New Mexico § 20-12-75 - Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel button
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-75 — Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel button, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-12-75. Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel button
A. Any person subject to Chapter 20 NMSA 1978 shall be punished as a court-martial may direct if the person: (1) is not authorized to wear an insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel
button; and (2) wrongfully wears such insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel button
upon the person's uniform or civilian clothing. B. The maximum punishment of prosecution pursuant to this section shall be: (1) for the wrongful wearing of the medal of honor, distinguished service cross, navy
cross, air force cross, silver star, purple heart or a valor device on any personal
award, a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances received on
or after the effective date of the sentence and confinement for less than one year;
or (2) for all other violations of this section, a bad conduct discharge, forfeiture
of all pay and allowances and confinement for no more than six months. C. As used in this section, “ wrongful ” means that the conduct is done without legal justification or excuse. Actual knowledge that the person was or is not authorized to wear the item in question
is required. Knowledge may be proved by circumstantial evidence.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 20-12-75
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-75 cover?
Section 20-12-75 ("Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device or lapel button") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 20-12-75?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-75" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 20-12-75 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.