Step 1
Arrest, Citation, or Summons
The process begins with a custody event or notice to appear. Preserve documents and avoid discussing case facts publicly.
Timeline
Typical criminal case stages.
Some steps may be combined, repeated, or skipped depending on charge level and court assignment.
Step 2
First Appearance and Release Conditions
Judges review release terms, restrictions, and scheduling. Early advocacy can influence how restrictive conditions are.
Step 3
Arraignment
The court advises rights, confirms charges, and sets the framework for upcoming deadlines and hearings.
Step 4
Evidence Review and Motions
Defense work includes discovery review, investigation, suppression analysis, and targeted pretrial motions.
Step 5
Negotiation or Trial Preparation
Case strategy may involve negotiated outcomes or preparation for contested hearings and trial.
Step 6
Resolution, Sentencing, and Next Steps
If resolved by plea or verdict, sentencing advocacy and post-judgment options become the next focus.
Court Paths
Where your case may be handled.
Municipal Court
Santa Fe Municipal Court hears city-ordinance charges from Santa Fe Police, including DWI, traffic, and petty misdemeanors, before a judge alone.
Santa Fe Municipal CourtMagistrate Court
Santa Fe County Magistrate Court, one block from our office, hears misdemeanor DWI and domestic violence cases and every felony first appearance.
Santa Fe County Magistrate CourtDistrict Court
The First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe tries every felony for Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties and retries misdemeanor appeals.
First Judicial District CourtFederal Court
Federal charges follow separate rules, deadlines, and sentencing frameworks that require specialized handling.
Federal court in New MexicoFAQ
Process questions clients ask first.
A practical overview before your first strategy call.
Do I have to wait until arraignment to hire a lawyer?
No. Early representation is often best. Counsel can begin evidence preservation, release advocacy, and court preparation immediately.
What if I was charged but never taken to jail?
The case is still serious. Citations and summonses trigger deadlines, appearances, and potential long-term consequences.
Will my case definitely go to trial?
Not always. Some cases resolve through dismissal, reduction, or negotiated disposition. Trial readiness still shapes leverage and outcomes.
Can process steps differ between courts?
Yes. Court rules, scheduling practices, and procedural posture can vary by court and charge type.
Early Action
The first decisions often shape the entire case.
If you or a family member has been charged, contact the office now for focused guidance on timeline and next steps.