Victims play a vital role in the criminal justice system, as their participation is crucial to upholding justice and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. Their rights must be respected and safeguarded throughout the legal process. Unfortunately, we have received reports of violations of victims’ rights, which is unacceptable. Recently, we took action against a district court judge for failing to uphold these rights. In our commitment to protecting victims, we have established a specialized unit dedicated to reviewing all violations of crime victims’ rights to ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Understanding the Law: New Mexico Constitution Article II, Section 24
Article II, Section 24 of the New Mexico Constitution outlines a comprehensive list of rights afforded to crime victims in the state. These rights are designed to ensure that victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process. Key rights include:
- Timely Notification: Victims have the right to be promptly informed of all criminal proceedings and major developments in their cases.
- Participation: The right to participate and be heard in critical stages of the criminal justice process, including court proceedings and parole hearings.
- Protection: Ensuring the safety of victims by taking appropriate measures to protect them from the accused.
- Restitution: Victims are entitled to restitution from the offender to compensate for their losses.
- Prompt Return of Property: The right to have their property returned as quickly as possible when it is no longer needed as evidence.
These rights are vital in supporting victims and have also been codified in statute 31-26-4.
Our Commitment to Crime Victims
At the New Mexico Department of Justice, we have established an office to uphold our mission is to ensure that every victim is treated with the utmost respect and that their rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
How We Support Victims
- Advocacy and Support Services: We provide victim advocates to guide victims through the legal process, ensuring they are informed of their rights and the progress of their cases.
- Intervention: Our office receives and carefully reviews complaints related to potential violations of Crime Victim Rights. If there is a breach of the Victims of Crime Act we will evaluate to determine whether or not we intervene in the case or provide guidance to the Judge or District Attorney’s Office.
- Education and Outreach: We work closely with law enforcement and other agencies to implement measures that protect victims from further harm or intimidation.
We Want to Hear from You
We believe that the voices of victims are crucial in shaping a justice system that truly serves the community. If you believe your rights as a crime victim are being infringed upon, we want to hear from you. Your feedback and experiences are invaluable in helping us improve our services and advocacy efforts. We are committed to standing with crime victims and ensuring their rights are protected. By working together, we can create a justice system that is fair, compassionate, and just for all.
Additional resources for victims and their families can be found here.
