At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing exceptional representation to clients navigating New Mexico’s appellate court system. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

New Mexico Appellate Court System Overview

New Mexico’s appellate system comprises two primary courts: the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

  • New Mexico Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, it has mandatory appellate jurisdiction over specific cases, including criminal matters with life imprisonment or death penalty sentences, appeals from the Public Regulation Commission, and cases involving writs of habeas corpus.
  • New Mexico Court of Appeals: Serving as the intermediate appellate court, it consists of ten judges who sit in panels of three. The Court of Appeals has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and handles civil, non-capital criminal, and juvenile cases, among others.

Caseload and Statistics

The New Mexico Court of Appeals manages a substantial caseload annually. For instance, in fiscal year 2007, the court received 976 new cases and disposed of 960, achieving a disposition rate of 98.6%.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in New Mexico are governed by the New Mexico Rules of Appellate Procedure, which outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the district court within thirty days from the entry of any final judgment or decision.
  2. Preparation of the Record: The appellant must ensure that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and transmitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

New Mexico’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases. For detailed information on specific high-profile cases, consulting legal databases and news archives is recommended.

Contact Information

New Mexico Supreme Court

  • Address: 237 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
  • Phone: (505) 827-4860
  • Website: New Mexico Supreme Court
  • Coordinates: 35.6869° N, 105.9378° W

New Mexico Court of Appeals

  • Santa Fe Location:
    • Address: 237 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
    • Phone: (505) 827-4925
    • Coordinates: 35.6869° N, 105.9378° W
  • Albuquerque Location:
    • Address: 2211 Tucker NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
    • Phone: (505) 841-4618
    • Coordinates: 35.0972° N, 106.6170° W
  • Website: New Mexico Court of Appeals

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in New Mexico. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision and expertise.