# Title, Purpose and Definitions ........................................................................2 (2026) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_pojoaque%3A59fc55baf6673694 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE LAW AND ORDER CODE 2026 Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................1 Subpart A Title, Purpose and Definitions ........................................................................2 A-1 Title & Citation ........................................................................................................2 A-2 Purpose.....................................................................................................................2 A-3 Definitions................................................................................................................2 A-4 Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Name..............................................................................3 Subpart B Judicial Power and the Courts........................................................................4 B-1 Jurisdiction ...............................................................................................................4 B-2 Judicial Power ..........................................................................................................4 B-3 The Tribal Court ......................................................................................................4 B-4 The Court of Appeals ...............................................................................................5 B-5 Right of Appeal ........................................................................................................6 B-6 Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Path to Wellness) Court ...........................................6 B-7 (***) Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Youth Path to Wellness) Court .......................7 Subpart C Jurisdiction of the Tribal Court .....................................................................8 C-1 Territorial Jurisdiction of the Tribal Court ..............................................................8 C-2 Personal Jurisdiction ................................................................................................8 C-3 Exclusive Original Jurisdiction ................................................................................9 C-4 Actions By or Against Pueblo Officers or Employees ............................................9 C-5 Civil Jurisdiction ......................................................................................................9 C-6 Criminal Jurisdiction..............................................................................................10 C-7 Probate Jurisdiction ................................................................................................10 C-8 Juvenile Jurisdiction...............................................................................................10 C-9 Service of Process ..................................................................................................10 C-10 Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Path to Wellness) Court Jurisdiction ......................11 C-11 (***) Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Youth Path to Wellness) Court Jurisdiction .11 Subpart D Administration of the Court .........................................................................13 D-1 Court Rules ............................................................................................................13 D-2 Tribal Court Fees & Costs .....................................................................................13 D-3 Court Fees & Costs Guidelines ..............................................................................14 D-4 Coroners .................................................................................................................15 D-5 Tribal Police ...........................................................................................................15 D-6 Police Training .......................................................................................................15 D-7 Tribal Ranger .........................................................................................................17 D-8 Tribal Ranger Training ..........................................................................................17 D-9 Dismissal ................................................................................................................18 D-10 Return of Equipment ..............................................................................................18 Subpart E Court Officials ................................................................................................19 E-1 Officers of the Courts.............................................................................................19 E-2 Court Clerk.............................................................................................................19 E-3 Representation Before the Tribal Court .................................................................19 E-4 Tribal Court Standards for Practitioners Appearing Before the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court ......................................................................................................19 E-5 Legal Department and Paralegal Fees....................................................................21 i E-6 E-7 E-8 Subpart F F-1 F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 Subpart G G-1 G-2 G-3 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 G-8 G-9 G-10 G-11 G-12 G-13 G-14 G-15 G-16 G-17 G-18 G-19 G-20 G-21 G-22 G-23 G-24 G-25 G-26 G-27 G-28 G-29 G-30 G-31 G-32 Attorney-Client Privilege .......................................................................................21 Public Records .......................................................................................................21 Copies of Laws ......................................................................................................21 Rules of Procedure – General .......................................................................22 Issuance of Subpoenas ..........................................................................................22 Service of Subpoena .............................................................................................22 Failure to Obey Subpoena .....................................................................................22 Witness Fees .........................................................................................................22 Trial Procedures ....................................................................................................22 Jury Trials .............................................................................................................23 Contempt of Court ................................................................................................24 Notice Code ..........................................................................................................24 Rules of Civil Procedure ................................................................................27 Scope of Rules; Construction; Alternate Source ...................................................27 Sovereign Immunity...............................................................................................28 Time .......................................................................................................................28 Definitions..............................................................................................................28 Jurisdiction .............................................................................................................29 Statute of Limitations.............................................................................................29 Representation........................................................................................................30 Interpreters .............................................................................................................30 Telephonic Appearance .........................................................................................30 Start of a Civil Case ...............................................................................................31 Service and Filing ..................................................................................................31 Pleadings, Motions, and Orders .............................................................................32 Answering the Petition ...........................................................................................33 Form of Pleadings ..................................................................................................34 Amending Pleadings; Dismissing Petition.............................................................35 Pre-Trial Conferences ............................................................................................35 Parties .....................................................................................................................35 Adding Parties to a Case ........................................................................................35 Discovery ...............................................................................................................36 Scheduling Cases for Trial .....................................................................................37 Consolidation; Separate Trials ...............................................................................37 Evidence .................................................................................................................37 Burden of Proof......................................................................................................38 Determination of Foreign Law...............................................................................38 Subpoenas ..............................................................................................................38 Jury Trials ..............................................................................................................38 Jurors ......................................................................................................................39 Special Verdicts .....................................................................................................40 Instructions to the Jury ...........................................................................................40 Directed Verdict; Judgment as a Matter of Law; Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict..............................................................................................................40 Findings by the Court.............................................................................................40 Disability or Disqualification of a Judge ...............................................................40 ii G-33 G-34 G-35 G-36 G-37 G-38 G-39 G-40 G-41 G-42 Subpart H H-1 H-2 H-3 H-4 H-5 H-6 H-7 H-8 H-9 H-10 H-11 H-12 H-13 H-14 H-15 H-16 H-17 H-18 H-19 H-20 H-21 H-22 H-23 H-24 Subpart I I-1 I-2 I-3 I-4 I-5 I-6 I-7 I-8 I-9 I-10 Judgment ................................................................................................................41 Default....................................................................................................................41 Summary Judgment ...............................................................................................42 New Trials; Amendments of Judgment .................................................................42 Relief from Judgment or Order ..............................................................................42 Harmless Error .......................................................................................................43 Execution ...............................................................................................................43 Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment ..........................................................44 Injunction/Restraining Order .................................................................................44 Appeal ....................................................................................................................45 Rules of Criminal Procedure ........................................................................45 Complaints .............................................................................................................45 Arrests ....................................................................................................................47 RESERVED ...........................................................................................................47 RESERVED ...........................................................................................................47 Arrest Warrants ......................................................................................................47 Notification of Rights at the Time of Arrest ..........................................................47 Summons in Lieu of a Warrant ..............................................................................47 Hot Pursuit .............................................................................................................47 Search Warrant – Defined ......................................................................................47 Issuance of Search Warrant ...................................................................................47 Execution and Return of Search Warrant ..............................................................48 Search Without a Warrant ......................................................................................48 Contraband, Confiscated and Abandoned Property ...............................................48 Arraignment ...........................................................................................................48 Rights of Accused at Arraignment .........................................................................48 Receipt of Plea at Arraignment ..............................................................................48 Bail – Release Prior to Trial...................................................................................49 Bail – Release by Police Officer ............................................................................49 Bail – Release Pending Appeal ..............................................................................49 Withdrawal of Guilty Plea .....................................................................................50 Commitments .........................................................................................................50 Taking Minor Children into Custody.....................................................................50 