Municipal Court

 The Los Alamos Municipal Court is a Court of Limited Jurisdiction operating within the New Mexico Municipal Court System. The Court is an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to attain justice for the individual and society through the rule of law. The Municipal Court handles traffic, DWI, animal control and other violations of Municipal Code. The Municipal Court is established by the County Charter, as authorized and required by state law. The Court has jurisdiction over petty misdemeanors created by the County Council in the form of ordinances collected in the County code and violated within the boundaries of Los Alamos County.

Magistrate Court is a State Court, separate from the Los Alamos Municipal Court, and can be reached at (505) 662-2727.

Arrainment

At an arraignment, the Judge advises you of the charges against you and the maximum penalties you face if convicted, informs you of your rights and asks you for a plea. The plea is your response to the charges stated in the citation(s) or complaint.

Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all court proceedings.

Guilty: If you plead guilty, you may explain mitigating circumstances or other relevant aspects of your case to the Judge before sentencing. There is no right of appeal from a conviction based on a guilty plea.

Nolo Contendre or No Contest: This has the same effect as a plea of guilty in Municipal Court. It may have some benefit to you if you are facing civil action as a result of the incident that led to your citation. The Judge will proceed and sentence as if you had pled guilty.

Not Guilty: If you enter a plea of not guilty, the Judge may not hear any details about your case until the officer that issued the citation is present. There will be no further discussion of the facts of your case at the arraignment. A Pro Se trial will be scheduled for a later date and time.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction in the event of this plea, and your case will be transferred to District Court.

Waiver of Appearance:

 

If you want to enter a plea of Not Guilty for your charge(s), you may utilize the Waiver of Appearance. This will waive the initial arraignment hearing and you will then be scheduled for trial. Once you have filled out the form, submit it for approval. This form must be submitted and approved prior to your scheduled arraignment date. If the form is not approved, you are still required to appear for the original court date/time. You may call the court at 505-662-8025 to follow up on the status of the submitted form.

 

Defensive Driving

If you have been ordered, by Los Alamos Municipal Court, to attend a Defensive Driving Class, you may choose one of the links below. The following are some companies that provide approved defensive driving classes:

ONLINE COURSES

*Spanish Course Available

There are costs associated with the courses and you are required to pay all fees. Please remember to allow for mailing time as to not exceed the court appointed deadline for completion.

You may use another course not listed here; however, the course must be approved by the State of New Mexico. For a full listing of approved Driving Safety Schools visit UNM Driver Safety page


If the Judge orders you to take a Defensive Driving Course, you are required to provide the Court with a copy of your certificate of completion for the course. If the court does not receive a copy of your certificate within the required period you will be notified to appear before the court to show Cause for Non-Compliance.

FAQ

Q. What are the court's COVID procedures?

A. If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID, please stay home and call the court at 505-662-8025 instead of coming in.

Pursuant to Supreme Court Order No. 22-8500-018, you may appear with audio-video via zoom. If you cannot utilize the camera function of zoom, you must attend court in-person.

Q. Do I have to appear for court in person?

A. If you would like to appear for court via Zoom, please contact the court with your email address prior to your scheduled court date.

Q. How To Apply For A Public Defender

A. To apply you must make an appointment by calling the probation department of the Los Alamos Municipal Court at (505) 662-8027.

At your appointment the interviewer will complete an eligibility determination form with you, as well as review pertinent financial documents.

It is recommended that the defendant bring as many of the following as possible to the interview to assist in making a determination:

  • Copies of current bank statements (savings & checking)
  • Documentation of welfare or any aid received
  • Proof of rental or mortgage payment
  • Receipts for any outstanding obligations such as vehicle loan, child support, medical bills, utilities, etc.
  • Stocks, bonds or saving bonds including an estimate of current value
  • Monthly income pay stubs or statement from employer for one month
  • IRS returns filed for the past three years
  • If you reside with anyone, information on that person's employment and wages for one year

The Municipal Court follows the State of New Mexico's guidelines for indigence.

Q. How Do I Clear My Bench Warrant

A. If you wish to avoid being arrested you may turn yourself into the Court and arrange to appear at a scheduled arraignment. If you have a warrant for failure to pay fines you may be able to clear it by paying the outstanding fines and bench warrant fees at the payment window. Again, please be aware that the $100.00 fee will be charged in addition to your fines.

If you think there may be an outstanding bench warrant with Los Alamos Municipal Court issued for you, please contact the Municipal Court at (505) 662-8025. You can obtain information regarding your options and it is possible that you will be able to clear the warrant without being arrested.

Alternative Sanctions

The below classes are available for use in lieu of Community Service with prior approval ONLY. To obtain prior approval, contact the court at 505-662-8025.

All classes require DISCOUNT CODE: LANM

Court Classes

*For additional Community Service guidelines, please refer to the Community Service page located in the left hand menu.

Field Trips

To schedule a field trip email: municout@lacnm.us with your possible dates and contact information and we will get back with you.

Department Head

Judge Elizabeth Allen

Presiding Judge, Honorable Elizabeth K Allen

Term Ends: December 31st, 2026

Contact Us

Phone

(505) 662-8025

Email

municourt@lacnm.us

Location

Municipal Court Clerk's Office
2500 Trinity Drive, Suite C
87544
View Map

Hours

  • Sunday Closed
  • Monday
    • 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    • 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    • 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
  • Thursday
    • 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
  • Friday
    • 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed

To view County Ordinances

Municipal Code

Elected Municipal Court Judge

The Municipal Court Judge is elected by the voters every four years. Learn more about our currently elected Municipal Court Judge.

Back to top