The Criminal Division is responsible for handling all felony cases, appeals of Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court criminal cases, extraditions of felons in other jurisdictions and requests for search warrants.

Other cases handled by this division involve pre-prosecution cases, Adult Drug Court matters and the disposition of evidence.

The Criminal Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining the official Court record for criminal cases.  All criminal case documents are processed by this office.  Criminal Division clerks receive monies for fines, restitution and fees, and cash, surety and property bonds.  Verifying case information, case status and court hearings are services also provided by the Clerk’s Office.  Reviews of the Court’s public records are conducted for agencies and individuals requesting information for such purposes as handgun permits, adoption petitions, immigration matters, employment clearances, and housing referrals.  Court clerks are prohibited from dispensing legal advice in any matter.

Cases are randomly assigned to and heard by one of ten Judges.  The conditions for an individual’s release into the community after arrest and while pending trial is recommended to the Court by Pretrial Services.