Courts

SFNF Issues Order Prohibiting Marijuana

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SFNF News:
 
SANTA FE ― In order to provide for public health and safety and protect resources, the Santa Fe National Forest issued an order that prohibits possessing, storing or transporting marijuana within Forest boundaries.
 
The order, which is in effect until May 31, 2018, allows Forest Service law enforcement personnel to issue citations to violators. Marijuana possession, storage or transport on the Forest is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not
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New Mexico Receives $3 Million For Foreclosure Legal Assistance For Homeowners

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STATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― New Mexico has received $3.3 million to help provide legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.
 
The money is from a 2014 settlement with Bank of America and its subsidiaries over mortgage practices. Terms of the settlement restrict use of the money to foreclosure prevention legal assistance and community redevelopment. In New Mexico, the money will be awarded to legal aid groups based on grant applications. There are about 5,000 open mortgage foreclosure cases in the state.
 
An independent monitor overseeing the national
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Sanchez-Gagne: Why I Am Running To Be Your DA

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By MARIA SANCHEZ-GAGNE
Democratic Candidate
District Attorney

I am a native Santa Fean and life-long Democrat. I have worked as a career prosecutor for 20 years, having prosecuted hundreds of cases including violent crimes of child abuse, human trafficking and sexual assaults. I wrote New Mexico’s human trafficking law and prosecuted the first cases of human trafficking. Victims, regardless of their immigration status, are now able to receive benefits and resources to start a new life. I am responsible for the first state international extradition from Mexico. I have developed and implemented Read More

Gessing: Accidental Criminals – Why New Mexico Needs ‘Mens Rea’ (Criminal Intent) Reform

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By PAUL GESSING, President
Rio Grande Foundation

ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico could make significant improvements to its criminal justice system by embracing a common-law principle called mens rea.

A new Rio Grande Foundation paper describes in detail why the New Mexico Legislature should embrace the principle of “guilty conscience” in criminal justice. As described by Roscoe Pound, the dean of Harvard Law School from 1916 to 1936: “Historically, our substantive criminal law is based upon a theory of punishing the vicious will. It postulates a free agent confronted with a choice between doing

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Probate Judge Bill McKerley Tenders Resignation

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Probate Judge Bill McKerley

Staff Report:

Los Alamos County Probate Judge Bill McKerley has submitted his resignation from that office as recent changes to the Code of Judicial Conduct make the office incompatible with his role as chair of the local Republican Party.

As a result of the resignation of prior Probate Judge Christine Chandler, the office of Los Alamos County Probate judge was included in the Governor’s call for the general election. As Judge McKerley’s resignation comes too late for his name to be removed from the primary ballot, his withdrawal from the ballot will not be Read More

District Attorney Addresses Los Alamos County Council

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 First Judicial District Attorney Jennifer Padgett is addressing the Los Alamos County Council this evening at the White Rock Fire Station. Padgett explained that her office has approximately 75 employees and a budget of $5.8 million. She was recently appointed to the post by Gov. Susana Martinez to fill a vacancy left by Angela Spence Pacheco who retired. Padgett, who is seeking election to the position said no matter what happens in the June Primary Election she will serve for a year so she is interested in learning the needs and issues of each community. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More

Readers View: Why There Is Only One Choice For District Attorney

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Readers View
By TARIN NIX
Los Alamos

With the craziness at the national level and so much focus on our legislative races, it is easy to forget about some of the crucial down ballot races happening.

Although my political consulting firm is not representing Maria Sanchez-Gagne’s campaign, I am personally endorsing her for District Attorney and am asking for a moment of your time to explain why she deserves your support as well.

Maria Sanchez-Gagne

With a district that spans the counties of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe – experience is beyond critical. From 1996-2000, Maria served Read More

Officials Participate In Community Safety Town Hall

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Community Safety Town Hall panel members from left, Municipal Judge Alan Kirk, Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, LAPD Chief Dino Sgambellone, District Attorney Jennifer Padgett and Los Alamos County Deputy Sheriff John Horne with facilitator Bill Wadt discussing community safety issues during Thursday’s event at UNM-LA. Courtesy photo

Los Alamos County Magistrate Judge Pat Casados at Thursday’s Community Safety Town Hall meeting at UNM-LA. Courtesy photo

Municipal Judge Alan Kirk and Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard discussing community safety issues during Read More

Law Day Op-Ed By Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniels

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By Chief Justice Charles W. Daniels
New Mexico Supreme Court
 
As we celebrate national Law Day on May 1 and Juror Appreciation Week in New Mexico, I would like to recognize the vital role each citizen plays in preserving the rule of law by serving on juries in our state courts.
 
New Mexico courts each year summon about 10 percent of the state’s adult population to participate in jury service. Along with the ballot box, the jury box is one of the two most direct forms of citizen participation in our system of self-government.
 
The New Mexico and United States
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FBI And Law Enforcement Partners Target Prison Gang In New Mexico – Seek Three Fugitives

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FBI News:

A team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers Thursday executed 22 arrest warrants (21 federal, one state) and search warrants on eight residences in connection with an operation targeting the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM) Prison Gang.

Nine individuals were arrested by teams composed of Albuquerque and El Paso FBI SWAT teams, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Another 10 defendants were transferred from the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Three individuals remain at large Read More