State of New Mexico secondary Archives: on Crime
Ben Ray Lujan:
End for-profit prisons, cash bail, mandatory minimums
It is my strong belief that corporations should not profit from human suffering. I've rejected private prison money in my Senate race and support ending for-profit prisons. Creating a more just criminal justice system begins with our courts.
We must end the unfair and discriminatory cash bail system that punishes lower-income individuals with prolonged detention. We must trust judges to distribute equal and fair verdicts by ending the use of mandatory minimums--an inherently racist policy.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
Ben Ray Lujan:
Voted for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Ben Ray Lujan: Yes. Voted for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 "to provide justice for
victims of police brutality."
Mark Ronchetti: No. Believes "police officers are good people risking their lives to protect our community and have earned our support."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Bill Richardson:
Toughened DWI and sex offender laws
We toughened DWI and sex offender laws by passing stronger penalties. DWI is a non-partisan crisis in New Mexico, and the human toll cuts across party lines, ethnicity, economic status - it is devastating, and unacceptable. I propose multiple DWI
offenders forfeit their vehicles-let’s take the weapons out of their hands. My DWI package contains stronger penalties for those who drive drunk with children in the car. And there are new, serious penalties for those who provide alcohol to our children.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature
Jan 20, 2004
Bill Richardson:
Domestic violence incidents start with drinking
Our problems with alcohol abuse aren’t limited to DWI. Experts report the majority of domestic violence incidents start with, or are exacerbated by drinking. That’s why my proposals incorporate domestic violence into increased training for law
enforcement officers, tougher penalties for offenders, and increasing treatment options to deal with the underlying problems. I also want to amend our stalking and harassment laws to prohibit electronic, or “cyber” stalking.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature
Jan 20, 2004
Bob Walsh:
Stricter punishment doesn't reduce crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Strongly oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview for 2020 New Mexico race
May 1, 2020
Bob Walsh:
Police should not be allowed to arrest without a warrant
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?A: There is substantial evidence that racism remains widespread. However, the threat to domestic security is mostly local, where the police force is not under control.
The police should not be allowed to arrest without a warrant.
The exception is a immediate threat of injury or death, in which case everyone has the responsibility to intervene.
The absence of bystander assistance should be prima facie evidence that there was no such threat. Police should be held to the same standard of behavior that would apply to a bystander.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Joe Cervantes:
Underfunding, lack of reform leads to more crime
Q: How do you intend to reduce crime?A: This administration has cut funding to courts, district attorneys and corrections, leading to the dismissal of cases and the uncertainty of prosecution and punishment. Underfunding of courts and
law enforcement leads to the uncontrolled crime we're experiencing. The answer to how we address crime requires a better functioning court system, a better functioning prosecution, predictable arrests and appropriate sentencing.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
Joe Cervantes:
Supported restricting use of solitary confinement on minors
HB 175: Isolated Confinement Act: Analysis by N.M. Political Report: HB175 restricted certain types of solitary confinement in jails. The bill would have prohibited confining pregnant women, teenagers or inmates with severe behavioral
health issues. One opponent says the veto means "taxpayers will continue to pay millions in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool."
Veto Message: HB 175 oversimplifies isolated confinement in such a
way so as to eliminate flexibility and endanger the lives of inmates and staff alike. It is possible that a serious youthful offender poses a threat to, or actually engages in a pattern of harmful behavior toward other inmates or staff--HB 175 would
prevent the correctional facility from utilizing restricted housing for this inmate.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-22-10 on Mar/11/17; Passed Senate 29-3-10 on Mar/17/17; State Sen. Joe Cervantes voted YES; Vetoed on Apr/6/17
Source: N.M. Political Report on New Mexico voting record HB 175
Mar 17, 2017
John Sanchez:
Reduce age for prosecuting youth offenders from 15 to 13
Sanchez sponsored legislation to change the ages for criminal prosecution.Excerpts from legislation: HB431 Serious Youthful Offenders Age Designation: AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: BE IT ENACTED:
- "Serious youthful offender" means an individual 13 to 18 years of age [was 15 years of age] who is charged with and indicted or bound over for trial for first degree murder
- "Youthful offender" means a delinquent child subject to adult or juvenile sanctions who is 13 to 18 years of age [was 14 years of age] at the time of the offense and who is adjudicated for at least one of the following offenses
- second degree murder; assault with intent to commit a violent felony; kidnapping; or aggravated battery.
Source: New Mexico legislative voting record on HB431
Jul 1, 2002
Mark Ronchetti:
Strongly opposes efforts to defund the police
Support for Law Enforcement: We must fight racism and police brutality, but defunding the police is a reckless and irresponsible scheme that will make our communities less safe. The vast majority of police officers are good people
risking their lives to protect our community and have earned our support. Mark strongly opposes efforts to defund the police. Mark will fight to bring more federal help back to New Mexico to fight crime and make our streets safer.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website MarkRonchetti.com
Aug 30, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Federal laws have teeth; we will go after criminals
Mark believes that from the federal-level down to our smallest towns more must be done to get our crime epidemic under control. Mark will work tirelessly with the Department of Justice to get more federal task force resources and additional assistant
US Attorneys to put criminals away. It will take years to reform the laws that let criminals out quickly on state and local charges. However, federal laws have teeth, and we will go after criminals in a way that will keep them off our streets.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website MarkRonchetti.com
Aug 30, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
COVID: relief bill releases violent criminals from prison
On efforts to craft a new pandemic relief package, Lujan suggested another round of $1,200 direct payments to taxpayers is needed, along with an infusion of federal resources to public schools aimed at reopening classrooms safely.
