Vote Juan Diego Chavez, Democrat for House District 30 in 2026. Championing a safer future with an innovative bail reform—where justice meets fairness. Your vote is a pledge for safety, balance, and a secure tomorrow.
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VISION &
PRIORITIES
A New Vision for Bail Reform in New Mexico: Ensuring Justice and Public Safety
In 2017, New Mexico embarked on a well-intentioned journey towards justice, amending its constitution to ensure no one is unjustly detained for their inability to afford bail. While aimed at protecting individuals' rights, this reform inadvertently introduced challenges, notably constraining judges' ability to set secured bonds. Judges, unsure of a defendant's financial capabilities, often refrain from setting these bonds to avoid potentially violating rights. This well-meaning yet cautious approach has since impacted our public safety and the efficiency of our judicial system. As someone deeply entrenched in the bail bond industry for over 15 years, and echoing Tony Madrid's assertion that "bail bonds is the best kept secret," I stand committed to unveiling this secret and championing a reform that aligns with both our constitution and the pressing need for enhanced public safety
Delve deeper into our comprehensive plan to align the constitutional amendment with statutory reform, aiming to achieve a justice system that prioritizes public safety, fairness, and financial prudence.
About
Juan Diego Chavez
Dedicated to Justice,
Community, and
Innovation
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I, Juan Diego Chavez, am a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. With over 15 years of experience in the bail bond industry, including five years at the helm of my own company, Metropolitan Bail Bonds, I have gained deep insights into the intricacies of our judicial system, particularly regarding defendant release processes and the critical role of ensuring court appearances to uphold justice.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and gaps within our current criminal justice system. I observed how immediate release without bail has led to increased instances of defendants failing to appear in court, significantly hampering the ability of the district attorney's office to prosecute cases effectively and timely. This observation drove me to seek a balanced, fair, and innovative solution that respects both public safety and the financial realities faced by defendants.
A Vision for Change: The Third Alternative
My proposal introduces a third alternative to the current system—a solution where the state covers the 10% premium for defendants unable to afford their bond. This approach ensures the involvement of professional bail bond companies in the release process, leveraging their expertise to guarantee court appearances. Moreover, it involves responsible family members, creating a community of stakeholders committed to the defendant's successful return to court, thus enhancing public safety and accountability.
This innovative solution addresses the limitations imposed by the 2017 constitutional amendment in New Mexico, which has restricted judges' ability to set secured bonds due to concerns over affordability for defendants. By having the state cover the bond premium, judges can confidently assign secured bonds while ensuring the ability to release defendants who do not pose a risk. This approach prevents unnecessary or excessive bond amounts and ensures that only those who pose a significant risk are held without bond.
Why I'm Running for House of Representatives in District 30
I am running for the House of Representatives in District 30 to bring this vision to life. With my extensive experience and deep understanding of the bail bond system, I am uniquely positioned to advocate for this much-needed reform. My proposal not only promises to enhance public safety and ensure justice is served but also presents a financially viable model that could save New Mexico significant amounts over time.
As your representative, I pledge to work tirelessly to address the revolving door of our current system, empowering judges, supporting defendants' rights, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities. Together, we can introduce a system that balances justice, fairness, and fiscal responsibility, setting a precedent that could inspire change across the United States.
Join me in this journey towards a safer, fairer, and more just New Mexico.