Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
New Mexico Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Probate for New Mexico on
Q: My brother passed away in custody of the county jail my half sister violated the rights and went behind my back and got

Awarded as personal representative of his estate and filed a tort claim against the county. Is there anything I can do to have her removed as his personal representative? If so how do I go about it

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 5, 2023

In New Mexico, if you believe that your half-sister, as the personal representative of your late brother's estate, has violated certain rights or acted improperly, you do have options to challenge her position.

First, you need to file a petition in the probate court that is handling...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Mexico on
Q: How long can the police hold your property if they haven't done anything with it to get evidence off of it?

In 2020 my boyfriend was shot the cops took my dvr to get evidence off of it but haven't and I can't use my cameras for my safety without it. I have called left messages and nothing. My house has been broken into and I can't use my cameras. They have not done what they told me they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 5, 2023

In New Mexico, as in other states, the length of time the police can hold property as evidence can vary. Generally, law enforcement can retain it as long as it is considered relevant to an ongoing investigation or until the related criminal case is resolved. However, if you feel that an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Mexico on
Q: How long can the police hold your property if they haven't done anything with it to get evidence off of it?

In 2020 my boyfriend was shot the cops took my dvr to get evidence off of it but haven't and I can't use my cameras for my safety without it. I have called left messages and nothing. My house has been broken into and I can't use my cameras. They have not done what they told me they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 5, 2023

In New Mexico, as in other states, the length of time the police can hold property as evidence can vary. Generally, law enforcement can retain it as long as it is considered relevant to an ongoing investigation or until the related criminal case is resolved. However, if you feel that an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for New Mexico on
Q: Medical emergency. Overdose. Cop sees pot growing in closet. Next day cops come with search warrant.

I was charged arrested with possession of a controlled substance. Hired a attorney got my charges dismissed. The overdose statue 30-31-27.1. Can I sue police dept for search warrant charges arrest. Because this should of never happend.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2023

If the actions of the police department violated the protections afforded to you under statute 30-31-27.1 or any other law, you may have grounds to bring a civil action against the department. The mentioned statute provides immunity from arrest, charge, and prosecution for individuals seeking... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Mexico on
Q: If the vehicle description is wrong or incorrect on a citation(s) should they automatically be dismissed?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2023

Mistakes or errors on a citation, including inaccuracies in the vehicle description, do not necessarily result in automatic dismissal of the citation(s). While such errors may be relevant, they are not always determinative in court proceedings. The outcome of a citation case typically depends on... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for New Mexico on
Q: Iam out of town. Brother has arrest warrant. Police break down doors. I come home valuables missing.

Who would be responsible for doors and valuables. Our residence was left unsecured and unattended.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2023

If the police executed a valid arrest warrant and followed proper procedure, the police department might not be liable for the damage to the doors.

However, if the officers acted negligently or outside the scope of their authority, the department could potentially be held responsible for...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Does the Criminal Offenders Act pertain to a person only being charged only or convictions?

The LOPD office is trying to fire me saying convicted but I have only been charged. I am not a probationary employee.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

The Criminal Offenders Employment Act in New Mexico (often referred to as the Criminal Offenders Act or COA) typically pertains to convictions rather than charges. The COA generally addresses the employment of individuals who have been convicted of certain offenses and may restrict their... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for New Mexico on
Q: People with me tal illness and testimony

Are they reliable to get on stand and testify in a domestic violence case?

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 28, 2023

People with mental illness can provide testimony in a domestic violence case, just like any other witness. However, the reliability of their testimony may be influenced by the nature and severity of their mental illness. Courts generally consider a variety of factors when evaluating the credibility... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Can a different officer take over the stop of another officer,tell him to leave then arrest the person.

Shouldn't it be the initial officer that stops the individual who tickets and arrest that person. The initial officer pulled Person over for a head light being out. Other officer shows up and tells the initial officer to leave that he gots this.

