When government agencies refuse to provide public records, delay responding to requests, or improperly withhold information, the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) provides important legal protections.
At 505 Legal, we help individuals, businesses, journalists, and community members navigate New Mexico’s public records laws and hold public bodies accountable when they fail to follow them.
Whether you’re seeking answers about government spending, agency decisions, law enforcement records, or other public information, we’re here to help you understand your rights and determine the next steps.
Start with a call. Get a plan.
Let's Win Together
You deserve more than rushed answers or one overextended attorney trying to manage everything alone.
We close the gap between how a legal firm should operate and how it often does.
505 Legal was designed to:
This structure allows us to serve individuals and families across New Mexico with clarity, professionalism, and accountability.
The Inspection of Public Records Act, commonly known as IPRA, is New Mexico’s public records law. It gives the public the right to inspect many records maintained by state agencies, cities, counties, school districts, and other governmental entities.
The law exists because transparency strengthens public trust. When government decisions affect our communities, citizens have the right to access many of the records that explain how those decisions were made.
While some records are protected by law, many requests that are delayed or denied involve records that should be available to the public.
If you believe an agency has improperly denied your request, an attorney can help evaluate your options.
Whether you’re requesting records for personal reasons, investigative work, litigation, or public accountability, we help clients address a wide range of public records disputes.
Government agencies sometimes deny requests by claiming records are confidential or exempt. We evaluate whether those denials comply with New Mexico law.
IPRA establishes deadlines for responding to requests. When agencies fail to respond appropriately, legal action may become necessary.
Some information may be protected, but agencies cannot simply black out entire documents without legal justification.
Public records involving law enforcement can present unique legal questions. We help clients understand what records may be available under New Mexico law.
Electronic communications relating to public business may qualify as public records, even when created on mobile devices.
Taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how public funds are spent. We assist clients seeking records involving contracts, expenditures, and governmental decision-making.
From school boards to municipalities and state agencies, we help clients pursue records from a wide range of public bodies.
Access to public records isn’t simply about obtaining documents.
It’s about ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in government.
Public records can help uncover how decisions were made, how taxpayer dollars were spent, whether policies were properly followed, and whether public officials acted within the law.
Many of our clients aren’t looking for headlines. They simply want answers backed by facts.
At 505 Legal, we believe accountability begins with information.
Public records disputes often involve more than filing paperwork.
They require careful legal analysis, strategic communication with government agencies, and, when necessary, litigation to enforce the law.
Our approach focuses on:
Whether your objective is obtaining a single document or exposing broader governmental misconduct, we work to develop a strategy that fits your circumstances.
Every public records matter begins with understanding your goals.
We'll discuss:
What records you're seeking
Which agency is involved
Any responses you've already received
Applicable deadlines
Whether legal intervention may help
If we believe we can assist, we’ll explain the available options and help you decide on the best path forward.
The Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) is New Mexico’s law governing public access to government records.
In many situations, any person may submit a public records request under New Mexico law.
IPRA establishes specific deadlines for acknowledging and responding to requests. The applicable deadline depends on the circumstances.
Yes. Emails relating to public business may qualify as public records under New Mexico law.
Sometimes. Text messages concerning public business may be considered public records regardless of the device used.
If an agency fails to comply with IPRA, you may have legal remedies available, including court action in appropriate circumstances.
Under certain circumstances, New Mexico law may allow recovery of attorney fees in successful IPRA litigation.
Understanding New Mexico’s public records laws can be challenging.
“What Ken did for us was without question remarkable.”
“We were consistently impressed with the knowledge, thoroughness, and professionalism of the entire team.”
“Working with Shellie was a great experience. She stayed on top of my case, explained every step clearly, and always returned my calls. Her courtroom skills showed, and in the end, I got a better outcome than I expected. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a strong, trustworthy attorney in this area.”
“First of all, a big thank you to Shellie Patscheck and her law firm for helping me get through a very difficult moment in my life. I truly believe I wouldn’t be able to do it all on my own. I thank her for her work on getting me the results I wanted. Just a overall good experience on making things easier & simple for myself. If google review allowed a 10 start rating then it would easily be a 10/10. Thank you Shellie!”
