A “fresh start” is available for people with outstanding bench warrants at New Mexico magistrate courts, the state Administrative Office of the Courts announced Monday.
On Friday or Saturday, individuals with a warrant in any magistrate court in the state can surrender at the Doña Ana County Magistrate Court, 110 Calle Alegra in Las Cruces, and make an appearance before a judge without going to jail, the office stated in a news release.
Bench warrants may be issued when a defendant fails to appear in court for a hearing or fails to follow other orders from a judge. Individuals who think they may have a warrant but are not sure may call a toll-free warrant hotline at 855-268-7804 or look up their name on NMcourts.gov.
“At the time of surrender, anyone who appears voluntarily will receive favorable consideration when requesting a new court date, payment plan, or any other option require to comply with the court order,” the office stated in the release.
The programs also reduce backlogs, as the office stated that safe surrender events from 2023 to 2024 resolved warrants in 2,022 cases, and a single event in Santa Fe cleared warrants in 626 cases.
The event runs from 1-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
