Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 through 14-2-12), every person has the right to inspect the public records of state agencies.
It is the policy of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court to comply with the requirements of the Inspection of Public Records Act.
What Are Public Records?
As defined in the Inspection of Public Records Act, “public records” are “all documents, papers, letters, books, maps, tapes, photographs, recordings and other materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that are used, created, received, maintained or held by or on behalf of any public body and relate to public business, whether or not the records are required by law to be created or maintained.” (NMSA 1978, Section 14-2-6) However, certain types of records, such as law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources and records pertaining to physical or mental examinations are not subject to public inspection. (NMSA 1978, Section 14-2-1)
How to Request to Inspect Public Records
If the public record you wish to view or copy is contained in a Criminal or Civil Court Case File, or if you want to obtain a CD copy of a Court hearing, you must complete the Request for Copy of Court Record form. For all other public record requests, please provide us with your name, address, and telephone number, and identify the specific records you would like to inspect. You do NOT need to state why you are requesting access to the Court’s records.
To inspect or copy Metropolitan Court public records, you may:
- Visit the Records Viewing Room on the 1st floor of the Courthouse; or
- Send an email request addressed to metrrecordscustodian@nmcourts.gov; or
- Send a letter request addressed to:
- Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
- c/o Records Custodian
- 401 Lomas Blvd. NW
- Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Response by Court
The Court permits inspection of public records as soon as is practicable under the circumstances, but please be aware, the Court’s Records Custodian E-mail receives a large volume of requests. Under the Inspection of Public Records Act, the Court has 3 business days to respond to requests and up to 15 days to permit inspection of public records unless more time is needed for the Court to respond to any large requests.
Charges for Copies of Court Records
- $0.50 per page for a photocopy of a Court Record.
- $0.50 per page for a computer-generated or electronically transferred copy of a Court Record.
- For certified copies of a Court Record, an additional $0.50 per page is charged.
- $5.00 per CD (for a copy of a court hearing)
Records that May be Available at Other Courts
The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court does not have jurisdiction over family law (including divorce and child custody) or probate cases. If your inquiry involves such matters, please contact the Second Judicial Court in Albuquerque (505-841-7421) or the Bernalillo County Probate Court (505-468-1233), as applicable.
For More Information on the Inspection of Public Records Act
For more information, the entire text of the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act can be found here.