Cynthia A. Wagoner, Municipal Judge (505) 632-6330
(505) 632-6331 Fax
711 Ruth Ln
Bloomfield, NM 87413
Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Front desk is open during lunch.)
Judge's Hours:
Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
and
Monday - Wednesday
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday
Closed
Municipal Court observes all City-approved holidays.
COVID-19 Safeguards for the Courtroom
The NM Supreme Court has approved the following Emergency Response Team's recommendations, which treat COVID-19 similar to other infectious illnesses, though with enhanced awareness based on three years of education and protocols:
• Masking is no longer required after March 31, 2023; and
• Physical distancing is no longer required.
Payment
Please be advised the Municipal Court is no longer accepting checks.
Payments can be made online through citepayusa which accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. A 6% fee is applied.
Citations involving traffic citations where juveniles (under the age of 18) are defendants; a parent or legal guardian is required to be present.
Form Submitals
Continuance Request Completed form must be filed at least one (1) week prior to scheduled Court date.
Subpoena Request Completed form for witnesses to be subpoenaed to Court for your case must be filed at least one (1) week prior to scheduled Court date.
Records Request Completed form to request copies or view records must have contact information.
Hearing Types
Arraignments Arraignments are generally first-come, first-served for an initial appearance and plea on a traffic or criminal violation. Other reasons for an appearance at Arraignment hearings might be to request an extension to pay, request a payment plan, request a driver's license clearance, etc.
Pre-trials Pre-trial hearings are scheduled after Arraignment has been made and a not guilty plea has been entered. It is a date set up for the Prosecution (usually an officer) and the Defendant (the person charged with a violation) to meet and negotiate any pre-trial matters such as a plea bargain, dismissal for proof, or discovery matters prior to trial.
Trials Trials are formal bench trials that are scheduled for a specific date and time for the Judge to take testimony, hear and review evidence on both sides of a case in order to make a ruling. At trial, both sides are expected to present their case. Both sides will be notified by the Court to appear in order to testify, as well as any witnesses requested (See Subpoena Request).
Sentencing Hearings Sentence Hearings occur when a person has been found or pleads guilty and the Judge has ordered a pre-sentence evaluation. After the evaluation, a Sentencing Hearing is scheduled, and the Judge reviews the evaluation report. During this hearing fines and/or jail is imposed by the Judge. If the Judge does not order a pre-sentence evaluation, sentencing will take place immediately following any of the other hearings listed above.
Alternate Judges
When the elected Municipal Judge is unavailable, an Alternate Judge is assigned.
Alternate Judges have been approved and sworn in by the Bloomfield City Council. They receive appropriate training and are under the same requirements as the elected Judge. If the presiding Judge is out of the office due to training requirements, illness, or for any other reason, the Alternate Judge assigned will be responsible for all official duties. This position is not a full or part-time position; it is an "as needed" position used to avoid Court closures.
ADA Compliance
The Municipal Court complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is the Defendant or his/her Counsel's obligation to notify the Court Clerk at least five (5) days before any hearing of the anticipated attendance of a disabled person so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
Legal Disclaimer
All information on this site is intended to be accurate, complete and timely; however, the Court does not warrant, expressly or by implication, the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor is it responsible for any errors or omissions. The court assumes no liability for the information's use or misuse. The information provided may not reflect immediate updates, changes, or rulings that have not yet been posted. In particular, please keep in mind that any costs reflected in the Public Access Section of the website may be incomplete. Additionally, information may be altered, amended or modified at any time without notice. Therefore, it is incumbent that anyone visiting this site verify the information in person at Bloomfield Municipal Court, 711 Ruth Lane, Bloomfield, NM 87413.