N.M. Bernalillo Cnty. Metro. Ct. Outreach Court Policies 8

Program Completion

In order to successfully graduate from the program, the participant must show commitment and

progress in the areas of need as determined by their provider. The community provider will

provide an Advocacy Letter before the scheduled meaningful review date, outlining any

progress made by the participant. The Meaningful Review Team must all be in agreement in

order to close a case. Once a case has been closed, a commencement date, if available, will be

scheduled. The participant, provider and Defense Counsel will all be notified of the date and

location of the commencement ceremony. During the event, participants will be presented with a

graduation certificate signed by the Presiding Judge and the Program Project Specialist, as well

as a copy of their dismissal(s) and case closure paperwork. Additionally, the participant will be

provided with MVD clearance paperwork if applicable. If the participant is not able to attend the

commencement ceremony, the documents will be mailed to the provider. If a participant

successfully completes the program and later has another Outreach Court eligible case, the

team will consider allowing the individual to participate with the program again.

Occasionally, there may be a space of time between commencement ceremonies (due to public

health emergencies, weather delays, or other matters). When this occurs, the Program Project

Specialist will communicate directly with the community provider regarding the outcome of the

meaningful review hearing. The Program Project Specialist will mail the completion certificate,

dismissal/case closure documents and MVD clearance paperwork directly to the community

provider who will then provide the document to the participant.

Outreach Court is continually seeking opportunities to enhance the program and recognize the

work of the participants. When available, incentive gift cards may be utilized to recognize the

program completion of the participants.

Program Termination and Remand to the Trial Docket

The Outreach Court Program and its team will strive to assist the participant in successfully

completing the program. However, if the participant is unable to complete Outreach Court, the

case will be remanded back to the trial docket. The court will set a new trial date and a notice

will be provided, and the provider will be notified of remand. This should occur no later than 90

days from the referral in order to insure the participant’s right to a speedy trial. This remand

shall provide no prejudice to the participant for returning to the trial docket. If a participant loses

engagement with the provider, their review period will be reset to try and give the participant a

chance to re-engage. If that is still unsuccessful the case will be set for formal hearing and

notice will be mailed out. If the participant is still not in compliance it will go back on the original

court docket and the warrant may be reinstated.

Referrals after Outreach Court Remand

Individuals may be re-referred to Outreach Court after their case is remanded. Remand from

Outreach Court would occur because the referred individual was unengaged with program

requirements from the referring organization. Once re-referred, the individual will go through the

same screening process as first time referrals.

Outreach Court in the Community

The success of Outreach Court is dependent on the collaboration with our community partners.

To that end, the Outreach Court team, particularly the Program Project Specialist, will be

available to participate in community outreach events, provider presentations and community

resource days. The Program Project Specialist will ensure that all outreach related materials are

up to date and whenever possible utilize art work provided by program participants.