Cooperation by Federal Employee.........................................................................51 Searches, Seizures and Forfeitures ........................................................................51 Sentencing .....................................................................................................56 Nature of Sentences ..............................................................................................56 Sentences of Imprisonment ...................................................................................56 Payment of Fines...................................................................................................56 Failure or Inability to Pay Fines............................................................................56 Commutation of Sentence .....................................................................................57 Suspension of Sentence: Probation .......................................................................57 Violation of Suspended Sentence .........................................................................57 Disposition of Fines ..............................................................................................57 Civil Remedies not Precluded ...............................................................................58 Community Service for Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Members ...............................58 iii I-11 I-12 I-13 I-14 I-15 I-16 Subpart J J-1 J-2 J-3 J-4 J-5 J-6 J-7 J-8 J-9 J-10 J-11 J-12 J-13 J-14 J-15 J-16 J-17 J-18 J-19 J-20 J-21 J-22 J-23 J-24 J-25 Subpart K K-1 K-2 K-3 K-4 Subpart L L-1 L-2 L-3 L-4 L-5 L-6 Cost of Incarceration Fines for Criminal Offenses ................................................58 Payroll Policy for Incarcerated Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Members ...................58 Weatherization Funds to Pay Debts Owed to the Tribal Government/Tribal Court ..........................................................................................................................58 Weatherization Checks for Incarcerated Felons ....................................................58 Sex Offender Notification Registration .................................................................59 Installment Payments of Tribal Disbursements for Justice-Involved Tribal Members ..........................................................................................................59 Civil Actions ...................................................................................................60 Judgments – Notice ...............................................................................................60 Law Applicable in Civil Suits ...............................................................................60 Tribal Waivers of Sovereign Immunity ................................................................60 Judgments in Civil Actions ...................................................................................61 Costs in Civil Actions ...........................................................................................61 Payment of Judgments ..........................................................................................61 Full Faith and Credit to Foreign Judgments .........................................................61 Appeal – Timing & Filing Fees ............................................................................62 Processing Foreign Court Orders Regarding Garnishment and Levies ................63 Repossessions ........................................................................................................63 Unlawful Use of Identification Cards and Documents ..........................................63 Civil Liability for Conversion ................................................................................64 Harassment Ordinance ...........................................................................................64 Firearms Registration .............................................................................................65 Limited Liability of Hotelkeepers to Guests on the Pueblo of Pojoaque ..............65 Threats or Physical Harm to Elected or Appointed Officials ................................65 Heroin Control Act ................................................................................................66 Graffiti and Vandalism Ordinance .........................................................................67 Civil Forfeiture Code .............................................................................................68 Skateboard, Scooter, Roller Skates, and Bicycles Ordinance ................................70 Incorporation of Subpart M as Civil Infractions ....................................................71 Housing Code.........................................................................................................74 Leasehold Mortgages .............................................................................................90 Installment Payments for Members Struggling with Substance Misuse .............101 Illegal Opioids and Stimulants Control Act .........................................................102 Domestic Relations .......................................................................................104 Marriage and Divorce ..........................................................................................104 Determination of Heirs ........................................................................................106 Probate of Wills ...................................................................................................106 Domestic Violence Ordinance .............................................................................107 The Children’s Code (2022 Restatement) ..................................................108 Statement of Policy .............................................................................................108 Definitions...........................................................................................................109 Children’s Court Established ..............................................................................114 Jurisdiction of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Children’s Court ...................................115 Children’s Court Rules of Procedure - General ..................................................117 Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect ..........................................................119 iv L-7 L-8 L-9 L-10 L-11 L-12 L-13 L-14 L-15 L-16 L-17 L-18 L-19 L-20 L-21 L-22 L-23 L-24 L-25 L-26 Subpart M M-1 M-2 M-3 M-4 M-5 M-6 M-7 M-8 M-9 M-10 M-11 M-12 M-13 M-14 M-15 M-16 M-17 M-18 M-19 M-20 M-21 M-22 M-23 M-24 M-25 Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations/Interagency Cooperation ....................120 Taking a Child into Protective Custody ..............................................................122 Placement Preferences ........................................................................................123 Initiating Children’s Court Proceedings .............................................................124 Children’s Court First Hearing ...........................................................................126 Guardian ad Litem/Youth Attorney ....................................................................128 Active Efforts/Case Plan/Staffings ....................................................................129 Out of Home Placement Status Hearings and Updates .......................................130 Adjudication/Fact Finding Hearing ....................................................................130 Order after an Adjudication of Abuse or Neglect ...............................................131 Permanency Review/Status Conferences. ...........................................................133 Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings .....................................................................134 Confidentiality and Destruction of Records. ......................................................135 Permanent Suspension or Termination of Parental Rights. ................................135 Adoption .............................................................................................................144 School Attendance Policy ...................................................................................148 Policy and Procedures of Child Protection Team ...............................................148 Foster Care Standards .........................................................................................150 Forgiveness of Foster Care Debt.........................................................................158 Curfew for Minors ..............................................................................................159 Criminal Offenses ........................................................................................161 Definitions............................................................................................................161 Abduction .............................................................................................................161 Aiding and Abetting .............................................................................................162 Assault..................................................................................................................162 Battery ..................................................................................................................162 Bigamy .................................................................................................................163 Bribery – Giving ..................................................................................................163 Bribery – Receiving .............................................................................................163 Bribery – Soliciting ..............................................................................................163 Carrying a Concealed Weapon ............................................................................164 Child Molesting ...................................................................................................164 Conspiracy ...........................................................................................................165 Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor........................................................165 Criminal Negligence ............................................................................................165 Criminal Trespass ................................................................................................166 Cruelty to Animals ...............................................................................................166 Disobedience of Lawful Order of the Court ........................................................166 Disorderly Conduct ..............................................................................................166 Disposing of Property of an Estate ......................................................................167 Escape ..................................................................................................................167 Extortion ..............................................................................................................167 Failure to Submit to Treatment for a Contagious Disease ...................................168 Failure to Send Children to School ......................................................................168 Failure to Support ................................................................................................168 Forgery .................................................................................................................169 v M-26 M-27 M-28 M-29 M-30 M-31 M-32 M-33 M-34 M-35 M-36 M-37 M-38 M-39 M-40 M-41 M-42 M-43 M-44 M-45 M-46 M-47 M-48 M-49 M-50 M-51 M-52 M-53 M-54 M-55 M-56 M-57 M-58 M-59 M-60 Subpart N N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4 N-5 N-6 N-7 N-8 N-9 Fraud ....................................................................................................................169 Gambling..............................................................................................................169 Unlawful Restraint ...............................................................................................170 Indecent Exposure ................................................................................................170 Inhaling Toxic Vapors .........................................................................................170 Interfering with an Officer ...................................................................................170 Joyriding ..............................................................................................................171 Liquor Violation...................................................................................................171 Littering................................................................................................................171 Maintaining a Public Nuisance ............................................................................172 Misusing Property ................................................................................................172 Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs ..........................................................................172 Perjury ..................................................................................................................172 Possession of Marijuana ......................................................................................173 Prostitution ...........................................................................................................173 Public Intoxication ...............................................................................................173 Receiving Stolen Property ...................................................................................173 Refusing to Aid an Officer ...................................................................................173 Removal or Destruction of Antiquities ................................................................174 Shoplifting............................................................................................................174 Theft .....................................................................................................................175 Unlawful Burning ................................................................................................175 Malicious Mischief ..............................................................................................175 Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drug ..............................175 Possession of a Weapon