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Governor Bill Richardson says he wants first time drunk drivers to get mandatory jail time and higher penalties.
The announcement comes on the heels of a Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, report that says New Mexico’s laws are lenient on drunk drivers.
The governor announced Monday that he will propose a package of laws to the state legislature mandating a three-day prison sentence and a $2,500 fine for a first DWI offense.
Richardson also wants to close a loophole many offenders are using by not taking breathalyzer tests. He also wants a new law allowing a charge of second degree murder for what he calls "the most heinous DWI offenses." He said the recent deaths of four Santa Fe teens after a crash with a drunk driver are a case in point.
RICHARDSON: "God, I, I was so sad and upset about that... with all the progress we’ve made. You know a lot of it is dealing with stupid behavior of people. You know, I don’t know how you legislate that. But what you can do is toughen penalties, what you can do is work with the judicial system to follow the laws. You know I just wish we could deal with the behavior of individuals more effectively."
Richardson noted that the state has seen a recent 35 percent reduction in the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths. While the reduction may be the result of ignition interlock requirements for DWI offenders in New Mexico, Richardson says the state must do more.
The MADD report indicated that New Mexico courts accept lesser pleas to DWI charges and that offenders often serve time under house arrest instead of in jail. MADD National Director Lora Dean Mooney said it’s time for tough action by states.
MOONEY: "Because of the great leadership of Governor Richardson and his team, the country is learning what can happen when a state gets serious about stopping DWI. New Mexico’s substantial decrease in drunk driving fatalities is significant, and a lot of families are still together today because of the commitment of the governor and the legislature."
State lawmakers reconvene in January for a 30 day session. It’s not clear if the governor will call for the DWI law changes in a special session beforehand.
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