Dona Ana County, NM Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under New Mexico Judicial District Court Security Order (Dona Ana County), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. Yes. Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide New Mexico court rule to Dona Ana County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (575) 523-8200 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces)
- Address
- 201 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (575) 523-8200
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~804 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.nmcourts.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Dona Ana County Juror Parking Facility (Las Cruces Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Dona Ana County Juror Garage in downtown Las Cruces. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Las Cruces local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Dona Ana County)
Authority: New Mexico Judicial District Court Security Order (Dona Ana County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (New Mexico); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Dona Ana County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) Security Checkpoint Order: "General visitors must check cell phones in the security vestibule or leave them in their vehicles. Summoned jurors and attorneys are permitted devices in designated areas."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · Lockers at door (Free) | “Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) Security Checkpoint Order: "General visitors must check cell phones in the security vestibule or leave them in their vehicles. Summoned jurors and attorneys are permitted devices in designated areas."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | Lockers available (Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (lobby lockers: Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Dona Ana County Juror Parking Facility (Las Cruces Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Dona Ana County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Dona Ana County Juror Parking Facility (Las Cruces Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) Security Checkpoint Order: "General visitors must check cell phones in the security vestibule or leave them in their vehicles. Summoned jurors and attorneys are permitted devices in designated areas."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Dona Ana County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) Security Checkpoint Order: "General visitors must check cell phones in the security vestibule or leave them in their vehicles. Summoned jurors and attorneys are permitted devices in designated areas."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Dona Ana County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 201 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005 |
Banned for Public | Free lockers at security | Validated free (Dona Ana County Juror Parking Facility (Las Cruces Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Dona Ana County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Use the lobby lockers (free) before the metal detector. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Dona Ana County, NM
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Dona Ana County, NM, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Dona Ana County Courthouse in Las Cruces, NM?
No for the general public. Under New Mexico Judicial District Court Security Order (Dona Ana County), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Dona Ana County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
Yes. Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush.
Where do I park for jury duty at Dona Ana County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Dona Ana County Juror Parking Facility (Las Cruces Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Dona Ana County Juror Garage in downtown Las Cruces. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Dona Ana County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Dona Ana County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Dona Ana County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (575) 523-8200 or consult a local Dona Ana County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- New Mexico jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in New Mexico
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Dona Ana County Courthouse (Las Cruces)? Submit a verified update.