While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drug ........................................................................................................................176 Shooting in Residential Areas ..............................................................................177 Threats or Physical Harm to Elected or Appointed Officials ..............................177 Act to Deter the Harboring of Fugitives and Criminals .......................................178 Disenrollment Policy for Enrolled Members Convicted of Trafficking ..............179 Trafficking in Illegal Drugs .................................................................................179 Dangerous Drugs Policy ......................................................................................180 Heroin Control Act ..............................................................................................181 Prohibited Cannabis Activities ...........................................................................182 Illegal Opioids and Stimulants Control Act ........................................................183 Crimes of Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction ..................................................185 Land, Livestock and Area Regulations ......................................................194 Cutting Green Timber without Permission ..........................................................194 Branding Livestock of Another ...........................................................................194 Failure to Control Livestock – Diseases or Parasites...........................................194 Game Violation ....................................................................................................194 Grazing, Introduction without a Permit ...............................................................195 Making False Reports of Stock Owned ...............................................................195 Refusal to Brand or Mark Livestock ....................................................................195 Refusal to Dispose a Cull or Infected Animal .....................................................195 Unauthorized Use of Range .................................................................................196 vi N-10 N-11 N-12 N-13 N-14 N-15 N-16 N-17 Subpart O O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6 O-7 O-8 O-9 Subpart P P-1 P-2 P-3 P-4 P-5 P-6 P-7 P-8 P-9 P-10 P-11 Subpart Qa Qa-1 Qa-2 Qa-3 Qa-4 Qa-5 Qa-6 Qa-7 Qa-8 Qa-9 Qa-10 Qa-11 Qa-12 Qa-13 Qa-14 Qa-15 Unauthorized Fencing ..........................................................................................196 Violation of Regulation........................................................................................196 Other Actions not Precluded ................................................................................196 Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers Regulations ...................................................197 Animal Control Regulations ................................................................................197 Vicious Animal Ordinance ..................................................................................198 Land Assignments ................................................................................................198 Farm Animals.......................................................................................................203 Traffic Violations .........................................................................................208 New Mexico State Motor Vehicle Code Incorporated ........................................208 Enactment of the Civil Traffic Code ....................................................................208 Reservation of Civil Jurisdiction in Highway Construction Rights of Way ........208 Prohibiting the Use of Jake Brakes ......................................................................209 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Motorbikes and Off-Highway Vehicles ..............209 Highway Construction Ordinance to Double Civil Traffic Fines ........................209 Highway Safety Corridor Fines for State Road 502 ............................................209 Confiscation of Unregistered/Uninsured Motor Vehicles ...................................209 Stopping, Standing and Parking Ordinance .........................................................210 Removal and Exclusion ...............................................................................217 Who May be Removed .......................................................................................217 Hearing, Removal and Release ...........................................................................217 Delivery to State or Federal Authorities .............................................................217 Illegal Aliens & Unauthorized Persons...............................................................217 Household Residency Restrictions .....................................................................218 RESERVED ........................................................................................................218 Orders of Exclusion/Removal of Non-Members ................................................218 Exclusion of Sexual Offenders ...........................................................................219 Exclusion from Entering Gaming Facilities and Parking Areas .........................219 Apprehension in Reservation Area ......................................................................222 Hearing and Release ............................................................................................222 Secured Transaction Code ..........................................................................223 Part 1 General Provisions...................................................................................223 Short Title ...........................................................................................................223 Sovereign Immunity............................................................................................223 Purpose................................................................................................................223 No Application To Property Not Alienable ........................................................223 Reserved ..............................................................................................................223 General Definitions .............................................................................................223 Notice- Knowledge .............................................................................................238 Value ...................................................................................................................239 Lease Distinguished from Security Interest ........................................................239 General Scope .........................................................................................................1 Excluded Transactions ............................................................................................2 Administration of Code...........................................................................................3 Obligation of Good Faith ........................................................................................3 Course of Performance, Course of Dealing and Usage of Trade ............................3 vii Qa-16 Qa-17 Qa-18 Qa-19 Qa-20 Qa-21 Qa-22 Qa-23 Qa-24 Qa-25 Qa-26 Qa-27 Qa-28 Qa-29 Qa-30 Qa-31 Qa-32 Qa-33 Qa-34 Qa-35 Qa-36 Qa-37 Qa-38 Qa-39 Qa-40 Qa-41 Qa-42 Qa-43 Qa-44 Qa-45 Qa-46 Qa-47 Qa-48 Qa-49 Qa-50 Purchase- Money Security Interest .........................................................................4 Sufficiency of Description ......................................................................................6 Parties’ Power to Choose Applicable Law .............................................................6 General Effectiveness Of Security Agreement § 9-201 ...........................................6 Attachment And Enforceability Of Security Interest; Proceeds; Formal Requisites ............................................................................................................................7 After-Acquired Collateral; Future Advances ...........................................................8 Rights And Duties When Collateral Is In Secured Party’s Possession Or Control 8 Additional Duties Of Certain Secured Parties ........................................................9 No Interest Retained In Right To Payment That Is Sold; Retained Power Of Seller Of Account Or Chattel Paper .............................................................................9 Request For Accounting; Request Regarding List Of Collateral Or Statement Of Account ............................................................................................................10 PART 3- PERFECTION AND PRIORITY ..........................................................10 Law Governing Perfection And Priority Of Security Interests .............................10 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................11 Law Governing Perfection And Priority Of Security Interests In Goods Covered By A Certificate Of Title .................................................................................11 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................11 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................12 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................12 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................12 When Security Interest Or Agricultural Lien Is Perfected; Continuity Of Perfection ..........................................................................................................................12 Security Interest Perfected Upon Attachment.......................................................12 When Filing Required To Perfect Security Interest Or Agricultural Lien; Security Interests And Agricultural Liens To Which Filing Provisions Do Not Apply 13 Perfection Of Security Interests In Property Subject To Certain Laws, Regulations, And Treaties .....................................................................................................14 Perfection Of Security Interests In Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Documents, Goods Covered By Documents, Instruments, And Money; Perfection By Permissive Filing; Temporary Perfection Without Filing Or Transfer Of Possession ........................................................................................................14 When Possession By Secured Party Perfects Security Interest Without Filing ....16 Perfection By Control ...........................................................................................17 Secured Party’s Rights On Disposition Of Collateral And In Proceeds ...............17 Continued Perfection Of Security Interest Following Change In Governing Law ..........................................................................................................................18 Interests That Take Priority Over Security Interest Or Agricultural Lien ............20 Particular Priority Rules ........................................................................................21 Priority Of Security Interests In Fixtures And Crops ...........................................25 Accessions.............................................................................................................26 Commingled Goods ..............................................................................................27 Priority Of Security Interests In Goods Covered By Certificate Of Title.............28 Priority Subject To Subordination ........................................................................28 Alienability Of Debtor’s Rights ............................................................................28 viii Qa-51 Qa-52 Qa-53 Qa-54 Secured Party Not Obligated On Contract Of Debtor Or In Tort ..........................28 Rights Of Assignee ...............................................................................................28 Restrictions On Assignment .................................................................................30 Acceptance, Refusal, And Effectiveness Of Financing Statement; Administration ..........................................................................................................................31 Qa-55 Contents Of Records; Authorization; Lapse; Continuation; Termination ............32 Qa-56 Claim Concerning Inaccurate Or Wrongfully Filed Record .................................34 Qa-58 Rights After Default; Judicial Enforcement; Consignor Or Buyer Of Accounts, Chattel Paper, Payment Intangibles, Or Promissory Notes .............................35 Qa-59 Waiver And Variance Of Rights And Duties ........................................................36 Qa-60 Agreement On Standards Concerning Rights And Duties ....................................37 Qa-61 Procedure If Security Agreement Covers Real Property Or Fixtures ...................37 Qa-62 Unknown Debtor Or Secondary Obligor ..............................................................37 Qa-63 Time Of Default For Agricultural Lien ................................................................38 Qa-64 Collection And Enforcement By Secured Party ...................................................38 Qa-65 Application Of Proceeds Of Collection Or Enforcement; Liability For Deficiency And Right To Surplus ......................................................................................39 Qa-66 Secured Party’s Limited Right To Take Possession After Default.......................39 Qa-67 Disposition Of Collateral After Default ................................................................40 Qa-68 Notification Before Disposition Of Collateral ......................................................41 Qa-69 Timeliness Of Notification Before Disposition Of Collateral ..............................42 Qa-70 Contents And Form Of Notification Before Disposition Of Collateral ................42 Qa-71 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................43 Qa-72 Application Of Proceeds Of Disposition; Liability For Deficiency And Right To Surplus .............................................................................................................43 Qa-73 Explanation Of Calculation Of Surplus Or Deficiency ........................................44 Qa-74 Rights Of Transferee Of Collateral .......................................................................45 Qa-75 Rights And Duties Of Certain Secondary Obligors ..............................................45 Qa-76 TRANSFER OF RECORD OR LEGAL TITLE ..................................................46 Qa-77 Acceptance Of Collateral In Full Or Partial Satisfaction Of Obligation; Notification Of Proposal; Effect Of Acceptance; Compulsory Disposition Of Collateral ..........................................................................................................46 Qa-78 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................48 Qa-79 RESERVED ..........................................................................................................48 Qa-80 Right To Redeem Collateral .................................................................................48 Qa-81 Waiver ...................................................................................................................48 Qa-82 Remedies For Secured Party’s Failure To Comply With Code ...........................48 Qa-83 Action In Which Deficiency Or Surplus Is In Issue .............................................50 Qa-84 Determination Of Whether Conduct Was Commercially Reasonable .................50 Qa-85 Nonliability And Limitation On Liability Of Secured Party; Liability Of Secondary Obligor .............................................................................................................51 Qa-86 Attorney’s Fees In Certain Transactions...............................................................52 Qa-87 Severability ...........................................................................................................52 Qa-88 Effective Date .......................................................................................................53 Subpart Qb Elections and Conduct ...................................................................................53 Qb-1 Elections ................................................................................................................53 ix Qb-2 Subpart R R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 Subpart S S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 Subpart T T-1 T-2 T-3 T-4 T-5 T-6 T-7 Subpart U U-1 U-2 U-3 U-4 U-5 Subpart V V-1 V-2 V-3 V-4 V-5 V-6 V-7 V-8 V-9 V-10 V-11 V-12 V-13 V-14 V-15 V-16 Code of Conduct ...................................................................................................53 Business and Commercial Activities ............................................................67 Gaming Ordinance .................................................................................................67 Consumer Financial Services Regulatory Code ....................................................68 Professional Athletic Competition Code ...............................................................92 Tort Claims ..........................................................................................................101 Economic Development Plan Ordinance .............................................................107 Commercial Cannabis Activity Code ..................................................................115 Employment Law & Labor Relations ........................................................125 Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Government....................................................................................................125 Drug-Free Workplace Act ...................................................................................128 Labor Organization Ordinance ...........................................................................129 Tribal Employment Rights Office Ordinance .....................................................134 The Environment, Water and Natural Resources ....................................143 Dumping and Trespassing....................................................................................143 Hazardous and Unsightly Conditions in Butterfly Springs Mobile Home Park ..144 Inoperative Vehicles ............................................................................................144 Rules and Regulations Related to Water and Wastewater Systems ....................145 Emergency Pollution Abatement .........................................................................145 Utility Board Ordinance .......................................................................................147 Solid Waste Management Ordinance...................................................................166 General Welfare ...........................................................................................187 Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Persons Requesting or Receiving Assistance ........................................................................................................................187 Liquor Control Act ...............................................................................................188 Tribal Elections ....................................................................................................192 Tribal Historic Preservation .................................................................................194 Photography on the Pueblo ..................................................................................201 Taxation ........................................................................................................202 Definitions............................................................................................................202 Tax Commission Organization ............................................................................203 Pueblo of Pojoaque Tax Director .........................................................................204 Bookkeeping and Records ...................................................................................206 Promulgation of Regulations ...............................................................................206 Collection Actions ...............................................................................................207 Formal Conference with Director ........................................................................207 Appeal to Commission.........................................................................................208 Disposition of Tax Revenues; Refunds................................................................208 Failure of Notice ..................................................................................................209 Fines and Interest .................................................................................................209 Sovereign Immunity.............................................................................................209 Confidentiality .....................................................................................................209 Utility Tax ............................................................................................................210 Utility Tax – Valuation; Assessment and Payment; Extensions..........................211 Utility Tax – Utility Delivery ..............................................................................212 x V-17 V-18 V-18-1 V-19 V-20 V-21 V-22 V-23 V-24 Utility Tax – Designation of Individual ...............................................................212 Gross Receipts Tax ..............................................................................................212 Gaming Device Receipts Tax ..............................................................................213 Gasoline Tax ........................................................................................................214 Lodger’s Tax ........................................................................................................214 Cigarette Tax ........................................................................................................214 Liquor Excise Tax ................................................................................................214 Gaming Tax .........................................................................................................214 Exemptions ..........................................................................................................215 xi Introduction The will of the Pueblo of Pojoaque is expressed only through its Tribal Council (collectively comprised of a General Council and a Regular Council). The General Council is the highest authority within the Pueblo. The General Council meets once every two years or at the call of the Governor and is composed of all enrolled members over the age of 18. All General Council members may vote on issues before the General Council. Every two years, on even-numbered years, the General Council elects the Tribal Officials. The Tribal Officials are the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Tribal Officials are responsible for the dayto-day operations and are the external representatives of the Pueblo. The General Council has given the Regular Council the authority to make decisions on its behalf; however, these decisions can be reconsidered by the General Council. The Regular Council is responsible for passing resolutions, setting policy and making decisions between meetings of the General Council. The Regular Council currently meets every first and third Thursday of each month and any enrolled member over the age of 18 may attend. The Governor presides over all Tribal Council meetings. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code is enacted pursuant to the inherent sovereign tribal powers expressly delegated to the Regular Council, which is authorized to promulgate and enforce law and ordinances providing for the maintenance of law and order and the administration of justice within the Pueblo’s jurisdiction and on Pueblo lands; to administer and protect Pueblo lands and property; to exclude individuals not legally entitled to remain thereon; to regulate the conduct of trade and the use and disposition of property; to engage in economic activities that will promote the health, peace, morals, education, and welfare of the Pueblo and its Members and their families; and to perform other routine governmental functions. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code in its entirety was originally approved by the Tribal Council on or around March 1, 1983 and re-codified on December 19, 2013. The Code is a systematic collection of the Pueblo’s laws arranged by subject matter. Subsequent to its original enactment, the Tribal Council has amended or changed various sections of the Code through the passage of Resolutions. An updated version of the 2013 Law and Order Code is released each year. This 2023 version of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code incorporates additions, amendments, and revisions of the Pueblo’s laws as of September 30, 2022. Individuals should consult the Law and Order Code Supplement concerning ordinances and Resolutions passed subsequent to that date. 1 Subpart A A-1 Title, Purpose and Definitions Title & Citation (a) Title. These various Subparts and Sections contained herein are organized into a comprehensive set of laws and shall be known as the “Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code.” (b) Organization. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code shall be organized in groups of resolutions, codes, acts or ordinances and/or governing documents with similar subject matter. Each subject matter grouping shall be designated as a Subpart and identified by an alphanumeric designation and caption (e.g., Subpart A Title, Purpose and Definitions). Each resolution, code, act or ordinance shall be given a Section number (e.g., “A-1 Title & Citation”). (c) Citation. Citation to this Code shall be by letters “PPLOC” followed by the appropriate Subpart, Section and Subsection in parenthesis (e.g., “PPLOC Subpart A” or “PPLOC A1(c)”). Whenever a reference is made to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code, or to any governing document of the Pueblo codified herein, the reference shall apply to all amendments now and hereinafter made. A-2 Purpose (a) It is the purpose of this Law and Order Code to strengthen Tribal self-government, provide for the judicial needs of the Pueblo, and ensure maintenance of the law and order within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (b) This Law and Order Code shall supersede all governing documents inconsistent herewith and applicable prior to the approval of this Code. (c) All Law and Order Code revisions or amendments made since 1983 require or have required Tribal Council approval. After such approval, these revisions or amendments shall become part of the Law and Order Code. No revisions or amendments shall require further approvals. (d) The laws in the Code shall be enforced by the Pueblo of Pojoaque. A-3 Definitions In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Adult” shall mean a person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older. (b) “Code” and “Law and Order Code” shall mean the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code. 2 (c) “Governor” shall mean the Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (d) “Indian” shall mean any person who is a member of any Indian tribe recognized by Federal or state jurisdiction, or who is an Alaska Native and member of a Regional Corporation as defined in 1606 of title 43, United States Code. (e) “Indian child” means any unmarried person who is under age eighteen and is either (a) a member of an Indian tribe or (b) is eligible for membership in an Indian tribe and is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe. (f) “Juvenile Court” shall mean the judge(s) of the Tribal Court specifically convened to preside over proceedings involving a juvenile person. (g) “Non-Indian” shall mean a person who is not an Indian. (h) “Person” shall mean a natural person, a corporation or unincorporated Indian association, except as defined under Subpart M. (i) “Property” shall mean both real and personal property. (j) “Pueblo” shall mean the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (k) “Pueblo Courts” shall mean the Tribal Court and Court of Appeals for the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (l) “Tribal Council” or “Council” shall mean the regular Tribal Council of the Pueblo of Pojoaque which is responsible for passing resolutions, setting policy and making decisions between meetings of the General Council, unless otherwise specifically stated otherwise. (m) “Tribal Court” shall mean the trial court for the Pueblo of Pojoaque, composed according to Subpart D. (n) “Tribal Member” “Enrolled Member” or “Member” shall mean an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, unless otherwise specifically indicated. (o) “Tribal Official” shall mean a duly elected leader of the Pueblo holding office at the time of the occurrence. (p) “Tribal Police” shall mean the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department. (q) “Tribal Ranger” shall mean a tribal officer responsible for protecting tribal lands, cultural sites and trust lands be enforcing tribal laws and ordinances. A-4 Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Name (a) The legal name of the Pueblo is “Pueblo of Pojoaque” not “Pojoaque Pueblo.” 