New Mexico’s Department of Public Safety maintains all criminal records for the state. They use a fully automated online system called New Mexico Applicant Fingerprint Processing (NMAPS). You can pay $9 and get fingerprinted in person at the NMDPS Headquarters. According to their New Mexico Arrest Record Information Act, New Mexico allows anyone to get a copy of their own criminal history and the general public to access criminal records as well. You can contact the state police for copies, but that usually takes 7-15 days. You can also use a third-party service for background checks.
New Mexico has two options for looking up federal criminal cases; a case lookup system and a Secured Odyssey Public Access (SOPA) system. The case lookup portal is simple, and registration is not required. With the SOPA system, you do need to set up an account and become qualified. For local cases, you can check the district courthouse website and search there or visit them in person for a copy of records. You will have to pay a fee and wait while they process your order.
Only juvenile records can be sealed in New Mexico. Felonies and misdemeanors are generally on your criminal record forever. New Mexico’s expungement laws are very strict, and along with complying with a long list of requirements, you still may not be able to clean the slate of your criminal convictions.
Anyone with access to a computer can find and review your criminal background in New Mexico. Court records are also publicly accessible through court websites. Landlords, schools, adoption agencies, and government agencies use them for various reasons. You can even get a copy of your own very quickly.
Some of the most common reasons that people run criminal reports on someone are for purposes watching their kids, being around older family members or other safety-related reasons. Online dating is another reason and also renting property. Gun dealers use them before selling firearms.
Whenever you pull a copy of someone’s criminal records, you will see basic information like name, address, phone, height, weight, gender, race, physical description including any tattoos and scars, along with mug shots and fingerprints. You will also see their crimes, warrant, arrests, sentencing, any incarcerations, police reports, any fines paid or bail and parole or probation information.
When someone is arrested, and their picture is taken, and they are fingerprinted, those become criminal records. A RAP sheet and arrest warrant are also criminal records. Whenever law enforcement has to fill out paperwork about you and your crime, that becomes part of your criminal record. This is how criminal records in New Mexico are created.
