Property That is Evidence of a Crime

• Is usually held by the Sheriff Office until there is a disposition in the case and all judicial proceedings have been completed 

• Cannot be released until the District Attorney or the case officer advise the Evidence Technicians that the property can be released 
  • A notification card is sent to the last known address of the property owner when the property is able to be released.

The Property and Evidence Section is responsible for the intake, storage, and disposition of all property and/or evidence categorized as general evidence, controlled substance, money, jewelry, and weapons. Evidence received is properly documented, charted, and tracked throughout the system utilizing computer generated barcode labels. The evidence is preserved and maintained, whereby it can be located and presented at any given moment.

Release of Property

• Monday – Thursday 1:00pm to 3:00 pm (closed holidays)

• Requires valid identification 

• May require some proof of ownership, depending on the circumstances 
  • Evidence Technicians will notify inquiring individuals if this is necessary for the property in question.

• Pursuant to Section 29-1-14, NMSA 1978, if the property is unclaimed and in our possession for more than ninety (90) days, it will be disposed of in accordance with this applicable State Law and you will not be allowed to claim your property. Unless otherwise notified.

Reasonable effort will be made to return found property and evidence that has been authorized for release, to the rightful owner.

1. Valid photo identification (any government-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card, military ID, passport, etc.) is required when you retrieve your property.