3 (b) All Pueblo of Pojoaque entities and enterprises shall use only the legal name of the Pueblo in all circumstances and the name Pojoaque Pueblo shall be changed to Pueblo of Pojoaque on all signs and stationery as soon as possible. Subpart B B-1 Judicial Power and the Courts Jurisdiction The Pueblo of Pojoaque has jurisdiction over its Members and within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo, subject to some exceptions. Jurisdictional rules are set forth in greater detail in Subpart C. B-2 Judicial Power (a) The judicial powers of the Pueblo of Pojoaque shall be vested in an Appeals Court and a Tribal Court and shall extend to all cases and controversies in law and equity arising under and authorized by the duly enacted laws of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Council. (b) The Court of Appeals and the Tribal Court shall have, but are not limited to the following powers: 1. To punish for contempt any of its officers or other persons present at judicial proceedings. 2. To compel witnesses to attend and testify and produce documents or other tangible objects to be used as evidence, provided that a defendant in a criminal trial may not be compelled to be a witness against himself. B-3 The Tribal Court (a) Composition. The Tribal Court shall be referred to as the Tribal Court, and shall consist of a Chief Judge appointed by the Tribal Council, whose duties shall be full time and one or more Associate Judges may be called to serve when the occasion arises. The Associate Judges may be hired on contract and compensated on a per diem basis. (b) Court Sessions. Regular sessions of the Tribal Court shall be held on work days at times and places designated by the Chief Judge. (c) Qualification of Judges. Any person over the age of twenty-one (21) years old shall be eligible to serve as Judge of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court. The prospective Judge shall appear before the Tribal Council and submit to a background interview and present their qualifications. If the prospective Judge does not have a law degree, they shall complete a course of training in judicial proceedings within six (6) months after being appointed to the position. 4 (d) Disqualification of Presiding Judge. No Judge shall hear or determine any case wherein he has an interest or wherein any relative, by marriage or blood in the first or second degree is a party. Any party to a proceeding may raise the issue of the qualification of the Judge to hear the case. (e) Removal. Any Judge of the Tribal Court may be suspended, dismissed or removed by the Tribal Council for any of the following reasons: 1. Conviction of a felony in any court. 2. Conviction of any offense involving moral turpitude in any court. 3. Conviction of the offense of disorderly conduct. 4. Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages while presiding over Court. 5. Any other conduct unbecoming to a Judge of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court. (A Judge shall be given full and fair opportunity to reply to any and all charges for which he or she may be removed from his judicial office. B-4 The Court of Appeals (a) Jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals shall have jurisdiction to hear appeals from final orders and final judgments of the Tribal Court. (b) Composition. The Court of Appeals shall consist of either the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Council with the Governor presiding as Judge or a special appellate court as appointed by the Governor. (c) Sessions. The Court of Appeals may consider the appeal during a regularly scheduled Tribal Council meeting or at a special appellate court meeting. (d) Only the Tribal Court Judge may stay a sentence or decision pending the appeal process. (e) Criminal Appeals. A person convicted of a violation of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code may appeal the conviction to the Court of Appeals by filing a written notice with the Tribal Council Secretary. The written notice must be filed within ten (10) calendar days after the finding of guilt by the Tribal Court. (f) Civil Appeals. The decision of the Tribal Court or jury may be appealed to the Court of Appeals by filing a written notice with the Tribal Council Secretary. The written notice must be filed within ten (10) calendar days after the final decision. 5 (g) All written notices of appeal shall include the specific order of the Tribal Court or jury that is appealed. The written notice shall also include the remedy requested. B-5 Right of Appeal (a) Any party to a case, other than the prosecution in a criminal case, who is aggrieved by a final order or final judgment of the Tribal Court, shall have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeals. (b) The appealing party shall file with the Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque a notice of appeal, along with a filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) within ten (10) days after the entry of the final order or final judgment from which appeal is taken. The filing fee may be waived in the appeal of a criminal conviction if the defendant files an affidavit swearing that he is without funds to pay the filing fee. If the Pueblo of Pojoaque Court of Appeals finds that the defendant is without funds to pay the filing fee, it shall order that the fee be permanently waived. (c) If the Court of Appeals finds that any or a combination of the following has occurred, it shall order the judgment or order reversed or may remand the case for retrial: 1. Irregularities in the proceedings or conduct by the jury, adverse party, or his counsel prejudicial to the appellant; 2. Any ruling, order, or abuse of discretion which may have prevented a fair trial; 3. Newly discovered evidence which could not, with reasonable diligence, have been produced at trial; 4. Insufficient evidence to support the verdict; 5. Any error of law occurring at the trial prejudicial to the appellant; or 6. Any other reason which would warrant reversal by a court when reviewing a similar appeal. (d) If the Court of Appeals finds that reversal under Paragraph (c) of this section is unwarranted, it shall affirm the judgment or order appealed from; no further appeal shall thereafter be permitted. B-6 Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Path to Wellness) Court (a) The Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Path to Wellness) Court is established as a trial court of special jurisdiction with authority to hear all cases referred to it pursuant to the laws of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. 6 (b) Composition. The Chief Judge of the Tribal Court or an Associate Judge appointed by Tribal Council will preside over the Path to Wellness Court. The Path to Wellness Team, composed according to the Path to Wellness Policies and Procedures Manual, will assist in day-to-day operations and development of the Path to Wellness Court. (c) Court Sessions. Participants in the Path to Wellness Court will appear regularly before the Judge throughout the duration of their participation. (d) Policies and Procedures. The Path to Wellness Team shall promulgate policies and procedures to address the issues of confidentiality, treatment, sanctions, community involvement, and all other necessary components of Healing to Wellness Courts. The Path to Wellness Court will adhere to all rules and guidelines of the Path to Wellness Policies and Procedures Manual. B-7 (***) Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Youth Path to Wellness) Court (a) The (***) Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Youth Path to Wellness) Court is established as a trial court of special jurisdiction with authority to hear all cases referred to it pursuant to the laws of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (b) Composition. The Chief Judge of the Tribal Court or an Associate Judge appointed by Tribal Council will preside over the Youth Path to Wellness Court. The Youth Path to Wellness Team, composed according to the Youth Path to Wellness Policies and Procedures Manual, will assist in day-to-day operations and development of the Youth Path to Wellness Court. (c) Court Sessions. Participants in the Youth Path to Wellness Court will appear regularly before the Judge throughout the duration of their participation. (d) Policies and Procedures. The Youth Path to Wellness Team shall promulgate policies and procedures to address the issues of confidentiality, treatment, incentives and sanctions, community involvement, and all other necessary components of evidence-based Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts. The Youth Path to Wellness Court will adhere to all rules and guidelines of the Youth Path to Wellness Policies and Procedures Manual. 7 Subpart C C-1 Jurisdiction of the Tribal Court Territorial Jurisdiction of the Tribal Court Jurisdiction of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court shall extend to all territory within the present exterior boundaries of the Pueblo and all roads, water and to any lands which may be added to the Pueblo in the future or which may become subject to the jurisdiction of the Pueblo. C-2 Personal Jurisdiction (a) As used in these jurisdictional provisions, the word “person” shall include any individual, firm, company, association, or corporation. (b) Subject to any contrary provisions, exceptions or limitations contained in either federal law or as expressly stated elsewhere in this Law and Order Code, the Tribal Court shall have jurisdiction over the following persons: 1. Any person residing, located or present within the Pueblo for: A. Any civil cause of action; or B. Any charge of criminal offense prohibited by this code or other ordinance of the Pueblo when the offense is alleged to have occurred within the Pueblo. 2. Any person who transacts, conducts, or performs any business or activity within the Pueblo, either in person or by an agent or representative, for any civil cause of action or charge of criminal offense for any act expressly prohibited by this Law and Order Code or other ordinances adopted by the Tribal Council. 3. Any person who owns, uses or possesses any property within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo, f or any civil cause of action or charge of criminal offense prohibited by this Code of other ordinances of the Tribe arising from such ownership, use or possession. 4. Any person who commits a tortious act or engages in tortious conduct within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo, either in person or by an agent or representative, for any civil cause of action arising from such act or conduct. 5. Any person who commits a criminal offense prohibited by this code or other ordinance of the Pueblo, by his or her own conduct or the conduct of another for which he is legally accountable, if: A. The conduct occurs either wholly or partly within the Pueblo; B. The conduct which occurs outside the Pueblo constitutes an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit an offense within the Pueblo, and an act in furtherance of the attempt or conspiracy occurs within the Pueblo; or 8 C. The conduct which occurs within the Pueblo constitutes an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit in another jurisdiction an offense prohibited by this Code or ordinances of the Pueblo and such other jurisdiction. (c) None of the foregoing bases of jurisdiction is exclusive, and jurisdiction over a person may be established upon any one or more of them as applicable. C-3 Exclusive Original Jurisdiction (a) The Pueblo Courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in all matters in which the Pueblo or its officers or employees are parties in their official capacities. (b) Nothing contained in Subsection (a) or elsewhere in this Code shall be construed as a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Pueblo or its officers or enterprises unless specifically denominated as such. C-4 Actions By or Against Pueblo Officers or Employees (a) In any action otherwise authorized by or against the Pueblo or its officers or employees arising from the performance of their official duties, the following modifications to the rules or procedures set forth in this Law and Order Code shall apply: 1. Neither the Pueblo nor its officers or employees when involved in a civil action arising from the performance of their official duties shall be liable for the payment of the costs or expenses of the opposing party. 2. Neither the Pueblo nor its officers or employees when involved in a civil action arising from the performance of their official duties shall be required to post security by bond or otherwise for any purpose. 3. No civil action brought against the Pueblo or its officers and employees arising from the performance of their official duties shall be tried before a jury. All such actions shall be tried before a Tribal Court Judge. 4. In an action against the Pueblo, or its officers or employees in their official capacity, service of process must be accomplished by delivering the Petition and the Summons to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Department during normal business hours. C-5 Civil Jurisdiction (a) The Tribal Court shall have jurisdiction over all civil causes of action. (b) Personal jurisdiction shall exist over all persons who are Indians, or all persons, who consent to the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court. The act of entry upon territory within the 9 jurisdiction of the court shall conclusively be deemed consent to the jurisdiction of the Court with respect to any civil action arising out of such entry. (c) The act of entry upon territory within the jurisdiction of the court by an off-reservation seller or agent of the seller to deliver goods shall conclusively be deemed consent by the seller to the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court for any dispute arising out of the sales, regardless of where the contract was entered into. C-6 Criminal Jurisdiction The Tribal Court shall have criminal jurisdiction over all offenses enumerated in this Code and any subsequent ordinance adopted by the Pueblo when committed within the jurisdiction of the court by any Indian, any other person to the fullest extent allowed by any current or future federal or state law, statute, regulation or case. C-7 Probate Jurisdiction The Tribal Court shall have probate jurisdiction over all of the real and personal property located within the jurisdiction of the Court at the time of death of a decedent and the personal property, wherever located, of any member of the Pueblo who is a resident of the Pueblo at the time of death. C-8 Juvenile Jurisdiction (a) The Tribal Court shall have original jurisdiction in all proceedings and matters relating to need for supervision, foster care, training, status offenses and other matters not relating to delinquent acts affecting Indians or members under the age of eighteen (18), when such children are residing within the jurisdiction of the Court. Jurisdiction over a juvenile relative to a delinquent act shall be the same as for criminal jurisdiction. Juvenile Jurisdiction shall be exercised consistent with the provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, P.L. 95-608. (b) The Tribal Court shall accept and exercise any portion or incident of jurisdiction transferred to or shared with the Tribal Court, generally or in any particular case by any state, federal or other tribal court. C-9 Service of Process Service of Process may be made upon any person subject to the Pueblo Court’s jurisdiction under this subsection by: (a) Personally serving the summons upon the respondent who resides outside of the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo, such service having the same force and effect as though service had been made personally within the Pueblo’s exterior boundaries; (b) Certified mail, return receipt requested, upon the respondent who resides outside of the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo; or 10 (c) Through published notice in a newspapers within the jurisdiction of the respondent’s last known address. (d) Nothing in this subsection limits or affects the right to serve process in any other manner. C-10 Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Path to Wellness) Court Jurisdiction (a) The Pueblo of Pojoaque Path to Wellness Court may exercise jurisdiction over individuals who: 1. Meet the eligibility criteria of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Path to Wellness Court Policies and Procedures Manual; and 2. Are accepted for admission by the Path to Wellness Team. (b) Individuals may be referred to the Path to Wellness Court by: 1. