§ 30-1-1 Name and effective date of code
§ 30-1-2 Application of code
§ 30-1-3 Construction of Criminal Code
§ 30-1-4 Crime defined
§ 30-1-5 Classification of crimes
§ 30-1-6 Classified crimes defined
§ 30-1-7 Degrees of felonies
§ 30-1-8 Time limitations for commencing prosecution
§ 30-1-9 Tolling of time limitation for prosecution for crimes
§ 30-1-9.1 Offenses against children; tolling of statute of limitations
§ 30-1-9.2 Criminal sexual penetration; tolling of statute of limitations
§ 30-1-10 Double jeopardy
§ 30-1-11 Criminal sentence permitted only upon conviction
§ 30-1-12 Definitions
§ 30-1-13 Accessory
§ 30-1-14 Venue
§ 30-1-15 Alleged victims of domestic abuse, stalking or sexual assault; forbearance of costs
§ 30-1-16 Defense based on victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation prohibited
criminal case

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Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes > Chapter 30 > Article 1 - General Provisions

  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.