Indiana Accident News

New Mexico ponders stiffer penalties for drunk drivers

Santa Fe, New Mexico -- State legislators have joined Governor Susana Martinez in calling for stiffer penalties for drunk drivers.
Three bills have been introduced at the state capital that would enforce harsher sentences for driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions, increase jail time for repeat offenders and revoke access to vehicles.
Such policies might have protected Farmington Police Officer Jared Stock, who was struck by a female driver during a high-speed chase on February 18. Investigators say Officer Stock was deploying "stop sticks" against 20-year-old Thuhan Ho, as she attempted to flee police. She now faces charges including criminal damage to property, fleeing a police officer, resisting and evading a police officer and assault with intent to commit a violent felony on a peace officer.
House Bill 329 brings sentencing for DWI in line with other repeat felonies. In October of last year, Ms. Ho was charged with multiple offenses, including drunk driving, speed and assault on a peace officer.
Meanwhile, House Bill 330 enforces sentences of 18 to 30 months for four-time offenders, two to three years for five-time offenders, 30 to 42 months for six-time offenders and three to four years for seven-time offenders. Second offenders would forfeit use of their vehicles under another piece of legislation, House Bill 532.
Officer Stock is making a recovery. But stronger sanctions for drunk drivers would protect law enforcement officers, as well as New Mexico's civilian population.

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