New Mexico District Attorneys

A district attorney (D.A.) is the prosecuting officer of a criminal case. This is the official who represents the government in prosecuting criminal offenses. They are an elected official and have several deputies underneath them. Those deputies handle the day-to-day activities of criminal prosecution. D.A.s typically handle the following tasks:

• Conduct grand jury investigations
• Review police reports and file criminal charges
• Handle preliminary hearings and all other courtroom-contested matters
• Offer plea bargains
• Conduct bench or jury trials
• Litigate appeals

The District Attorney's Duties

District attorneys handle the administration of the criminal justice system in their respective jurisdictions. They assist law enforcement in their respective jurisdiction in the state of New Mexico. Within the scope of criminal law, they handle prosecution of criminal offenses, such as the following:

• Criminal child support or alimony arrears
• Driving while under the influence (DWI)
• Sexual assault

Training and Outreach

They may do so on matters such as search and seizure law, criminal investigations, arrests, and more. D.A.s might also work with community groups to do the following:

• Identify and help stop human trafficking
• Handle domestic violence cases
• Fraud, including health care fraud
• Recent updates to Megan's Law requirements for sex offenders
• Other common issues include:
• Prevention programs targeted at bullying and cyberbullying
• Programs on gang awareness
• Initiatives on community-based justice
• Programs on preventing sexual assault on school campuses and in their community

New Mexico Attorney General's Office

While the district attorney represents the state in all criminal prosecutions, typically involving crimes committed in the county where they will be prosecuted, the Attorney General represents the state in litigation by or against the state. The Attorney General can bring a criminal case. But often, they work on civil litigation matters. They also oversee lawsuits in a civil setting.

New Mexico County District Attorney Offices

New Mexico has 13 judicial districts, each with an elected district attorney. These districts can represent more than one county. In the table below, you can see the list of district attorneys by district and the counties they represent.

Note: We strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state. But this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.

Charged With a Criminal Offense? A Local Attorney Can Help

Is a New Mexico district attorney claiming you violated the law? You might be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, but regardless, you should seek legal advice to help you better understand your rights and responsibilities. The best way to get help is to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney near you.

If you can't afford an attorney, it's important to know that you still have options. You could contact the office of the public defender. Attorneys at this office provide free legal representation and free legal services to qualifying people. You could also contact New Mexico Legal Aid. At law offices associated with New Mexico Legal Aid, attorneys can provide free or low-cost legal assistance.

If you need an attorney referral, contact the New Mexico State Bar Association. They can provide referrals for free. It's important to get the advocacy you need. Don't try the self-help route. It's important that you receive legal resources from qualified criminal defense attorneys.