If the accusation provided in this chapter, to be presented by the district attorney, is presented at a time when there is no jury in attendance or is presented to the court in vacation, the court, if it deems such action necessary, after ordering a citation to the defendant as provided in the next preceding section [10-4-19 N.M. Stat. Ann.], may, on application of the district attorney, also order the defendant to appear at a time not less than five nor more than fifteen days after service of such order and at such place as may be mentioned in the order, to show cause why he should not be suspended from office until the matters and things alleged in the accusation have been judicially determined under the provisions of this chapter.

Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 10-4-20

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.