VICTIM IMPACT PROGRAM

Office of the District Attorney
Second Judicial District
111 Union Square NE
Albuquerque, NM  87102
505-841-7020

WHAT IS THE VICTIM IMPACT PROGRAM?

At any point in time, anyone could be a victim of crime. Victims have no choice in becoming victims and may find themselves alone, helpless and without resources. The Victim Impact Program was created to help with the trauma and the burden the victim suffers as a result of the commission of a crime.

NEW MEXICO CRIME VICTIMS REPARATION COMMISSION

The Crime Victims Reparation Act was enacted to help in the financial hardships suffered by the innocent victims of violent crime.

Compensation, of up to $20,000, can be awarded to eligible victims for: medical expenses, hospital expenses, dental expenses, loss of wages, counseling, and funeral expenses.

A claim form must be filed with the Crime Victims Reparation Commission within 12 months of the date of the injury or death of the victim.

The Victim Impact Program will help determine if you are eligible and will also help you fill out the application.

VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT
31-26-1 to 31-26-14 NMSA 1978
(effective January 1, 1995)

Recognizing the state's concern for victims of crime, it is the purpose of the Victims of Crime Act to assure that:
A. the full impact of a crime is brought to the attention of the court;
B. victims of violent crimes are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity at all stages of the criminal justice process;
C. victims' rights are protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judges as vigorously as are the rights of criminal defendants; and
D. the provisions of Article 2, Section 24 of the constitution of New Mexico are implemented in statute.

A victim may exercise his rights pursuant to the provisions of the Victims of Crime Act (31-26-1 to 31-26-14 1978) only if he:
A. reports the criminal offense within five days of the occurrence or discovery of the criminal offense, unless the district attorney determines that the victim had a reasonable excuse for failing to do so;
B. provides the district attorney with current and updated information regarding the victim's name, address and telephone number; and
C. fully cooperates with and fully responds to reasonable requests made by law enforcement and the district attorney.

The rights and duties established pursuant to the provisions of the Victims of Crime Act take effect when an individual is formally charged by a district attorney for allegedly committing a criminal offense against a victim. Those rights and duties remain in effect until final disposition of the court proceedings attendant to the charged criminal offense.

If you have any questions about your rights as a violent crime victim: PLEASE CONTACT THE VICTIM IMPACT PROGRAM AT 841-7020.

 Taken from:  VICTIM IMPACT PROGRAM brochure.
                              Office of the District Attorney, New Mexico.