Common Questions About Bernalillo County Court Records
How do I search Bernalillo County court records online?
Use New Mexico Judiciary Case Lookup. Accept the disclaimer, then use Name Search, Case Number Search, or DWI Search. For Second Judicial District cases, filter to District Court and location 202 - Albuquerque. For Metro Court matters, filter to Metropolitan Court and location 4 - Albuquerque. The portal is for viewing individual records only, and bulk downloading is prohibited. For the full walkthrough, see court records.
What is the case number format for the Second Judicial District Court?
The official format is D202ZZYYYYXXXXX. D202 identifies the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque, ZZ is the case type, YYYY is the four-digit year, and XXXXX is the sequence number with leading zeros as needed. The court's own example is D202CV201103421. Metro Court cases use a T4 prefix instead. Knowing the prefix tells you which court holds the file before you even search.
Where do I get copies of District Court case records?
Use the Second Judicial District Court case records request process or contact the right division. Copies cost $0.35 per page. Certification costs $1.50 per document plus copy charges. Exemplification costs $4.50 per document plus copies. Audio records on CD cost $4.00. The Clerk of Court page lists the division contacts and the certified-copy steps.
Where are Bernalillo County divorce records?
Divorce, custody, visitation, paternity, and kinship guardianship are handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the Second Judicial District Court. The contact line is 505-841-7421 and the records email is albdecopydm@nmcourts.gov. Divorce records are court records, not County Clerk marriage records. See marriage and divorce records for the full breakdown.
Where are Bernalillo County marriage records?
Marriage licenses and certified marriage records are kept by the Bernalillo County Clerk, not the courts. The current County Clerk is Michelle S. Kavanaugh. The Clerk issues the license, records it after the ceremony, and provides certified copies. Confirm the current license fee and ID rules with the Clerk before applying. See the County Clerk page for details.
Does Bernalillo County have a probate court?
Yes. The Bernalillo County Probate Court, also called the Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate, handles informal probate and uncontested estate matters. Contested cases go to District Court. The appointment line is 505-468-1229 and the email is probate@bernco.gov. See probate records for filing steps and fees.
How do I find an inmate at MDC?
Use the official MDC custody portal at viaintfacep2.bernco.gov/custodylist. After accepting the terms, search by arrest date, inmate ID, first name, or last name. The MDC system also has a release list and an arrest list. The roster is for reference only, so confirm any status by phone at 505-839-8700. See inmate records for the search guide.
What does an MDC inmate profile show?
A booking detail shows name, person ID, booking number, booking date, year of birth and age, active holds, housing, and admission date and time. It also has tables for arrests, charges, warrants, and bail. Bail details can include type, amount, paid date, release type, release date, and judge. The full date of birth is redacted to year only.
Does MDC publish released inmates?
Yes. The MDC custody and release system includes a release list that shows inmates released within roughly the past two weeks. Release information also appears on a booking detail through the Release Type and Release Date fields. For state prison and federal releases, use the NMCD and BOP locators. See released inmates for all three.
How do I search state prison or federal inmates?
Use the New Mexico Corrections Department offender search for state prisoners. Enter a last name, first name, or offender number. Adult prison data updates nightly. For federal inmates, use the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, which searches by register number or by name. The BOP result shows name, register number, age, race, sex, release date, and location.
How do I address a Bernalillo County warrant?
First identify the issuing court through Case Lookup or by calling the court. Metro Court says a warrant may be addressed in the Customer Service lobby of the courthouse, and a $100 administrative warrant fee may apply. Call Metro Court at 505-841-8151 or the District Court Criminal Division at 505-841-7444. See warrant records for the steps.
What if I get a text demanding traffic fine payment?
It is a scam. Metro Court issued warnings in early 2026 stating it does not contact people by text or phone to request fine payment. Official notices come by mail. Do not pay or click a link in such a message. Call Metro Court at 505-841-8151 to verify any real balance. See traffic court records for more.
Are juvenile records public in Bernalillo County?
Generally no. NMSA 32A-2-32 makes records pertaining to a child confidential, and they cannot be disclosed to the public directly or indirectly. Children's Court handles delinquency, abuse and neglect, adoptions, and mental health, all of which are restricted. These should not be treated like adult public criminal records. Access is limited to authorized people and agencies.
Are protection order cases on Case Lookup?
No. Effective July 1, 2008, the New Mexico Judiciary stopped displaying Family Violence Protection Act order-of-protection cases on Case Lookup. Anyone needing access to those records must contact the court directly, and authorization rules apply. The public portal will not return them in a name search.
Can I bring a cell phone into the District Court?
No. The Second Judicial District does not allow cell phones in the building and offers no storage for them. Visitors are screened, and prohibited items include weapons, blades, pepper spray, lighters, and metal objects that could be used as weapons. Plan to leave your phone in the car. The same screening applies at the Metro Court for traffic matters.
How do I request court records under IPRA?
Use the New Mexico Courts IPRA page or inspect case records in person at the court clerk's office where the case was filed. A written request must identify the records with reasonable particularity and include your name, address, and telephone number. You never have to state a reason. See public records for the full process.
Does the court do criminal background checks?
No. The New Mexico Courts IPRA page states courts do not conduct public criminal background checks and do not keep law enforcement records, driving records, or marriage licenses. For statewide criminal history, use the DPS Law Enforcement Records Bureau, which charges $15.00 with a notarized authorization. For marriage records, use the County Clerk.
Can a Bernalillo County court record be expunged?
Some records can be, under New Mexico's Criminal Record Expungement Act, effective January 1, 2020. The Second Judicial District Civil Division handles expungement filings. Eligibility depends on the case outcome, the offense type, the waiting period, and statutory exclusions. Serious violent and sex offenses are generally limited or excluded. Use the official court expungement forms and confirm the current filing fee.
Can I get a public defender?
Possibly. The Second Judicial District criminal FAQ says public defenders may be appointed if criteria such as income are met. Applications are made at the Public Defender's Office. The Law Offices of the Public Defender Albuquerque office serves Bernalillo County, and the information line is 505-841-5100. The court does not provide the attorney directly; the application goes through the Public Defender.