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court or another court; 2. Social Services, Tribal Police, or other Pueblo of Pojoaque Agency; or 3. Self-referral. (c) Pueblo of Pojoaque Path to Wellness Court participation may be ordered as: 1. Part of a suspended sentence or deferred conviction after a guilty or no contest plea in the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court; 2. A requirement of pre-prosecution diversion; 3. Part of a Pueblo of Pojoaque Social Services Case Plan; or 4. A requirement after self-referral. (d) Continuing Jurisdiction. Path to Wellness Court participants, including self-referrals, must agree to the continued jurisdiction of the Path to Wellness Court throughout the duration of the program. In the event that a participant is terminated from the Path to Wellness Court, the case will be sent to Tribal Court for adjudication. C-11 (***) Wen Hey Kha Wosatsi Khuu (Youth Path to Wellness) Court Jurisdiction (a) The Pueblo of Pojoaque Youth Path to Wellness Court may exercise jurisdiction over individuals who: 11 1. Meet the eligibility criteria of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Youth Path to Wellness Court Policies and Procedures Manual; and 2. Are accepted for admission by the Youth Path to Wellness Team. (b) Individuals may be referred to the Youth Path to Wellness Court by: 1. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court or another court; 2. Family and Children's Services, Tribal Police, Education, or other Pueblo of Pojoaque Agency; or 3. Self-referral or referred by a parent or legal guardian, as detailed in the Youth Path to Wellness Policies and Procedures Manual. An unemancipated juvenile must have permission of a parent or legal guardian to self-refer to the Youth Path to Wellness. (c) Pueblo of Pojoaque Youth Path to Wellness Court participation may be ordered as: 1. If the participant is 18-20 years old: A. Part of a suspended sentence or deferred conviction after a guilty or no contest plea in the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court; B. A requirement of pre-prosecution diversion; C. Part of a Pueblo of Pojoaque Family and Children's Services Case Plan; or D. A requirement after self-referral. 2. If the participant is under the age of 18: A. Part of a suspended sentence or deferred juvenile finding after a plea of responsible in a juvenile delinquency matter in the Pueblo of Pojoaque Children's Court; B. A requirement of pre-prosecution diversion; C. Part of a Pueblo of Pojoaque Family and Children's Services Case Plan; or D. A requirement after self- or parental-referral. (d) Continuing Jurisdiction. Youth Path to Well ness Court participants, including selfreferrals, must agree to the continued jurisdiction of the Youth Path to Wellness Court throughout the duration of the program. In the event that a participant is terminated from the Youth Path to Wel1ness Court, the case will be sent to Tribal Court for proper adjudication. 12 Subpart D D-1 Administration of the Court Court Rules The Chief Judge of the Tribal Court shall promulgate rules to govern court proceedings, subject to the approval of Tribal Council, provided that such rules shall not abridge, enlarge or modify any substantive rights and shall preserve the right of trial by jury as provided in Subpart F-6 of this Code. D-2 Tribal Court Fees & Costs (a) The following shall constitute the fee schedule for Tribal Court cases. 1. Civil Petitions. There will be a one hundred and thirty-two dollar ($132.00) filing fee assessed on anyone filing a Civil Petition in Tribal Court against another party. 2. Domestic Relations. For domestic relations matters (e.g., divorce, custody, paternity, adoption) the filing fee is one hundred and thirty-seven dollars ($137.00). 3. Administrative Appeals. For appeals from administrative or regulatory decisions to the Tribal Court, the fee is one hundred and seventeen dollars ($117.00). 4. Foreign Judgments. The fee for filing a petition to enforce a foreign judgment is one hundred and seventeen dollars ($117.00). 5. Traffic Citation Hearings. For all traffic hearings, the court cost is seventy-five dollars ($75.00). 6. Default Judgments. There is a twenty dollar ($20.00) fee for a default judgment rendered by the Court. 7. Garnishments. There is a one hundred and seventeen dollar ($117.00) fee for each garnishment filed for recognition in the Tribal Court. 8. Appeals. The filing fee to appeal a case to the Court of Appeals is one hundred dollars ($100.00). (b) The following shall constitute the other fees and costs for Tribal Court services. 1. Service of Process. There is a twenty dollar ($20.00) fee for service of process. 2. Bar Admission Fees. Attorneys shall pay the following fees in order to practice in the Tribal Court: A. Seventy-five dollar ($75.00) fee due at admission. 13 B. Annual renewal fee (due January 15) of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). C. No fee is required for attorneys appointed by Legal Services, attorneys employed by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, or lay advocates. 3. Copies. Each page of a legal document copied by the Court Clerk is twenty-five cents ($0.25). Copies of CDs or DVDs are five dollars ($5.00) each. 4. Certified Copies. The fee for certified copies of court documents shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) plus fifty cents ($0.50) per page. 5. Research and Retrieval. For research and retrieval by Tribal Court staff, the fee is twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per hour, plus fifty cents ($0.50) page. 6. Notary Services. The fee for each signature that is to be notarized is five dollars ($5.00) per signature. 7. Returned Check Fee. A thirty-six dollar ($36.00) fee shall be imposed for any check returned by an individual’s bank for non-payment. D-3 Court Fees & Costs Guidelines (a) The fees in Subpart D-2 are not exhaustive and nothing shall prevent the Court from assessing additional fees and costs in accordance with relevant provisions of the Law and Order Code. These fees may include, but are not limited to: 1. Witness fees; 2. Juror fees; 3. Incarceration costs; and 4. Fines for contempt of court. (b) Tribal Officials or Tribal Representatives acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Pueblo are excluded from filing fees. (c) No fee shall be charged for filing a Domestic Violence Petition. (d) The Court may waive fees in cases of indigency. (e) Should the Tribal Court rule in favor of the Petitioner, the Judge may order the Respondent to reimburse the Petitioner for filing fees and Court costs. 14 D-4 Coroners (a) The Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque may appoint one or more coroners to serve the Pueblo of Pojoaque. Such coroners shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses upon presentation of proper vouchers of the Governor of the Pueblo. (b) Whenever a coroner is informed that an Indian has died within the Pueblo, the coroner shall go to the place where the body is located and inquire into the cause of death. (c) After inspecting the body and conferring with a physician, if the coroner himself is not a physician, the coroner shall make a written report stating the following facts, if known: 1. The name and census number of the dead person; 2. When and where he died and the circumstances of his death; 3. The cause of death; 4. Who caused the death, if caused by act, whether criminal or not; 5. What property is found on the body, other than clothing of ordinary value; and 6. Where the coroner is not a physician, the name and address of any physician consulted. (d) The coroner shall submit copies of the report to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Police, to the Governor and to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency Superintendent. D-5 Tribal Police The Governor of the Pueblo shall be recognized as commander of the Tribal Police of the Pueblo of Pojoaque and shall be held responsible for the general efficiency and conduct of the members thereof. It shall be the duty of the Governor or his duly authorized representatives to keep himself informed as to the efficiency of the Tribal Police in the discharge of their duties, to subject them to regular inspection, to inform them of their duties and keep a strict accounting of the equipment issued them in connection with their official duties. It shall be the duty of the Governor to detail such Indian Policemen as may be necessary to carry out the orders of the Tribal Court and to preserve order during Court sessions. The Governor shall investigate all reports and charges of misconduct on the part of Pueblo policemen and shall exercise such proper disciplinary measures as may be consistent with existing regulations. D-6 Police Training (a) It shall be the duty of the Governor to maintain from time to time, as circumstances require and permit classes or instruction for the Tribal Policemen. Such classes shall familiarize the 15 policemen with the manner of making searches and arrests, the proper and humane handling of prisoners, the keeping of records of offenses and the duties of the police in relation thereto and other subjects of importance for efficient police duty. It shall further be the purpose of the classes to consider methods of preventing crime and of securing cooperation of Pueblo of Pojoaque residents in establishing better social relations. 1. A candidate must be in sound physical condition and of sufficient size and strength to perform the duties required. 2. He must possess courage, self-reliance, intelligence, and a high sense of loyalty and duty. 3. He must never have been convicted of a felony, nor have been convicted of any misdemeanor for a period of one year prior to appointment. (b) The duties of a Pueblo policeman shall be: 1. To obey promptly all orders of the Tribal Police commissioner or the Governor when assigned to that duty; 2. To lend assistance to brother officers; 3. To report and investigate all violations of any law or regulation coming to his notice or reported for attention; 4. To arrest all persons observed violating the laws and regulations for which he is held responsible; 5. To inform himself as to the laws and regulations applicable to the Pueblo of Pojoaque and the laws of arrest; 6. To prevent violations of the laws and regulations; 7. To report to his superior officer all accidents, births, deaths or other events or impending events of importance; 8. To abstain from the use of intoxicants or narcotics and to refrain from engaging in any act that would reflect discredit upon the Tribal Police Department; 9. To refrain from the use of profane, insolent, or vulgar language; 10. To use no unnecessary force or violence in making an arrest, search or seizure; 11. To keep all equipment furnished to him in reasonable repair and order; 16 12. To report the loss of any and all property issued by the Federal Government in connection with official duties; and 13. To collect and issue receipts for bail. D-7 Tribal Ranger The Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque shall serve as the official appointing authority for all Tribal Rangers and shall bear full responsibility for their conduct, performance, and accountability. The Governor, or their designated representatives, shall actively monitor the duties and effectiveness of the Tribal Rangers through regular evaluations, field inspections, and oversight of operational activities. Clear directives shall be issued to ensure Rangers understand their responsibilities, and accurate records shall be maintained for all equipment and resources assigned in the course of their official duties. Tribal Rangers shall be deployed as needed to safeguard Pueblo lands, protect natural and cultural resources, and uphold community safety. Their assignments may include enforcement of environmental, conservation, and land use regulations, as well as support for the execution of Tribal Court orders when applicable. The Governor shall review all reports and allegations of misconduct involving Tribal Rangers and shall administer disciplinary actions in accordance with established tribal policies and procedures D-8 Tribal Ranger Training (a) It shall be the duty of the Governor to establish and maintain, as circumstances require and permit, training programs for Tribal Rangers. These programs shall ensure that Rangers are properly prepared to carry out their duties in accordance with tribal law. Training shall include: 1. Enforcement procedures for tribal laws and ordinances; 2. Proper handling of cultural and historical resources, including sacred sites and burial grounds; 3. Environmental protection and land management practices; 4. Emergency response protocols including search and rescue and wildfire support; 5. Community outreach and cultural education to promote tribal heritage and pride; 6. Compliance with tribal, state, and federal environmental laws (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act); 7. Investigation and citation procedures for environmental and land-use violations. (b) Qualifications for appointment shall include: 1. Must be an enrolled member of a Federally Recognized Tribe; 2. Must be FLETC or State Law Enforcement Certified; 3. Must be in sound physical condition and capable of performing field duties; 17 4. Must demonstrate integrity, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to tribal sovereignty and stewardship; 5. Must not have any felony convictions and must be free of misdemeanor convictions for at least one year prior to appointment. (c) The duties of a Tribal Ranger shall include: 1. Enforcing tribal laws