§ 35-5-1 Criminal actions; arrest followed by complaint
§ 35-5-2 Criminal actions; preparation of forms
§ 35-5-3 Criminal actions; disposition of complaint, summons and warrant
§ 35-5-4 Criminal actions; disposition of final order and fine receipt
§ 35-5-5 Criminal actions; disposition of bail receipt
§ 35-5-6 Criminal actions; distributions of supplies
§ 35-5-8 Magistrate court; indigency standard; fee schedule;
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Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes > Chapter 35 > Article 5 - Magistrate Court; Criminal Actions

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the 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.
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.