Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office Helps Crime Victims

 

Judge Shanon Riley presides over court proceedings, establishes rules and procedures in the courtroom, and mediates between litigants in her appointment as a judge for the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration. An experienced public servant, Judge Shanon Riley began her law career as an associate trial attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.

Many of the legal issues handled by Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office involve victimization crimes. To address the unique needs of the victims of violent crimes, the district attorney’s office launched the Victim Impact program, which provides information, support, and assistance to victims and their families.

Professional advocates within the Victim Impact program help victims navigate the criminal justice system. Advocates plan and assist with client safety, provide referrals to legal and medical help, and direct clients toward financial assistance and counseling services. Additionally, advocates orient the victim with the legal process, explaining court proceedings, assisting with paperwork and legal documentation, and keeping victims abreast of developments in their case.

Southwestern University’s Moot Court Honors Program

Judge Shanon Riley currently serves as a workers’ compensation judge for the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration. She attended Southwestern University School of Law, where she participated in the moot court honors program. During her involvement, Judge Shanon Riley was a finalist for both Best Oralist and Best Writer.

A nationally recognized program, the Southwestern University (SU) moot court honors program is open to students who excel at the intramural competition. With a large number of participants and top award winners, SU’s program is one of the most active in the United States. Students selected to participate attend local, regional, and national competitions, where they compete against students from other schools in hypothetical cases. The students compete as oralists, writers, or team coordinators and conduct legal research, draft court briefs, and present arguments.

The moot court intramural competition at SU is organized by a board of governors who advise program members throughout their practice and preparation.

What Is a Pro Se Worker and Their Benefits under the NMWCA

A member of the State Bar of New Mexico, Judge Shanon Riley has practiced law for more than a decade. In 2011, Judge Shanon Riley joined the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration to preside over court proceedings and ensure pro se workers have a complete understanding of the rights outlined in the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Act (NMWCA).

The Latin term pro se translates to “in one’s own behalf.” In law, it refers to a person who chooses to represent themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney. To aid pro se workers appearing before a New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration court, judges make an effort to educate claimants on the NMWCA.

The act requires all companies with three or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance provides a range of benefits for staff members injured on the job. Among these benefits is medical coverage. Eligible individuals can obtain health care services at no expense to themselves. Depending on the severity of an injury, medical care is available for the life of a person. The law also awards compensation for injuries. The amount is based on the length of time a person cannot work while they recover as well as their level of impairment. In severe cases, an employee may be awarded compensation valued at 80 percent or more of their salary for period of up to 700 weeks.