By Steve Terrell: The Santa Fe New Mexican A person convicted of domestic violence couldn’t be certified as a law-enforcement officer for three years, and officers convicted of such a charge would lose their certification under a bill introduced Wednesday. House Bill 17, sponsored by Rep. Nate Cote, D-Las Cruces, is being pushed by Gov. […]
DWI offenders need more jail time
June 17, 2008
A recent Project: Reader Reaction question asked whether DWI checkpoints are the most effective means of preventing alcohol-related accidents. Responses: • “I think that the checkpoints are fine but I would actually set up outside of bars where the drinking could go too far. It would be ideal to stop the driving before it happens, […]
Prison population peaks: 1 in 100 Americans in jail
February 28, 2008
The Associated Press NEW YORK — For the first time in U.S. history, more than one of every 100 adults is in jail or prison, according to a new report documenting America’s rank as the world’s No. 1 incarcerator. It urges states to curtail corrections spending by placing fewer low-risk offenders behind bars. Using state-by-state […]
Schools foster sexual abuse awareness
October 22, 2007
CNJ staff photo: Liliana Castillo Clovis Municipal Schools has implemented a sexual abuse awareness program over the last five years following the unrelated arrests and convictions of two local teachers in sexual abuse cases. By Sharna Johnson: CNJ staff writer Education and open lines of communication are key to keeping children safe from sexual predators […]
Gibson fiasco calls for stricter penalties
August 5, 2006
By Steve Chapman: syndicated columnist Mel Gibson drove drunk, got arrested and vilified Jews, thus disgracing himself, and possibly forfeiting millions of dollars in future earnings. Man, was he lucky. By getting behind the wheel with a blood-alcohol level 50 percent higher than the legal limit, he could have killed himself or someone else, as […]
Sex offender oversight caught early locally
July 1, 2006
By Sharna Johnson: CNJ Staff Writer Only one local case was affected by a statewide oversight that led to approximately 100 convicted sex offenders receiving parole periods shorter than they should have. The state Corrections Department has identified more than 100 cases in which sex offenders weren’t given the proper amount of probation or parole […]
Detention center budget focus of commission meeting
April 19, 2005
By Marlena Hartz : CNJ staff writer The Curry County Adult Detention Center’s continued financial drain on the county budget once again dominated discussions at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. According to Curry County Manager Dick Smith, 65 to 75 percent of the county’s budget is already being poured into the detention system because of continued […]
Most area sex offenders follow law
April 8, 2005
By David Irvin: CNJ staff writer More than 90 percent of registered sex offenders in Curry County were found to be in compliance with state law during a week-long investigation by area law enforcement. According to New Mexico law, all sex offenders must register with the local sheriff’s department within 10 days of release from […]
Outgoing, incoming DAs plan to cooperate
June 3, 2004
By Darrell Todd Maurina: CNJ staff writer Both the incoming and outgoing district attorneys said they want to make the next seven months an effective transition period. Incumbent 9th Judicial District Attorney Brett Carter said he hasn’t yet called his successful challenger, Matt Chandler, but will consult with him as the time comes near for […]
Lawyers disagree on sex-crime legislation
November 15, 2003
By Darrell Todd Maurina New laws passed recently by the New Mexico legislature markedly increase penalties for sex offenders whose victims are children. Two criminal defense attorneys who have handled sex-related cases in the 9th Judicial District have opposite views of the new legislation. Clovis attorney Michael Garrett said the new laws give prosecutors important […]
Sex offender required to register
June 14, 2003
Court decision means sex offender must register STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS SANTA FE — The state Supreme Court has refused to hear a case involving a Clovis man who asked to be exempted from New Mexico’s sex offender registry. By denying a request to consider the matter, the court lets stand a ruling last September […]
Jail overcrowding cuts into county coffers.
May 17, 2003
Jack King State financial woes and increased mandatory sentences for some offenses are contributing to overcrowding in the Curry County Adult Detention Center, said Detention Center Administrator Don Burdine and County Manager Geneva Cooper. In turn, overcrowding at the jail is contributing to a county budget shortfall and cutting into its indigent care fund, they […]