and ordinances under the authority of the Tribal Government; 2. Reporting to the Chief of Police or their designee; 3. Patrolling tribal lands, cultural sites, and trust lands to prevent illegal dumping, poaching, and environmental damage; 4. Safeguarding sacred sites, burial grounds, and traditional use areas from unauthorized access or vandalism; 5. Assisting in public safety efforts including search and rescue, wildfire support, and rural incident response; 6. Supporting tribal police in crime prevention and patrol duties; 7. Conducting investigations and issuing citations for environmental violations; 8. Educating the community and visitors about tribal lands and cultural heritage; 9. Promoting cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge sharing; 10. Maintaining accurate records of enforcement actions and issued equipment; 11. Upholding tribal sovereignty and reducing reliance on external agencies; 12. Abstaining from conduct that would discredit the Tribal Ranger program, including the misuse of intoxicants or inappropriate language; 13. Keeping all issued equipment in good condition and reporting any loss or damage. D-9 Dismissal The Governor may remove any Tribal Policemen for any noncompliance with the duties and requirements as set out in the police duty guidelines or for neglect of duty. D-10 Return of Equipment Upon resignation, death or discharge of any member of the Tribal Police, all articles or property issued him in connection with his official duties must be returned to the Governor or his representatives 18 Subpart E E-1 Court Officials Officers of the Courts Officers of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court shall include: (a) Judges, Attorneys, and law clerks; (b) Court clerks and Court interpreters; (c) Police Officers, Probation Officers and other persons when carrying out orders of the Court; and (d) Bailiffs. E-2 Court Clerk (a) The Clerk of the Court is charged with the duty of assisting the lawful functioning of the Courts. Such duties shall include, but not be limited to the following: 1. Drafting complaints, subpoenas, warrants, writs or other orders of the Court; 2. Maintaining records of court proceedings; 3. Administering oaths; 4. Collecting accounting for fines and other property taken into the custody of the Courts; 5. Accepting bonds; and 6. Filing notices of appeal and petitions. (b) Assistant Clerks of the Court may be employed as necessary. E-3 Representation Before the Tribal Court A person before the Tribal Court may represent himself or have another person or a professional attorney serve as his counsel. E-4 Tribal Court Standards for Practitioners Appearing Before the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court (a) Limited Representation. An attorney may limit the scope of representation if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. Limitations on the scope of representation may include drafting specific, discrete pleadings or other documents to be used in the course of representation without taking on the responsibility for 19 drafting all documents needed to carry the representation to completion. An attorney who agrees to prepare a discrete document under a limited representation agreement must competently prepare such a document and fully advise the client with respect to that document, which includes informing the client of any significant problems that may be associated with the limited representation arrangement. While limitations on the scope of representation are permitted under this rule, the attorney must explain the benefits and risks of such an arrangement and obtain the client’s informed consent to the limited representation. (b) Limited Entry of Appearance; Attorney’s Duty. In all proceedings where an attorney appears for a client in a limited manner, that attorney shall disclose to the Court the scope of representation. The purpose of this rule is to permit attorneys to appear for clients in a limited manner and to alert the Court and opposing party of that limited role. Attorneys may give technical assistance and, when not prohibited, may prepare, without attribution, papers for filing by a self-represented litigant without violating the duty of candor. Even though an attorney’s role may be limited to drafting a single document, the attorney is, however, bound by all of the rules that govern attorney conduct. (c) Telephonic Hearing. An attorney may file a Motion for Telephonic Hearing with the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court, provided the motion is filed with the Court at least fortyeight (48) hours prior to the scheduled hearing. The decision to grant or deny the motion shall be in the sole discretion of the Court. (d) Organization. Attorneys shall be on time, be prepared for all court appearances and have knowledge of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code, Court Rules, Rules of Evidence, and Rules of Procedure. (e) Respect. Attorneys shall always be courteous and respectful to the Court and opposing parties. (f) Compliance with Rules of Professional Conduct of Other Jurisdictions in which Attorney is Licensed to Practice. Attorneys shall be in compliance with the rules of professional conduct in all jurisdictions in which the attorney is licensed to practice. (g) Candor Toward the Tribunal. Attorneys should be candid with the Court and should attempt to resolve, by agreement, differences relating to procedural and discovery matters. An attorney shall not knowingly: 1. Make a false statement of fact or law to the Court or fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the Court; 2. Fail to disclose to the Court legal authority known to the attorney to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing counsel; or 3. Offer evidence that the attorney knows to be false; if an attorney, the attorney’s client or witness has offered material evidence and the attorney comes to know of its falsity, the 20 attorney shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if necessary, disclosure to the tribunal. (h) Attorneys shall discourage and decline to participate in litigation that is without merit or is designed primarily to harass or drain the financial resources of the opposing party or the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court. (i) Attorneys should avoid any communication, direct or indirect, about a pending case with a judge except as permitted by court rules or otherwise authorized by law. (j) Attorneys should refrain from impugning the integrity of the judicial system, its proceedings, or its members. Failure to comply with the requirements of these rules may subject counsel to sanctions. E-5 Legal Department and Paralegal Fees (a) The Pueblo hereby establishes the Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Department. (b) The Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Department hourly attorney fees are three hundred and fifty dollars ($350) and hourly legal assistant fees are one hundred and seventy-five dollars ($175). E-6 Attorney-Client Privilege Any Pueblo of Pojoaque General Counsel subpoenaed in any Court of Law shall assert, to the extent legally allowed, the attorney-client privilege. E-7 Public Records Except as otherwise provided in this Code, the Tribal Court Clerk shall keep open for inspection a record of all proceedings of each Court. Such record shall reflect the title of the case, the names and addresses of parties and witnesses, the substance of the complaint, the date of the hearing or trial by whom conducted, the finding of the Tribal Court or jury, and judgment or order entered. Unless specifically exempted by the Code, the record of the Court shall be public. E-8 Copies of Laws The Tribal Court shall have access to all Tribal, State and Federal Laws applicable to the conduct of persons within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. 21 Subpart F F-1 Rules of Procedure – General Issuance of Subpoenas (a) Upon request of any party to the case or upon the Tribal Court’s own initiative, the Tribal Court shall issue subpoenas to compel the appearance and testimony of witnesses, or the production of books, records, documents or any other physical evidence which is relevant and necessary to the determination of the case, over which the court has jurisdiction. The Tribal Court Clerk may act on behalf of the Tribal Court and issue subpoenas which have been signed by a Judge and which are to be served within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (b) A subpoena shall bear the signature of the Chief Judge or an Associate Judge of the Tribal Court and it shall state the name of the evidence or witness to be subpoenaed, the title of the proceeding and the place where the witness is to appear or the evidence is to be produced. F-2 Service of Subpoena (a) A subpoena may be served at any place within or outside of the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, but any subpoena to be served outside the Pueblo shall be issued personally by a Judge of the Tribal Court. (b) A subpoena may be served by any Tribal Police Officer or other person appointed by the Tribal Court for such purpose. Service of a subpoena shall be made by delivering a copy of it to the person named or by leaving a copy at his place of residence with any competent person eighteen (18) years of age or older, who also resides there. F-3 Failure to Obey Subpoena In the absence of a justification satisfactory to the Tribal Court, a person who fails to obey a subpoena may be deemed to be in contempt of court and a bench warrant may be issued for his arrest. F-4 Witness Fees (a) The Court, in its sole discretion, may order a party to reimburse witnesses for testifying in a case. (b) Any witness fees and expenses shall be paid to the witness upon completion of the trial. Such expenses may be taxed as costs against the defendant if he or she is found guilty; provided, however, that no defendant shall be incarcerated solely because of inability to pay such costs immediately. F-5 Trial Procedures (a) The time and place of Tribal Court sessions, and all other details of judicial procedure shall be set out in rules of the Court adopted pursuant this Subpart. 22 (b) The Tribal Court shall not be bound by common law rules of evidence, or the rules of evidence which pertain in state or federal courts. F-6 Jury Trials (a) Request for Jury Required. A jury trial shall be held if not otherwise specifically prohibited by the Law and Order Code and: 1. Requested by either party in a civil case; or 2. Requested by the defendant in a criminal case where imprisonment is a possible penalty for the offense charged. (b) Jury Pool. A list of eligible jurors shall be prepared and maintained by the Tribal Council or its representative. Any person over the age of twenty-one (21) years, not subject to judicial restraint by any Court, and who resides within the Pueblo of Pojoaque or is a Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Employee may be listed as an eligible juror. (c) Formation. Juries will be comprised of six (6) jurors and one alternate. A person may be excused from serving on a jury upon good cause shown under oath to a Judge. Jurors whose employers provide for compensated leave for jury service shall not be excused by the Court because of work-related responsibilities, except under extraordinary circumstances. The Judge shall consider the needs of the Court to maintain an adequate jury pool before allowing jurors to be excused. Elected Tribal Officials shall be exempt from serving on juries during their terms of office. (d) Random Selection. The Clerk of the Court will randomly select a minimum of twenty-five (25) names from the jury pool pursuant to a jury pool records maintenance schedule. (e) Juror Summons. The Court shall issue summons and thereby notify persons selected for jury service. Persons selected for jury service shall be summoned by mail or personal service. Persons who do not appear after proper notice of jury service shall be subject to contempt of Court. (f) Selection. The Court Clerk shall notify the Court and counsel of the names of the members of the jury pool appearing for selection. In selecting a jury from among the panel members, in all instances the Judge shall conduct the initial questioning of the jurors to establish eligibility, ability to serve and potential bias. When the Court determines that a juror cannot serve, the juror shall be excused. The Judge may use his or her discretion to permit the parties to ask questions and, moreover, may limit examination of jurors when the Judge believes such examination to be improper or unacceptably time consuming. (g) Challenges/Excusals. Each party shall have the right to a maximum of two (2) preemptory challenges for jurors, for which no reason need be given and which the Judge may not refuse to grant. 23 (h) Compensation of Jurors. Every person who is required to attend Court for selection or service as a juror shall be entitled to fees for each day, unless otherwise compensated through Tribal ordinance. Jurors whose employers provide for compensated leave for jury service shall not be entitled to fees. Jurors shall be compensated at a rate recommended by the Tribal Judge and provided in the rules of the court. Compensation of jurors is considered to be a court cost that shall become the responsibility of the party requesting a jury. (i) Juror Oath. The jury shall be sworn in by the Court. Any juror who violates the oath may be held in contempt of Court. (j) Juror Instructions and Deliberations. The Judge shall instruct the jury with regard to the applicable law and the jury shall decide all questions of fact in the basis of that law. The jury shall deliberate in secret and return a verdict of “guilty” or “not guilty.” The Tribal Judge shall render judgment in accordance with the jury verdict. A jury may render a verdict by majority vote in civil cases. In criminal cases a verdict of “guilty” must be either unanimous or by vote of five (5) to one (1). (k) Discharging Jurors. When the jury has reached a verdict or has determined that it shall be unable to do so, even with additional deliberation, the Court shall discharge the jurors from service. F-7 Contempt of Court (a) The Judges of the Pueblo Courts may rule a person in contempt of Court if he willfully and unjustifiably disrupts, obstructs or otherwise interferes with the due and orderly course of proceedings in the courtroom, after being advised by the Court to cease the interference. (b) All rulings of and sentences for contempt shall be announced immediately after the acts of contempt occur. (c) A person found in contempt of court may be sentenced to imprisonment for a period not to exceed three hundred and sixty-five days (365) days or to pay a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or both. F-8 Notice Code (a) Findings and Purpose. 