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The casual tourist may be un aware that there exists in Mazatlán a dedicated
District Attorney for Mexican and foreign tourists, and all foreign residents.
Located on Camarón Sábalo above the Clinica Balboa, its official Spanish
title is: “Procuraduria General de Justica del Estado Agencia Quinta del
Ministerio Publico del Fuero Comun Para el Tourista.” Lawyer Martha Gutiérrez
has held the DA position since 1997 when owners of hotels in the Golden
Zone pressed for an office within the tourist area. Previously, the office
was in El Centro where it was inaccessible and virtually unknown. Lic. Gutiérrez
does not speak English but is assisted by Margot Garcia, who acts as the
office´s official interpreter. The DA´s mandate is to represent tourists
and foreigners who are victims of crimes committed under Sinaloa´s Criminal
Code, including robbery, assault, fraud, murder and child molestation. Interestingly,
the Criminal Code also covers eviction, threats, embezzlement, slander and
notice of lost/stolen documents, which in the US and Canada would be considered
civil matters. Lic. Guitérrez handles them all. In 2002, 300 complaints
were lodged at the DA office, most of which occurred during Semana Santa
and Carnaval and involved fights and |
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accidents. This is a considerable decline from the two previous years when
400 incidents were reported. Lic. Guitérrez credits a strong police presence
and tight security for fewer incidents this year. Foreigners appear at the
DA office for two main reasons, says Lic. Guitérrez—slander and missing
jewelry. Slander complaints usually involve foreigners vs. foreigners, but
what she runs across often, and what surprises her most, is the fraudulent
reports of lost or stolen jewelry. Because the DA office will issue and
sign a complaint form, foreigners who claim to have lost jewelry visit her
office for the sole purpose of obtaining the form to present to their insurance
companies back home. When Lic. Guitérrez points out that an investigation
will ensue into the complaint, the missing jewelry often surfaces spontaneously.
The District Attorney for Tourists is a young woman with a sense of humor
and purpose. Her office is there to represent tourist and foreign victims
of crimes committed in Mazatlán and help clarify the often confusing Mexican
legal system. Every visitor should be aware of her presence. The District
Attorney office is located at No. 4480 Av. Camarón Sábalo, Centro Comercial
Balboa, telephone 914-3222. |
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