New Mexico § 20-12-42 - Espionage

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-42 — Espionage, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-12-42. Espionage

A. Any person subject to Chapter 20 NMSA 1978 who, with intent or reason to believe that it is to be used to the injury of the

United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation, communicates, delivers or transmits,

or attempts to communicate, deliver or transmit, to any entity described in Subsection

B of this section, either directly or indirectly, any thing described in Subsection

C of this section shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, except that if

the accused is found guilty of an offense that directly concerns nuclear weaponry,

military spacecraft or satellites, early warning systems or other means of defense

or retaliation against large scale attack, war plans, communications intelligence

or cryptographic information or any other major weapons system or major element of

defense strategy, the accused shall be punished by death or other punishment as a

court-martial may direct. B. An “entity” referred to in Subsection A of this section is: (1) a foreign government; (2) a faction or party or military or naval force within a foreign country, whether

recognized or unrecognized by the United States; or (3) a representative, officer, agent, employee, subject or citizen of such a government,

faction, party or force. C. A “thing” referred to in Subsection A of this section is a document, writing, code

book, signal book, sketch, photograph, photographic negative, blueprint, plan, map,

model, note, instrument, appliance or information relating to the national defense. D. No person may be sentenced by court-martial to suffer death for an offense under

this section unless: (1) the members of the court-martial unanimously find at least one of the aggravating

factors set out in Subsection G of this section; and (2) the members unanimously determine that any extenuating or mitigating circumstances

are substantially outweighed by any aggravating circumstances, including the aggravating

factors set out under Subsection G of this section. E. Findings under this subsection may be based on: (1) evidence introduced on the issue of guilt or innocence; (2) evidence introduced during the sentencing proceeding; or (3) all such evidence. F. The accused shall be given broad latitude to present matters in extenuation and

mitigation. G. A sentence of death may be adjudged by a court-martial for an offense under this

section only if the members unanimously find, beyond a reasonable doubt, one or more

of the following aggravating factors: (1) the accused has been convicted of another offense involving espionage or treason

for which either a sentence of death or imprisonment for life was authorized by statute; (2) in the commission of the offense, the accused knowingly created a grave risk of

substantial damage to the national security; (3) in the commission of the offense, the accused knowingly created a grave risk of

death to another person; or (4) any other factor that may be prescribed by the president of the United States

by regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 20-12-42

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-42 cover?

Section 20-12-42 ("Espionage") 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 § 20-12-42?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 20-12-42" (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 § 20-12-42 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.