In coordination with local justice partners, the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court is offering the public a unique opportunity to clear outstanding warrants with the Metropolitan Court through a series of virtual Safe Surrender hearings.

The Zoom On In Safe Surrender event, which starts today and will end on May 19th, provides people an opportunity to turn themselves in on outstanding warrants in exchange for favorable consideration by the Court and without the risk of being arrested at home in front of family and children, or during a routine traffic stop.

“With the overall goal of helping to clear the warrant backlog in our county and of bringing individuals back into good standing with the Court, we are hopeful that any hesitation to appear is eased by holding this type of event virtually for the first time,” said Chief Judge of the Metropolitan Court Maria I. Dominguez.

Here’s how those interested in clearing warrants with the Metropolitan Court can take advantage of this limited opportunity:

1.) Call the court’s Customer Service line at 505-841-8151 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to verify that you have an outstanding warrant(s) with the court. Not all warrants are eligible for Safe Surrender. You MUST call to check.

2.) If eligible, you will be scheduled to appear virtually in front of a judge at a later date to address the warrant(s). You will need to have Zoom downloaded on the device you will be appearing from ahead of time. Computers are available at the courthouse for those who do not have access to an electronic device. Those with warrants not eligible for Safe Surrender will be provided with options to address the outstanding matters. You can always check the status of a case by visiting the court’s website at metro.nmcourts.gov.

3.) If you do not have private counsel, you will have an opportunity to speak with an attorney from the Law Offices of the Public Defender on the day of the Safe Surrender hearing before appearing virtually before a judge.

4.) Conclude the Safe Surrender hearing with warrants addressed and in good standing with the Court. Court staff will mail you documentation pertaining to your case, including clearance paperwork to reinstate your driver’s license if applicable.

“When people are brought back into the system, it saves resources, and can save lives. This team effort would not be possible without coordination from the Law Offices of the Public Defender, the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, APD, BCSO, and the U.S. Marshall’s Office,” added Chief Judge Dominguez. “We are all invested in building a safer community.”

– Published on April 5, 2023