New Mexico Statutes 24-1-9.2. Sexually transmitted infections; testing of persons
formally charged for allegedly committing certain criminal offenses.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 24-1-9.2
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
A. A test designed to identify any sexually transmitted infection may be performed on a person, upon the filing of a complaint, information or an indictment alleging that the person committed a state criminal offense:
(1) involving contact between the penis and the vulva; (2) involving contact between the penis and anus;
(3) involving contact between the mouth and penis;
(4) involving contact between the mouth and vulva; or
(5) involving contact between the mouth and anus.
B. If consent to perform a test on an alleged offender cannot be obtained, the victim of the alleged criminal offense described in Subsection A of this section may petition the court, through the prosecuting office or personally, to order that a test be performed on the alleged offender; provided that the same test is first performed on the victim of the alleged criminal offense. The test may be performed on the alleged offender regardless of the result of the test performed on the victim of the alleged criminal offense. If the victim of the alleged criminal offense is a minor or incompetent, the parent or legal guardian of the victim of the alleged criminal offense may petition the court to order that a test be performed on the alleged offender.
C. The court may issue an order based on a finding of good cause after a hearing at which both the victim of the alleged criminal offense and the alleged offender have the right to be present. During the hearing, only affidavits, counter affidavits and medical reports regarding the facts that support or rebut the issuance of an order shall be admissible. The hearing shall be conducted within seventy-two hours after the victim petitions the court for the order. The petition and all proceedings in connection therewith shall be under seal. The court shall issue an order and the test shall be administered to the alleged offender within ten days after the petition is filed by the victim of the alleged criminal offense or the victim’s parent or legal guardian.
D. Except for disclosures made pursuant to Section 24-1-7 N.M. Stat. Ann., the results of the test shall be disclosed only to the alleged offender and to the victim of the alleged criminal offense or the victim’s parent or legal guardian. When the victim of the alleged criminal offense or the alleged offender has a positive test result, both the alleged offender and the victim of the alleged criminal offense shall be provided with counseling.
E. A prosecuting attorney may not use in a criminal proceeding arising out of the alleged criminal offense the fact that a test was administered to the alleged offender or the results of the test.
F. The provisions of this section shall not affect the rights and remedies available to the victim of the alleged criminal offense and the alleged offender in any civil action.
G. The administration of a test to an alleged offender pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not preclude the subsequent administration of another test pursuant to the provisions of Section 24-1-9.1 N.M. Stat. Ann..