City of Belen, The Hub City

Municipal Court

Contacts

Kathy Savilla, Municipal Judge
Yvette Flores Padilla, Court Administrator
Elena Lewis, Judicial Clerk
   

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to get your answer.

What are court fees?
Fees that are imposed upon any person convicted of violating a municipal ordinance(s) as per section 12-12-1.3. Fees in municipal court are $28.00 per conviction
What is an arraignment?
That’s when the defendant appears in front of the Judge to be read charges against him/her and for the defendant to enter a plea of: NOT GUILTY OR GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDRE.
What does NOLO CONTENDRE mean?
This plea has the same legal effect as a plea of guilty for purposes of the case, but the plea may not be used against the defendant as an admission of guilt in any collateral proceeding such as a civil lawsuit.
When do I appear in court?
The police officer issued a court date and address at the bottom of the citation. Court hours are at 10am and 2pm on the date specified by the officer. Please call our office (505)864.7543 if you need to reschedule a court date. What happens if I fail to appear in court or don’t pay my fines? A bench warrant will be issued for your arrest if you have not made arrangements for a new court date or if payments are not received as per your agreement to pay.
What can I do if my driver’s license is suspended?
Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division and request a printout of your driving record and bring your paperwork into court.
How many points is the offense cited worth on my driver’s license?
The State of New Mexico allows 12 points against your driving record per year. You may contact the MVD for a specific violation or log on to their website at NM State Taxation & Revenue.gov.
If I have a bench warrant will I be arrested when I go to court?
The Judge will make that decision when you go in to court.
If I cannot pay my fines can I do community service?
Yes. The court will determine the amount of time you can work after you’ve come into court.
What is the maximum penalty I can receive in Municipal Court?
The maximum fine is $500. and/or 90 days in jail.
Do I need an attorney?
An attorney who represents a defendant must file a written entry of appearance in the case. Hiring of an attorney is within the rights of the defendant and shall be done so at his/her discretion.
Can I mail in my fine or pay it online?
Yes. Our mailing address is : Belen Municipal Court, 525 Becker Ave., Belen, NM 87002. Or pay online at: City Pay USA.
What if I mailed my money to the Motor Vehicle Division in Santa Fe?
Citations due to the Municipal Court must still be paid in our office. Please contact us or your local MVD to correct this situation.

Location: 525 Becker Ave.  MAP
Belen, NM 87002
Phone: 505-864-7543
Fax: 505-864-0361

Judicial Services

Magistrate Court

Division I Los Lunas
Judge: Tina Gallegos
Clerk: Carla Gonzales
1206 Main St, Los Lunas, NM 87031
Ph: 505-865-4637 Fax: 865-0639

Division II Belen
Judge: Danny Hawkes
Clerk: JoAnn Sanchez
901 W Castillo, Belen, NM 87002
Ph: 505-864-7509 Fax: 864-9532

Division III Los Lunas
Judge: John "Buddy" Sanchez
Clerk: Carla Gonzales
1206 Main St, Los Lunas, NM 87031
Ph: 505-865-4637 Fax: 865-0639

District Court

Court Administrator: Greg Ireland
1835 Highway 314 SW , Los Lunas, NM 87031
Ph: 505-865-4639 Fax:865-0969

Judge Violet C. Otero
Ph:505-865-0108 Fax:865-0107

Judge John P. Pope
Ph:505-865-9654 Fax:866-6813

Judge William A. Sanchez
Ph:505-865-4010 Fax:866-5819