New Mexico Supreme Court Decisions 2024

Justia Opinion Summary: In this consolidated case, the defendants, Harold Atencio and Zaenan Chiaramonte, challenged the adequacy of the Miranda warnings they received before being questioned by law enforcement. Atencio was advised, "you have a…

Justia Opinion Summary: Kenneth and Kathy Zangara defaulted on a $2.3 million loan secured by a mortgage on their home. Bank of America (BOA), the original lender, filed a foreclosure action in 2011, which was dismissed in 2013 for lack of…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Julianna Pauline Montano, who was indicted for multiple charges, including DWI homicide, following a tragic accident. Montano pleaded guilty to DWI homicide, and the other charges were dismissed. The…

Justia Opinion Summary: Maile Soon and Jeannine Kammann were married when Soon conceived twins through assisted reproduction. Kammann was actively involved in the prenatal care and visited the twins after birth. However, the relationship…

Justia Opinion Summary: In 2016, the defendant, an attorney, began representing John Emry in his estate planning. Emry's neighbor and friend, the plaintiff, assisted Emry and communicated with the defendant on Emry's behalf. The defendant…

Justia Opinion Summary: Socorro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SEC), a rural electric cooperative, proposed a rate increase of approximately $1.25 million or 5.06% from its 2017 test year. SEC also sought to reallocate revenue collections among…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves a dispute over the interpretation of the Efficient Use of Energy Act (EUEA) regarding whether it mandates the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (the Commission) to approve a full revenue…

Justia Opinion Summary: Ana Lilia Cardenas, a special education teacher, injured her knee at work, resulting in both a physical impairment to her knee and a secondary mental impairment. The Workers’ Compensation Judge awarded her permanent…

Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court of New Mexico affirmed the decision of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) to deny Southwestern Public Service Company’s (SPS) application for a financial incentive under the Renewable…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Sandi Taylor and Mary Taylor, a mother and daughter duo who operated a licensed daycare in Portales, New Mexico. In July 2017, they transported twelve children to a nearby park for lunch and playtime.…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves the State of New Mexico and David Rael, who was charged with manufacturing, distributing, and possessing child pornography under the Sexual Exploitation of Children Act. Rael was the exclusive user of a…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Clive Phillips, who was convicted of six counts of aggravated battery and pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter. Phillips had attacked Adrian Carriaga and Alexzandria Buhl, killing…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Rudolph Amador, who was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges stemmed from allegations that Amador sexually abused his friend's…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves a dispute between Kevin Rawlings (Father) and Michelle Rawlings (Mother) who separated in 2015. The main point of contention was the primary physical custody of their two children. The district court…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case revolves around a dispute between Roy Padilla and Ray Torres, where Padilla, the landlord, filed a petition in the metropolitan court under the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA), alleging that Torres,…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case revolves around the defendant, Isaias Lobato-Rodriguez, who was convicted of second-degree murder. The victim, Connie Lopez, was found dead in a van that had crashed into a fence along a remote stretch of desert…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case revolves around CCA of Tennessee, LLC (CCA), a private prison corporation, and its dealings with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (the Department). CCA housed federal prisoners at the Torrance…

Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves a dispute over the jurisdiction of personal injury claims arising from incidents at tribal gaming facilities. The plaintiffs, Jeremiah Sipp and Hella Rader, filed a complaint against Buffalo Thunder,…

Justia Opinion Summary: In March 2013, Ramon Lorenzo and Leo Galindo, both armed, forced their way into the WOW Diner in Milan, New Mexico, after closing time. They confronted the owner, Richard Rivard, demanding money. During the…