New Mexico § 31-1-4 - Criminal actions; docketing action; service; return
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 31-1-4 — Criminal actions; docketing action; service; return, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-1-4. Criminal actions; docketing action; service; return
A. Upon filing of the complaint of a law enforcement officer, the court shall docket
the action. Upon the filing of the complaint of any other person, the court shall collect the
docket fee from the person before docketing the action. B. Upon the docketing of any criminal action, the court may issue a summons directing
the defendant to appear before the court at a time stated in the summons. C. When a warrant is issued in a criminal action, it shall be directed to a law enforcement
officer, and the defendant named in the warrant shall, upon arrest, be brought by
the officer before the court without unnecessary delay. D. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the district court to issue process in criminal
cases filed in the district court. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the magistrate court or the magistrate, if
there is no clerk, to issue process in criminal cases filed in the magistrate court. It shall be the duty of the law enforcement officer to whom process is directed
to execute process and return the same to the clerk of the court from which process
is issued or, if there is no clerk of the court, to the judge thereof. E. Except for criminal actions filed in municipal court, all police officers authorized
to serve process issued in any criminal action have jurisdiction to serve such process
in any county of this state.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 31-1-4
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 31-1-4 cover?
Section 31-1-4 ("Criminal actions; docketing action; service; return") 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 § 31-1-4?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 31-1-4" (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 § 31-1-4 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.