D'nae L. Robinett Mills
D'nae L. Robinett Mills
answered on Apr 6, 2023

Typically, the stopping officer is the officer that issues a citation. However, there are circumstances where an officer can take over an investigation for reasons unrelated to the incident i.e. going off of shift or needed on another call. You should contact a lawyer to review your citation and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: How you you sue a police officer for violating your rights and why won't a lawyer help

My husband civil rights were violated, we were held in jail for seven days with our any charges or anything against us was released from jail and then a week later charges were filed the charges were finally dropped but I can't find a lawyer that will help

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 8, 2023

If you are having a difficult time finding a lawyer willing to accept a civil rights case against law enforcement, you need to consider offering a higher than typical hourly rate backed up by a larger retainer. I recommend offering $750 / hour with a $37,500 initial retainer.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for New Mexico on
Q: What can be done about perjury?

What, if anything, can be done if a victim/witness lied in a court hearing and also during a jury trial? I know this person lied because I know the truth of the matter. I would like to be able to talk to talk to someone or tell someone the truth but I don’t know how to go about it. The prosecutor... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jun 29, 2023

There are two ways in which to address this. The first and best way is in the trial present evidence of the lie. The other method is a complaint to the DA for perjury.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Is it illegal to trap someone in a virtual environment and not let them out?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 25, 2022

A New Mexico attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. If the virtual environment is in the setting of a video game or something similar that the players are engaged in voluntarily, that would probably not be illegal. If the virtual environment is in the form of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Public Benefits for New Mexico on
Q: is it posible for me to file a civil complaint on nm work force solutions for violating my equil opertunity rights
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 13, 2021

A New Mexico employment law attorney might be able to advise best here, but your question remains open for four weeks. You could repost and add "Employment Law" as a category. There's no guarantee all posts are picked up. If still no response, you could reach out to NM employment law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: My public defender isnt doing anything she hasnt even called me and she lied to the judge

I am charged with trafficking it is my first offense

Stephen Aarons
Stephen Aarons
answered on Nov 24, 2020

You did not ask a question.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Hi what legal charges can be made if you lend someone your car and then they accidentally wreck into a building?

Also will my insurance cover damages?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 25, 2020

A New Mexico attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for three weeks. As a GENERAL premise, such situations could be characterized as negligent entrustment of a motor vehicle - every jurisdiction doesn't use the exact same term. Loosely speaking, the victim would need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for New Mexico on
Q: Why can't I find an attorney to take my case. City Council is going to demolish my home for no reason.

I have 4 different licensed contractors say it doesn't need to be demolished. I had 2 licensed contractor try to pull a permit and was denied. I just want to remodel this home and live in it. I go to court tomorrow, on city wanting to dismiss it. My hearing is set for April 9th, if it's... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 12, 2020

If you had your April 9th hearing already, it could be a moot point, but attorneys might be apprehensive about charging for services where they have difficulty in predicting an outcome. You could keep trying. Another issue is that the health crisis has paralyzed court operations and professional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Firearm ownership in new Mexico

I legally bought a rifle and shotgun in 1978; in 2009 I was convicted of nonviolent felony, sentenced to 8 months, completed sentence in May 2010;

May I legally have the firearms, in my home, in new Mexico? If not, is there a way to legally do so?

Keep in mind- rifles, not handguns,... View More

Concetto Kirk Di Giacomo
Concetto Kirk Di Giacomo
answered on Jan 22, 2020

No, you aren't legally allowed to own a firearm. See N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-16.

This same statute defines a "felon" using the following language:

“[F]elon” means a person convicted of a felony offense by a court of the United States or of any state or...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: Can you help me to locate an attorney to represent myself or my family members in the opiate epidemic class action?

I am seeking compensation against the manufacturers of hydrocodone for reimbursement for my family in paying for extended rehabilitation efforts following opiate addiction.

Deena L. Buchanan
Deena L. Buchanan
answered on Dec 12, 2019

Yes, there are lawyers taking these cases. You can contact any of us who practice in the area of personal injury, particularly those who advertise experience in class action or pharmaceutical litigation.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: False arrest wrongful imprisonment Statue limitations lawsuit
Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Thank you for sharing. No question asked

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for New Mexico on
Q: I reside in NM and have been forced to deal with my civil rights being violated daily for the past 3 months.
Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Oct 30, 2019

Thank you for sharing. No question asked

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.