// Process timeline + Arrest steps + Expungement const ProcessTimeline = ({ city }) => { const c = CITIES[city]; const [active, setActive] = React.useState(0); return (
05 · THE PROCESS

From arrest to expungement.

Eight stages. The earlier we're involved, the more options you have — bond, charging decisions, and detention motions all happen in the first 24 hours.

{/* Timeline rail */}
{PROCESS.map((s, i) => ( ))}
{/* Active step detail */}
STAGE
{PROCESS[active].n}

{PROCESS[active].h}

{PROCESS[active].b}

WHERE · IN {c.name.toUpperCase()}
{PROCESS[active].city}
{/* Nav arrows */}
); }; const IfArrested = () => { const [open, setOpen] = React.useState(0); return (
06 · IF YOU'VE BEEN ARRESTED

Five things to do right now.

The hours and days after an arrest shape everything that follows. Even if you can't reach a lawyer this minute, these five hold up.

    {ARREST_STEPS.map((s, i) => { const isOpen = open === i; return (
  • {isOpen && (

    {s.b}

    )}
    • ); })}
); }; // Expungement section — waiting periods table + 2 tracks const ExpungementSection = ({ city }) => { const c = CITIES[city]; const courthouse = city === "abq" ? "Second Judicial District Court · 400 Lomas Blvd. NW" : "Third Judicial District Court · 201 W. Picacho Ave."; return (
07 · AFTER THE CASE

Clear your record.

Resolving the criminal case is step one. Clearing the record is step two. Expungement under the Criminal Record Expungement Act (NMSA § 29-3A) seals records from public databases and lets you legally answer "no" to most arrest and conviction questions.

{/* Two tracks */}
TRACK A · NON-CONVICTION · § 29-3A-4

If your case ended without a conviction.

Dismissals, acquittals, nolle prosequi, pre-prosecution diversion, conditional discharges, and certain Motor Vehicle Code deferred sentences.

WAIT 1 year from final disposition STANDARD Court shall grant if you qualify HEARING Often unnecessary TYPICAL TIME 4–6 months end-to-end
TRACK B · CONVICTION · § 29-3A-5

If you were convicted.

Discretionary. You must show "justice will be served" — a written narrative addressing five statutory factors. This is where most denied petitions fall apart.

WAIT 2–10 years (offense-dependent) STANDARD Court may grant or deny HEARING Mandatory TYPICAL TIME 7–10 months end-to-end
{/* Waiting periods table */}
CONVICTION-TRACK WAITING PERIODS
{[ ["Municipal ordinance violation", "2 yrs"], ["Misdemeanor (general)", "2 yrs"], ["Aggravated battery misdemeanor (§ 30-3-5(B))", "4 yrs"], ["Fourth-degree felony", "4 yrs"], ["Third-degree felony", "6 yrs"], ["Second-degree felony", "8 yrs"], ["First-degree felony", "10 yrs"], ["Crimes Against Household Members Act offense", "10 yrs"] ].map(([k, v], i) => ( ))}
Offense category Wait
{k} {v}

Clock runs from the date you completed your last sentence in any jurisdiction — not just the case you want expunged.

{/* What's excluded */}
PERMANENTLY EXCLUDED · § 29-3A-5(G)

Five categories of convictions cannot be expunged at any waiting period: offenses against a child · offenses that caused great bodily harm or death · SORNA sex offenses · embezzlement · DWI offenses involving alcohol or drugs. Non-conviction outcomes for the same charges may still qualify.

{/* Cross-link to expungementnewmexico.com */}
FULL EXPUNGEMENT GUIDE
Step-by-step guides, every form, every fee.
expungementnewmexico.com →
{/* File-where callout */}
FILE AT
{courthouse}
Petitions file in the district where the case originated.
FILING FEE
$132.00
Waivable via Form 4-222 if you can't afford it.
SERVE
{c.county} DA · NM DPS LERB · arresting agency
30 days objection (non-conviction) · 60 days (conviction).
); }; Object.assign(window, { ProcessTimeline, IfArrested, ExpungementSection });