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1. What time can I appear to see the judge?

Arraignments are Monday through Thursday, at 8:30 AM. Make sure to appear at least 15 minutes early, to complete any necessary paperwork. Arriving after 8:30 AM for arraignment will result in being re-scheduled for another date. If you have been set for another specific time and date, you will have received paperwork reflecting your hearing date.

2. What is an Arraignment?

Arraignment is when the defendant appears in front of the judge to be read the charge(s) against him/her and the defendant pleads to the charges.

3. What can you plead at arraignment?

You have the option of three pleas: Not Guilty, No Contest, or Guilty.

4. How long does a court session usually last?

Court sessions will vary depending on the case load, and the types of cases being heard. Typically, arraignments and pre-trials are rather quick where trials can last for an hour or longer.

5. What will happen if I do not appear for my citations, or do not pay the fines?

You may receive a summons, or the court may issue a bench warrant, suspend your license, or both.

6. How do I find out why my license is suspended?

Contact Motor Vehicle Division at 505-827-4636 and request a printout of your driving record.

7. How many points do I have on my driver's record?

Contact Motor Vehicle Division at 505-827-4636.

8. If I have a bench warrant and go to Court, will I be arrested?

You may be arrested, depending on the reason for the warrant.  Your best option is to appear in court and attempt to resolve the issue so there is a better chance for a favorable outcome.

9. How do I find out the status of the bond money I posted?

Call the Artesia Municipal Court at 575-746-9401, and inquire as to the status of the case. Bonds are not released until there is a judgment on the case.

10. Can I complete community service at places other than where the municipal court has designated?

You must contact the Court to verify if an alternate site for performing community service is available. You will not receive credit for community service hours unless it has been approved in writing from the judge.

No community service may be performed at any churches or private citizen's home.

11. How can I reschedule my court date?

Call 575-746-9401 to schedule another date. You will most likely be requested to sign a Notice of Hearing, to move the date of arraignment.

12. How can I find out when my hearing date is set?

Call Municipal Court at 575-746-9401, and provide the name of the defendant for the case. You may be required to provide more information such as a date of birth so that you will be given the correct information on the correct person.

13. Someone I know was arrested and is in jail. When will he / she go to court?

Defendants that are incarcerated are generally seen after morning arraignments. However, there may be times they will not be seen until the afternoon, depending on the court schedule. If you want to attend a court hearing for a person who is incarcerated, you are welcome to wait in the court lobby until they are brought to the court from detention. Make certain the court clerks know you are here for the inmate arraignment.

14. Why can't I speak to the judge on the phone about my case?

The judge may not speak to any person(s) pertaining to an open case outside of the court room.

15. Why does the Municipal Court want me to update my personal information?

The Artesia Municipal Court strives to keep the information in the court management system as accurate as possible. The purpose of updating information is to be able to have current contact information, as well as avoid possible complications from incorrect identifying information.

The Real ID Act has caused some frustration for us since many individuals are required to comply with legal name changes therefore making some of our data inaccurate. 

Occasionally we come across persons who are in our system two or more times, with different ways their name is spelled (Chavez vs.Chaves, De La Rosa vs. Delarosa), license numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers. This can come from transposed numbers for identifying information on citations, misinformation from other sources, or simple human error. When this happens, it can cause defendants to have issues with their driver’s license, make it difficult to pay a fine, or even appear on a case.

This court has made it our policy to make every attempt to prevent misinformation being sent to other agencies, to avoid causing negative complications for the defendant.