Man fails to appear for court for 2nd degree MURDER, FREE TO GO again under NM Bail Reform

Mark Lucero

After failing to appear for court relating to charges of 2nd degree murder, a New Mexico man has been released yet again under NM Bail Reform guidelines.

Benjamin Chavez, 24, was charged with 2nd degree murder in January of 2015.  Chavez failed to appear for arraignment on February 23, 2018 and was subsequently arrested on March 1, 2018.

Chavez was later released and FREE TO GO after appearing before Judge Cindy Leos under NM Bail Reform

Judge Cindy Leos

after the Arnold Foundation’s “Pretrial Risk Assessment” tool determined that he was not a danger to the community or a flight risk and therefore should not be subject to any accountable release – just a “promise” to appear.

The release is the result of newly enacted Supreme Court guidelines orchestrated by Chief Justice Daniels that virtually eliminates accountable pretrial release and bail.


New Mexico Bail Reform, Risk Assessments, and Pretrial Services

Chief Justice Charles Daniels
  • ZERO Accountability
  • ZERO Deterrent
  • ZERO Supervision
  • ZERO concern for victims
  • ZERO Bail…just a “pinky promise” to return
  • Bail Reform – Dangerous, Reckless, and a Taxpayer Burden


You’ve been lied to New Mexico…

Bail Reform is reckless and dangerous – with zero regard for victims or criminal accountability.

Demand more from our legislators…

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