Hobbs Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hobbs, New Mexico?
Arrest records are public documents in Hobbs, New Mexico, pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 to 14-2-12. This statute establishes that all public records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to citizens and members of the public. The legislation serves to promote governmental transparency, ensure accountability of law enforcement operations, and uphold the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings within the jurisdiction.
The custodian of public records in Hobbs is required by law to provide reasonable access to arrest records upon request, subject only to specific statutory exemptions. These exemptions generally pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1(A)(8).
Requesters seeking arrest records in Hobbs should note that while the information is public, certain administrative procedures must be followed to obtain these documents. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements.
How to Look Up Hobbs Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Hobbs, New Mexico. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these documents:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly to the Records Division of the Hobbs Police Department located at 300 N. Dal Paso Street, Hobbs, NM 88240. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification must be presented at the time of request.
Written Correspondence: Formal written requests may be submitted via U.S. mail to the Lea County Sheriff's Office, Records Division, 1417 S. Commercial Street, Lovington, NM 88260. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Electronic Submissions: The Hobbs Police Department accepts requests through their online portal. Requesters must complete the Public Records Request Form available on the official department website.
Judicial Access Points: Public access terminals are available at the Lea County Judicial Complex, 100 N. Main Street, Lovington, NM 88260, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 14-2-8, the custodian of records must respond to requests within fifteen calendar days after receiving a written request. If the request is deemed excessively burdensome or broad, the custodian may request additional time as permitted by statute.
Contents of a Hobbs Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Hobbs, New Mexico typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by the New Mexico Criminal Records Act and departmental policies:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases or alternative names, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
- Jurisdictional Information: The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Criminal Charges: Enumeration of all charges filed, including citation of applicable New Mexico statutes and municipal codes allegedly violated
- Case Processing Data: Booking number, case identification numbers, and court docket information
- Biometric Identifiers: Fingerprint classifications and photographic images (mugshots) taken during the booking process
- Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention
- Procedural Notations: Documentation of Miranda warnings and other procedural requirements
It should be noted that pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-10-7, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly when disclosure might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger witnesses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hobbs
The State of New Mexico provides statutory mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Hobbs and throughout the state. The Criminal Record Expungement Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 29-3A-1 to 29-3A-9, establishes the legal framework governing this process.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Arrest Without Conviction: Individuals arrested but not subsequently charged with a crime may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest.
- Dismissal or Acquittal: Persons whose charges were dismissed or who were acquitted at trial may petition for expungement immediately upon final disposition.
- Completed Sentence: Those who have completed all terms of their sentence, including probation or parole, may petition after specified waiting periods based on offense classification.
- Juvenile Records: Special provisions apply to arrests occurring when the petitioner was a minor, pursuant to the Children's Code, NMSA 1978, § 32A-2-26.
The expungement petition must be filed with the district court in the judicial district where the arrest occurred. For Hobbs arrests, petitions are typically filed with:
Fifth Judicial District Court
100 N. Main Street
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 396-8571
Fifth Judicial District Court
Upon granting of an expungement order, all records of the arrest are sealed from public inspection. Law enforcement agencies, detention centers, and courts are required to remove these records from publicly accessible databases and files. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in NMSA 1978, § 29-3A-7.
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