Doña Ana County, New Mexico (KRQE) – Doña Ana County Magistrate Court is launching a new initiative to help individuals facing low-level criminal charges receive mental health assistance instead of jail time.
“The goal is to enable people to live safer, more productive lives by connecting them to behavioral health treatment and community services for food, housing and other needs,” New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana H. Zamora said in a press release. “This will reduce rearrests, promote public safety and ease the burden on emergency rooms, courts and police departments that repeatedly engage with the same people struggling with mental illness.”
The program is aimed at adults with a history of mental illness who have previously been found unfit to stand trial. If they are charged with minor offenses such as trespassing or petty theft, they are given the opportunity to opt into a diversion program.
According to the Office of Court Administration, people charged with misdemeanor DUI are not eligible for the program. Those who successfully complete the program will have their criminal charges dismissed. Those who fail to continue in the voluntary program will have their criminal cases proceed as normal.
“We can create better outcomes by directing people with mental illness to the care they need and keeping them out of the justice system,” Doña Ana County Magistrate Court Judge Alexander Rosario said in a press release. “By providing an opportunity for recovery, we help these individuals, their families and the community, and reduce the likelihood of future arrests.”
