66-8-137. Compensation of judges and officers; defenses to prosecution
A. No municipality or other political subdivision of this state shall employ any municipal judge, officer, agent or other person whose compensation in any way depends upon the apprehension, arrest or conviction of any person for violating the Motor Vehicle Code [66-1-1 N.M. Stat. Ann.] or other state or local law, ordinance or regulation.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 66-8-137
- Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
B. If any person is arrested or brought to trial for violation of the Motor Vehicle Code or other law, ordinance or regulation relating to motor vehicles punishable as a misdemeanor by any officer, agent or employee of any political subdivision, or before any municipal judge, whose compensation depends in any way upon the arrest or conviction of persons violating these laws, ordinances or regulations, the fact of such compensation or that the person making the arrest was not in uniform at the time is a defense to the charge.