Rule 6-409 NMRA
Rule 6-409. Pretrial detention.
A. Scope. This rule governs the procedure for the prosecutor to file a motion for
pretrial detention in the magistrate and district court while a case is pending in the
magistrate court. Notwithstanding the right to pretrial release under Article II, Section 13
of the New Mexico Constitution and Rule 6-401 NMRA, under Article II, Section 13 and
Rule 5-409 NMRA, the district court may order the detention pending trial of a defendant
charged with a felony offense if the prosecutor files a motion for an expedited pretrial
detention hearing and proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release
conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community.
B. Motion for pretrial detention. The prosecutor may file a motion for an expedited
pretrial detention hearing at any time in the magistrate court. The motion shall include
the specific facts that warrant pretrial detention and shall specify whether the state is
requesting a preliminary examination to establish probable cause. If the state requests a
preliminary examination, the motion shall also specify whether the state is requesting
that an expedited pretrial detention hearing be held concurrently.
C. Determination of probable cause. If a motion for pretrial detention is filed in the
magistrate court and a probable cause determination has not been made, the
magistrate court shall determine probable cause under Rule 6-203 NMRA. If the court
finds no probable cause, the court shall order the immediate personal recognizance
release of the defendant under Rule 6-203 NMRA and shall deny the motion for pretrial
detention without prejudice.
D. Determination of motion by district court. If probable cause has been found,
the magistrate court shall proceed to conduct the defendant’s first appearance under
Rule 6-501 NMRA and thereafter promptly send to the district court clerk a copy of the
motion for pretrial detention, the criminal complaint, and all other papers filed in the
case. The magistrate court shall then close the case and its jurisdiction shall be
terminated, and the district court shall acquire exclusive jurisdiction over the case,
except as provided in Rule 5-409(I) NMRA.