Ex-Sec. of State wants judge to lessen probation requirements

Former New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran wants a judge to reconsider the terms of her probation.

Duran was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation for misusing campaign funds to pay off casino debts. As part of her conditions of probation, Duran is required to make four public appearances per month for the next three years to speak about her career and mistakes to civic groups and schools.

However, a motion filed in Santa Fe district court likens these appearances to “public shaming” rather than rehabilitation, according to KOB’s news partners at the Santa Fe New Mexican.

“Seemingly, these required weekly public appearances are tantamount to public shaming, similar to the defendant required to display a bumper sticker advertising ‘convicted felon’ or “convicted DWI,'” the motion reads.

The motion also states these public speaking appearances could endanger Duran’s life, citing online comments on news stories about Duran.

“There are numerous members of the public who would delight in the opportunity to inflict physical harm on Ms. Duran,” the motion reads.

Duran’s attorney requests the judge reduce the public speaking requirement to one per month.

In the motion, her attorney also requests a reduction in Duran’s community service hours from 2,000 to 1,000 due to her role as a caregiver for her three grandsons.

Duran also wants the judge to allow her to travel throughout the state without having to obtain authorization from the probation office.

The Office of the Attorney General says it opposes her motion and will file a response with the court citing its reasons for opposition.

The Democratic Party issued a response, saying, “Rather than trying to get special treatment, Duran should be working with the community as her sentence requires.”

This story originally appeared at KOB.com