State Supreme Court issues order to extend payment of fines/fees

SANTA FE (KSMX) – The state Supreme Court has issued an order extending the payment of fines and fees for 30 days to help financially struggling New Mexicans and reduce the number of people who appear in courthouses to resolve traffic and other cases, per a press release from the state officials.

“We understand New Mexicans are facing financial difficulties during this public health emergency and providing more time to pay fines and fees will offer temporary relief,” Chief Justice Judith K. Nakamura said.

The Supreme Court’s order will add 30 days to the payment deadline imposed by a magistrate, metropolitan, district or municipal court for fines and fees that must be paid between March 19 and May 29, 2020. The extension does not apply to amounts past due. People with questions about their payment deadline should contact the court that imposed the penalties.

The payment extension potentially affects thousands of New Mexicans. About 100,000 traffic cases were filed in magistrate courts statewide in 2019.