New Mexico § 8-5-3 - Action in civil and criminal cases
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 8-5-3 — Action in civil and criminal cases, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-5-3. Action in civil and criminal cases
That upon the failure or refusal of any district attorney to act in any criminal or
civil case or matter in which the county, state or any department thereof is a party
or has an interest, the attorney general be, and he is hereby, authorized to act on
behalf of said county, state or any department thereof, if after a thorough investigation,
such action is ascertained to be advisable by the attorney general. Provided, that the attorney general shall, upon direction of the governor, investigate
any matter or matters in any county of the state in which the county, state or any
department may be interested. After such investigation, the attorney general be, and he is hereby authorized to
take such action as, in his opinion, conditions warrant. The cost of such investigation shall be paid out of the general fund of the county
wherein such investigation shall have been made, and the costs of any prosecution
arising out of such investigation shall be paid as are the costs in cases prosecuted
by district attorneys.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 8-5-3
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 8-5-3 cover?
Section 8-5-3 ("Action in civil and criminal cases") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 8-5-3?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 8-5-3" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 8-5-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.