Ronchetti said businesses should have liability protections in coronavirus-related lawsuits. "They shouldn't have to fear frivolous lawsuits," he said. Ronchetti repeatedly said a House economic relief bill would let violent criminals out of prison.
Source: Franklin IN Daily Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Welcomes federal intervention against violent crime
While Lujan touted his efforts on bills generating hundreds of millions of dollars for local police to help with crime-fighting efforts,
Ronchetti said he welcomes federal authorities stepping into crime-ridden cities. "Because the job isn't being done within the state," Ronchetti said. ". Someone has to tackle violent crime."
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate debate
Oct 5, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Federal economic relief would free violent criminals
Ronchetti repeatedly said a House economic relief bill would let violent criminals out of prison. Amid questions about the future of civil rights guarantees and racial equality,
Ronchetti said policing reforms on the use of force are being derailed by partisanship, citing languishing proposals from Black GOP Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.
Source: Bay News TV-9 on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Oct 6, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Opposed to defunding the police
Most police officers are good people and I strongly oppose defunding the police. Additionally, our Albuquerque police officers have already adopted many reforms and I am proud to be endorsed by the Albuquerque Police Officers Association. We need
federal law enforcement help to keep our streets safe. Our local government and leadership have abdicated the responsibility and let violent crime skyrocket. We need to support our police department and bring in federal help to keep our streets safe.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Jan 7, 2020
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Dangerous, repeat offenders have got to be in jail
Let's all agree that the days of hardened, violent, repeat offenders not doing any real time, getting unwarranted second and third and fourth chances because our system is too broken to hold people accountable . those days
must end and they must end now. New Mexicans are sick and tired of seeing predators circle in and out of custody, never facing the full force of the law. I am too. Dangerous, repeat offenders have got to be in jail.
Source: 2020 New Mexico State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
We need tougher penalties for the worst of the worst
We need tougher penalties for the worst of the worst, the repeat offenders and those who have proven themselves to be a danger to our communities; I support rehabilitation and this administration has done a lot of good work in that area, but I stand
with the families and communities who have been victimized unnecessarily by the violent criminals that this system needs to secure. The worst offenders, the most serious and dangerous criminals in our state, need to be behind bars, simple as that.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to New Mexico legislature
Jan 18, 2022
Rebecca Dow:
Fire bad cops but don't eliminate qualified immunity
I support eliminating any protections that keep bad police officers on the job. Let's protect the good law enforcement officers and encourage the bad ones to move along.
Eliminating qualified immunity however will make it impossible to hire and retain qualified law enforcement officers.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Rebecca Dow:
Supported restricting use of solitary confinement on minors
HB 175: Isolated Confinement Act:Analysis by N.M. Political Report: HB175 restricted certain types of solitary confinement in jails. The bill would have prohibited confining pregnant women, teenagers or inmates with severe behavioral
health issues. One opponent says the veto means "taxpayers will continue to pay millions in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool."
Veto Message:HB 175 oversimplifies isolated confinement in such
a way so as to eliminate flexibility and endanger the lives of inmates and staff alike. It is possible that a serious youthful offender poses a threat to, or actually engages in a pattern of harmful behavior toward other inmates or staff--HB 175 would
prevent the correctional facility from utilizing restricted housing for this inmate.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 38-22-10 on Mar/11/17; State Rep. Rebecca Dow voted YES; Passed Senate 29-3-10 on Mar/17/17; Vetoed on Apr/6/17
Source: N.M. Political Report on New Mexico voting record HB 175
Mar 17, 2017
Susana Martinez:
Mandatory prison time for child abuse
I have spent my life and career helping those who had no voice, particularly children who had been the victim of senseless cruelty, violence, and abuse. I am asking you to join me in standing up for those who are unable to stand for themselves.
I'm asking you to increase penalties for child abuse. Those who abuse children should face severe penalties and mandatory prison time. We must always put justice for victims first. And we are going to change the law and fight to ensure that no one is
able to murder someone in our state and get off easy--or get away with it completely--by simply running out the clock.
I am confident we can work together to solve other pressing public safety needs--strengthening Megan's Law to ensure sex offenders
cannot live in secret in our neighborhoods, allowing Amber Alerts to be issued when relatives abduct a child and put them in harm's way, and ending the practice of providing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Source: 2012 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 17, 2012
Susana Martinez:
Do away with bail for dangerous criminals
Every judge should have real-time access to the criminal background and history of defendants who appear in their courtrooms--so that sentencing and bail decisions can be made with that information.
