Restorative Justice in the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is an innovative approach to justice that focuses on healing, accountability, and community well-being rather than solely on punishment. It emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior by fostering dialogue among the individuals directly affected: the victim, the offender, and the community. This process provides an opportunity for all parties to address the impact of the crime, explore solutions, and collectively determine steps toward resolution and restoration.

Our Commitment to Restorative Justice

The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to promoting restorative justice practices as part of our mission to ensure safety, fairness, and equity for all residents in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties. We believe that justice should empower communities, foster accountability, and prioritize healing for victims while offering pathways for offenders to reintegrate into society.

Key Benefits of Restorative Justice

• Healing for Victims: Victims have the chance to express how the crime impacted them and can play an active role in deciding how to address the harm.
• Offender Accountability: Offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and work toward making amends.
• Strengthened Communities: By addressing underlying issues and fostering understanding, restorative justice helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
• Reduced Recidivism: Research shows that restorative justice programs can reduce repeat offenses by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

How It Works

1. Referral: Cases are identified and referred to the Restorative Justice Program by prosecutors, judges, or community partners.
2. Assessment: Trained facilitators assess the readiness of all parties to engage in the restorative justice process.
3. Dialogue: Facilitated meetings are held, allowing victims, offenders, and community members to share their experiences and collaborate on a resolution.
4. Agreement: Participants develop a restorative plan, which may include apologies, community service, restitution, or other actions aimed at repairing the harm.
5. Follow-Up: The program monitors compliance and provides support to ensure successful outcomes