These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Talk about what is in the way
You can ask"Is your record keeping you from a job, housing, or something else?"
You can ask"Was the case in New Mexico? Do you know which court?"
2Learn if the record might be cleared
You can say"New Mexico lets some records be cleared from public view. It depends on the case."
New Mexico Courts - Criminal Record Expungement
Forms and information to expunge (clear) a criminal record
505-827-4850
· Statewide phone/online
3Get the case details first
You can ask"Do you have any old court papers with case numbers and dates?"
Felonies are in District Court. Misdemeanors and DWI are in Magistrate Court.
Sixth Judicial District Court - Grant County Clerk
District court clerk (felony, divorce, custody, protection orders, name changes)
575-538-3250 ext. 2
Silver City (address shared by phone) · Clerk Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (open over lunch); court 8am-5pm
Grant County Magistrate Court - Division I (Silver City)
Magistrate court clerk (Silver City)
575-538-3811
214 N Black St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (open over lunch)
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
FBI Identity History Summary (your federal rap sheet)
304-625-5590
4Get free legal help
New Mexico Courts HelpLine (Administrative Office of the Courts)
Free court and civil legal information line
855-268-7804
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
New Mexico State Bar Foundation - Modest Means Helpline
Legal advice and lawyer referrals for low and moderate income people
505-797-6013 or 888-857-9935
· Mon-Fri 8am-5pm MT (leave voicemail)
5Work while they wait
Federal Bonding Program (through NM Workforce Connection)
Free job-honesty bond to help people with records get hired
575-538-3737
420 W. Broadway St., Silver City · Job center weekday hours
Honest Jobs
Fair-chance job board for people with criminal records
Use the guide "Needs a job".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.