And we need to amend our Constitution to allow judges to keep the most dangerous criminals in jail--without bail.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New Mexico legislature
Jan 19, 2016
Susana Martinez:
Beef up three strikes law, allow for curfews
Look at our three strikes law. It sounds tough, but it was worded so that it didn't mean anything. No one has ever been incarcerated under that law. Let's put real teeth into it, so we can keep those who commit repeated violent felonies--who repeatedly
prey on innocent families--behind bars for life. In addition, skipping out on parole should be a 4th degree felony, and I fully support the bipartisan effort to allow local communities to adopt curfews if it's necessary to keep us safe.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New Mexico legislature
Jan 19, 2016
Susana Martinez:
Collect DNA from felons
We funded bold education reform; passed stricter penalties on repeat DWI offenders; expanded Katie's law to collect DNA from felons; passed Jaydon's Law to give judges the entire criminal history of offenders; protected victims of sexual assault with
Rachael's Law; and ended the dangerous practice of giving drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. We can address challenges while protecting the progress we've made.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to New Mexico Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
Susana Martinez:
Increase penalties for many crimes
I learned a long time ago as a prosecutor--and it's just plain common sense--that those who commit crimes will go where the laws are weak and punishments are light. And in New Mexico, they have found their easy mark. Just over a year ago,
New Mexicans voted to give judges power they've never had before--to hold dangerous defendants--including repeat offenders--in jail prior to their trial. This session, let's increase penalties for those who use a gun while committing a crime.
Crack down on those who repeatedly drive drunk. Require stiffer punishment for those who commit crimes while other charges are pending against them. Pass child protection legislation that would increase penalties on those who prey on, abuse, and kill
the most precious and innocent among us. We also need a three-strikes law with real teeth, and those who kill police officers, correctional officers, or children should absolutely face the death penalty.
Source: 2018 New Mexico State of the State address
Jan 16, 2018
Susana Martinez:
Vetoed restricting use of solitary confinement on minors
HB 175: Isolated Confinement Act: Analysis by N.M. Political Report: HB175 restricted certain types of solitary confinement in jails. The bill would have prohibited confining pregnant women, teenagers or inmates with severe behavioral
health issues. One opponent says the veto means "taxpayers will continue to pay millions in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool."
Veto Message: HB 175 oversimplifies isolated confinement in such a
way so as to eliminate flexibility and endanger the lives of inmates and staff alike. It is possible that a serious youthful offender poses a threat to, or actually engages in a pattern of harmful behavior toward other inmates or staff--HB 175 would
prevent the correctional facility from utilizing restricted housing for this inmate.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-22-10 on Mar/11/17; Passed Senate 29-3-10 on Mar/17/17; Vetoed by Gov. Martinez on Apr/6/17
Source: N.M. Political Report on New Mexico voting record HB 175
Mar 30, 2017
Yvette Herrell:
Opposed restricting use of solitary confinement on minors
HB 175: Isolated Confinement Act: Analysis by N.M. Political Report: HB175 restricted certain types of solitary confinement in jails. The bill would have prohibited confining pregnant women, teenagers or inmates with severe behavioral
health issues. One opponent says the veto means "taxpayers will continue to pay millions in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool."
Veto Message: HB 175 oversimplifies isolated confinement in such a
way so as to eliminate flexibility and endanger the lives of inmates and staff alike. It is possible that a serious youthful offender poses a threat to, or actually engages in a pattern of harmful behavior toward other inmates or staff--HB 175 would
prevent the correctional facility from utilizing restricted housing for this inmate.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-22-10 on Mar/11/17; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Passed Senate 29-3-10 on Mar/17/17; Vetoed on Apr/6/17
Source: N.M. Political Report on New Mexico voting record HB 175
Mar 11, 2017
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Millions invested in police departments
Ronchetti mentioned the rising crime in the state. He pledged New Mexico can do better regarding crime and education by choosing "a different path."To the topic of rising crime in New Mexico, Ronchetti brought up the "soft on crime" approach the
state has taken with some offenders. Also mentioned there are "10% less" state police officers than when Lujan Grisham entered office four years ago.
Lujan Grisham cited millions invested in police departments and other resources at their disposal now. The governor also brought up GOP actions that plagued the state budget.
Ronchetti rebutted with discussing the FBI raid of over 1 million fentanyl pills and went on to state that criminals are here due to the laxed policing.
Source: KOAT-7 Action News on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Oct 17, 2022
Mark Ronchetti:
State has been soft on crime with some offenders
Ronchetti mentioned the rising crime in the state. He pledged New Mexico can do better regarding crime and education by choosing "a different path."To the topic of rising crime in New Mexico, Ronchetti brought up the "soft on crime" approach the
state has taken with some offenders. Also mentioned there are "10% less" state police officers than when Lujan Grisham entered office four years ago.
Lujan Grisham cited millions invested in police departments and other resources at their disposal now. The governor also brought up GOP actions that plagued the state budget.
Ronchetti rebutted with discussing the FBI raid of over 1 million fentanyl pills and went on to state that criminals are here due to the laxed policing.
Source: KOAT-7 Action News on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Oct 17, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023