Section 31-15-4 - Chief public defender; qualifications. - New Mexico Statutes

31-15-4. Chief public defender; qualifications.

A.     The governor shall appoint the chief who shall be the administrative head of the department. Any vacancy in the office of the chief shall be filled by appointment of the governor.   

B.     The governor shall appoint as chief only a person with the following qualifications:   

(1)     an attorney licensed to practice law in the highest court of this state;   

(2)     an attorney whose practice of law has been continuously active for at least five years immediately preceding the date of this appointment; and   

(3)     an attorney whose practice of law has clearly demonstrated experience in defense or prosecution of persons accused of crime in this state.   

C.     The chief shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.