1. Findings. The Pueblo has a compelling interest in protecting tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction and the validity of tribal laws. Tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction or the validity of tribal law may be questioned in cases in the Tribal Court in which the Pueblo or any political subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, subsidiary, officer, employee and/or legal entity of any nature whatsoever of the Pueblo is not a party. With adequate, timely, and uniform notice of cases in the Tribal Court that question tribal 24 sovereignty and jurisdiction or the validity of tribal law, the Pueblo can effectively assess whether and how to participate in such cases. 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Code is to provide the Pueblo with adequate, timely, and uniform notice of any and all cases in the Tribal Court that question tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law and in which the Pueblo or any political subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, subsidiary, officer, employee and/or legal entity of any nature whatsoever of the Pueblo is not a party. (b) Notice Required. 1. Court to Inform Parties. In any action or proceeding in which the Pueblo or any political subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, subsidiary, officer, employee and/or legal entity of any nature whatsoever of the Pueblo is not a party but which questions tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law, the Tribal Court will give notice in writing of the action or proceeding to the Office of the Governor and to the Legal Department. The Tribal Court will also serve all parties with a copy of the notice given. Such notice will identify the action or proceeding and will include a brief written explanation of the grounds upon which tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of tribal law is being questioned. Any party giving notice under this law will simultaneously file proof with the Tribal Court that notice has been given as required by this Code. 2. Continued Notice. If notice is required under this Code, the Tribal Court or any party will timely serve copies of all subsequent filings and orders in the case on the Legal Department. (c) Manner and Timing of Notice. Notice required under this Code will be given in writing and simultaneously with the raising of a question about tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law. (d) Tribal Participation Following Notice. 1. Intervention. Upon timely motion, the Pueblo may intervene as a matter of right in any action or proceeding in the Tribal Court that questions tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law. Upon intervening under this Code, the Pueblo may assert any and all available claims and defenses and may present any and all admissible evidence relating to the question of its sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law, and is entitled to the same relief, including costs, as if the Pueblo had instituted a separate action or proceeding; provided that, the Pueblo will not be required to pay costs of litigation in any action or proceeding in which it has intervened under this Code. Intervention under this Code does not abridge, limit, or otherwise affect the right of the Pueblo to commence, maintain, defend, or otherwise intervene in actions or proceedings in the Tribal Court. 2. Amicus Curiae. Upon timely motion or application, the Tribe may appear as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in any action or preceding that questions tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law. 25 3. Information Sharing and Consultation. In any action or proceeding in the Tribal Court that questions tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law in which the Pueblo does not intervene or appear as amicus curiae, the Pueblo may nevertheless share important knowledge with any party involved in the action or proceeding. This could include assistance in responding to formal discovery requests or acting as an informal consultant. 4. No Participation. The Pueblo may timely determine that it is in the best interest of the Pueblo not to intervene, appear as amicus curiae, or otherwise participate in an action or proceeding in the Tribal Court that questions tribal sovereignty or jurisdiction or the validity of any tribal law. 5. Authority to Determine Participation. Before determining participation on behalf of the Pueblo under this Code in any specific action or proceeding in Tribal Court, the Chief Legal Counsel will obtain the approval of the Governor and of the Tribal Council for cases involving challenges to tribal sovereignty. 6. Timeliness of Participation Determinations. Unless the Tribal Court orders otherwise, where timely and proper notice has been given under this Code, the Pueblo will notify the Tribal Court and parties in writing within sixty (60) days of receipt by the Pueblo of such notice of any determination to participate in any action or proceeding by way of intervention or appearance as amicus curiae. (e) Failure to Give Notice. 1. Failure to Give Notice Not Jurisdictional or Waiver of Rights. The failure of the Tribal Court or a party to give notice as required by this Code does not deprive the Tribal Court of jurisdiction and is not a waiver or modification of any rights otherwise timely asserted by any party. Any notice given under this Code is not a substitute for, or a waiver or a modification of, any other pleading requirement under tribal law. 2. Late Notice. If the Tribal Court or a party discovers that notice to the Pueblo under this law should have been but has not been given, the Tribal Court or party will promptly give notice in writing to the Pueblo as required by this Code. The Tribal Court may stay the action or proceeding at any stage to allow compliance with this Code. If final judgment has already been entered, the Pueblo may motion or apply for rehearing as of right, the Tribal Court will entertain promptly any such motions or applications for rehearing by the Pueblo, and in disposing of such motions the Tribal Court, for good cause shown, may vacate a judgment or any portion thereof. 3. Civil Sanctions. The Tribal Court may impose civil sanctions on any party for willful or unreasonable failure to give notice as required by this Code, and may use other reasonable means to cure any significant harm caused by failure to give notice as required by this Code. 26 (f) Tribal Jurisdiction and Sovereign Immunity from Suit Unaffected. 1. Jurisdiction. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed or construed to deprive, limit, or extend the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court. 2. Sovereign Immunity from Suit. Notice required under this Code does not authorize a party to name the Pueblo or any political subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, subsidiary, officer, employee and/or legal entity of any nature whatsoever of the Pueblo as a party to any action or proceeding. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed or construed as a waiver or limitation of the sovereign immunity from suit of the Pueblo or any political subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, subsidiary, officer, employee and/or legal entity of any nature whatsoever of the Pueblo. Subpart G G-1 Rules of Civil Procedure Scope of Rules; Construction; Alternate Source (a) Scope. These rules govern the procedure in all civil actions and proceedings in the Tribal Court. These rules must be applied to resolve disputes efficiently, reveal the truth, and treat all parties fairly and without prejudice. All cases before the Tribal Court will be conducted in accordance with the Law and Order Code and Pueblo of Pojoaque customs and traditions. These rules apply in criminal matters when no different rule is specified in the Rules of Criminal Procedure contained in Subpart H of the Code. (b) Mission of the Court. The mission of the Tribal Court is to be fair and unbiased, resolve disputes, maintain rights, and correct wrongs for all cases brought before the Court. Through Tribal laws, rules of court, case law, Tribal custom and common sense in the context of all relevant circumstances, the Pueblo seeks to deal justly in order to protect all inherent rights of the parties. (c) Construction. These rules will be liberally interpreted and administered to secure a just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action. At every stage of the proceeding, the Court may disregard any technical failure to comply with these rules which does not substantively affect the rights of the parties or outcome of the proceedings. (d) Alternate Source for Rules. In a situation where these rules do not contain a procedure, the parties and the Court may agree on a procedure, or the Court may determine the procedure that will be followed. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will apply to any procedures or matters that are not specifically covered in these rules, as long as the Federal Rules do not conflict with these rules or with general principles of fairness and justice as determined and interpreted by the Tribal Court. (e) Citation Form. These rules shall be known as the Pueblo of Pojoaque Rules of Civil Procedure and will be cited as “PPRCP”. 27 G-2 Sovereign Immunity Nothing in these rules shall affect the right of the Pueblo to assert immunity from suit by virtue of its status as a sovereign. The requirements for waivers of sovereign immunity are contained in Subpart J-3. G-3 Time (a) How Time is Computed. Whenever a rule or an order requires that an action is taken within a certain number of days: 1. Do not include day of the event that starts the time period; 2. Count every calendar day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; and 3. Include the last day of the time period, but if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or Court holiday, the period continues to run until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Court holiday. 4. Any time period ten (10) days or shorter will not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Court holidays. (b) Extensions of Time. Upon the request of a party and for good cause, the Court may allow an extension of any time limit described in these rules. G-4 Definitions In addition to the definitions provided for in Subpart A-3 of the Law and Order Code, the following definitions apply in this Subpart: (a) Amendment. A change or addition to a Petition, Answer, counter-claim, or other court pleading. (b) Answer. The document filed by the party defending against a claim or Petition. (c) Counter-Claim. A claim or Petition by a respondent against a plaintiff. (d) Cross-Claim. A claim against another party on the same side of the lawsuit: a respondent against another respondent or a plaintiff against another plaintiff. (e) Default. Failure to defend a case within the time allowed under the rules or failure to appear in Court when ordered to do so. (f) Execution. Enforcement of a judgment. (g) Judgment. The decision of the Court on a case. 28 (h) Party. A person or company that is being sued or is suing; either the plaintiff or defendant in a criminal case or the petitioner or respondent in a civil case. (i) Petition. The written statement of facts and request for Court action filed to start a civil lawsuit (j) Petitioner. The party who files a civil petition. (k) Pleading. Any papers filed or required to be filed with the Court by a party. (l) Process. Legal document or documents asserting the Court’s power (jurisdiction) to compel a person to appear in the Tribal Court. (m) Respondent. The party against whom the petitioner files a civil Petition. (n) Service. The manner in which delivery of the Summons or other pleading is made to the other party. (o) Stipulation. An agreement between the parties that is submitted to the Court. (p) Subpoena. An order of the Court requiring a witness to attend and to testify at a hearing or trial. (q) Summons. The document that tells a respondent that he or she is being sued and asserts the power of the Court to hear and determine the case. (r) Third-Party Petition. A Petition filed by the respondent against a third-party (i.e., a person not presently a party to the lawsuit) alleging that the third party is or may be liable for all or part of the damages which the petitioner may win from the respondent. (s) Waive. Intentionally giving up a claim or right, either by a statement or through action or inaction. G-5 Jurisdiction (a) The Tribal Court is a court of general jurisdiction. (b) The Tribal Court may exercise jurisdiction over any person or subject matter on any basis consistent with the Law and Order Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, and other applicable Federal law. G-6 Statute of Limitations (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided for, a civil lawsuit must be filed with the Court within three (3) years of the event at issue in the case. The three-year period will be counted 29 from the date on which the event was first known to the injured party or should have been known to a reasonable person in the injured party’s position. (b) Civil suits filed more than three (3) years after this time period will be dismissed. (c) This Section shall not apply to claims brought by the Pueblo of Pojoaque. (d) Any action against the Pueblo or its officers or employees arising from the performance of their official duties must be commenced within one year of the date the cause of action accrued. G-7 Representation (a) Pro Se Appearance. Parties may represent themselves. (b) Non-Attorney Appearance. A party may be represented by a non-attorney advocate with the Court’s permission. Whenever a non-attorney represents a party, that person will file a written entry of appearance showing his or her name, address, and telephone number. (c) Attorney Appearance. Permission for an attorney to practice in the Tribal Court is granted according to the provisions of the Tribal Law and Order Code, Subpart E-4. Whenever an attorney represents a party, the attorney will file a written entry of appearance showing the attorney’s name, address, and telephone number. For the purpose of this rule, the filing of any pleading or paper signed by counsel and showing the attorney’s name, address, and telephone number constitutes an entry of appearance. (d) Withdrawal of Representation Requires Court Order. An attorney or non-attorney advocate must obtain an order permitting withdrawal. The Court may place conditions on an order approving withdrawal as justice requires. (e) Limited Representation. The Tribal Court permits limited-scope representation by a professional attorney according to the standards laid out in Subpart E-4(a)–(b). The attorney shall enter an appearance that outlines the limits of representation. (f) Sanctions. The Court may impose appropriate sanctions upon an unrepresented party or his or her attorney who is found to have filed a lawsuit, motion, or any other papers for an improper or frivolous purpose such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation. Sanctions may include a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500), court costs, and attorneys’ fees incurred by the opposing party [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_pojoaque%3A59fc55baf6673694. Public record. Not legal advice.