Court to offer ‘safe surrender’ chance

The Santa Fe County Magistrate Court will offer a “safe surrender” opportunity to anyone who has an outstanding arrest warrant with the court.

Operation Safe Surrender does not provide amnesty, a news release said, “but does enable a wanted person to work with a judge and seek favorable consideration. An attorney from the Law Offices of The Public Defender will be available to assist in cases as may be necessary.”

Court Manager Michelle Portillo said, “This operation will offer those that have an outstanding warrant the opportunity to voluntarily surrender themselves, in a safe environment, and under favorable consideration.”

Anyone who appears on a traffic warrant can expect to have their case fully resolved or be set for a future court date, the statement said. For those appearing on warrants for other types of cases, such as DWI or misdemeanors, Portillo said, “the judges will make every attempt to resolve the issue and provide an opportunity to re-engage in their cases without having to be taken into custody.”

Most who surrender themselves will return home that same day, the release said, no longer a wanted person.

Operation Safe Surrender will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 and May 4. The court is located at 2056 Galisteo St.

If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding warrant, you can check online at www. nmcourts.gov.