New Mexico Crime Victims’ Rights

31-26-2. Purpose of act. Recognizing the state’s concern for victims of crime, it is the purpose of the Victims of Crime Act to ensure that:

• The full impact of a crime is brought to the attention of a court.
• Victims of violent crimes are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity at all stages of the criminal justice process;
• Victims’ rights are protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges as vigorously as are the rights of criminal defendants; and
• The provisions of Article 2. Section 24 of the constitution of New Mexico is implemented in statute.
  • Be treated with fairness and respect
  • Timely disposition of the case
  • Be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process
  • Notification of court proceedings
  • To attend any public court proceedings, the accused has the right to attend
  • Confer with the prosecution
  • Make a statement to the court at sentencing and any post-sentencing hearings for the accused
  • Restitution from the person convicted of the criminal offense that caused the victim's loss or injury
  • Information about the conviction; sentencing; imprisonment escape or release of the accused;
  • Have the prosecuting attorney notify the victim’s employer,
  • If requested by the victim, of the necessity of the victim’s cooperation and testimony in a court proceeding that may necessitate the absence from work for good cause;
  • Return of evidence belonging to the victim;
  • Be informed by the court at a sentencing proceeding that the Offender is eligible to earn meritorious deductions from the offender’s sentence and the amount of meritorious deductions that may be earned by the offender.