New Mexico Statutes Chapter 35. Magistrate and Municipal Courts § 35-2-5. Qualification; failure to qualify

A. Any judicial act is void if performed by a magistrate prior to the issuance to him of a certificate of magistrate qualification or during any period of suspension or revocation of the certificate, and the magistrate is personally liable for any damages resulting from such act.

B. No compensation shall be paid to any magistrate for any period of time during which he did not hold a valid certificate of magistrate qualification.