When the accusation is presented by the district attorney as provided in the preceding section [10-4-18 NMSA 1978], the same must be supported by sworn affidavit or affidavits, and the court must forthwith investigate the matter, and if a jury is in attendance at the time such accusation is presented, the court must order a citation to the defendant and thenceforth the case must proceed as provided in this chapter where the accusation is by a grand jury.

History: Laws 1909, ch. 36, § 20; Code 1915, § 3973; C.S. 1929, § 96-124; 1941 Comp., § 10-321; 1953 Comp., § 5-3-21.

Compiler's notes. — The 1915 Code compilers replaced "chapter 36 of the Session Laws of 1909," compiled as 10-3-1, 10-4-1 to 10-4-29 NMSA 1978, with "this chapter," referring to Chapter 80 of the 1915 Code, §§ 3950 to 3985, compiled as 10-1-2 to 10-1-4, 10-3-1, 10-4-1 to 10-4-29 and 10-17-5 NMSA 1978.

Cross references. — For presentment of grand jury accusation, see 10-4-5 NMSA 1978.

Amended verification prohibited. — Where the verification of an accusation for the removal of a public officer is held insufficient by the trial court within twenty days of the time for the grand jury to meet, or while it is in session, the matter should be presented, and it is error to permit amended verifications. State v. Awalt, 1916-NMSC-020, 21 N.M. 510, 156 P. 407.

Accusation distinguished from information. — Accusation to be presented to the court by the district attorney may be one based upon information of others and not a formal charge upon information of the district attorney. State ex rel. Mansker v. Leib, 1915-NMSC-071, 20 N.M. 619, 151 P. 766.

Citation or order to show cause necessary. — Under the provisions of Section 10-4-5 NMSA 1978, a citation or order to an officer to show cause why he should not be suspended from office until final determination of a removal proceeding is necessary before the court has the power to proceed to hear the matter of suspension. State ex rel. Delgado v. Leahy, 1924-NMSC-077, 30 N.M. 221, 231 P. 197.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 20 C.J.S. Counties § 106; 62 C.J.S. Municipal Corporations § 512.