Courts push back criticism of pretrial detention

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In total, about 1 in 5 people – almost 2,000 – have been arrested for new criminal activity, which could include property and drug crimes.

About 5% – 480 – were arrested for new violent crimes.

Only 0.1% were charged with committing a first degree felony.

Critics of New Mexico’s pre-trial system include police, prosecutors, the governor, and lawmakers from both major parties. Many say that too many people accused of violent crimes are released and commit new crimes.

But court officials say this study says otherwise.

“Very, very few people have been arrested during the pre-trial period for violent offenses,” said Artie Pepin, director of the Courts Administrative Office. “It should reassure people that not many people who are released engage in the types of crimes that concern us most. “

He says the public should keep the rights of those accused in mind and that those accused are often later found innocent.

“When you predict human behavior, if you can be right about the likelihood that they will not be arrested for a first degree violent crime much more than 99% of the time, you have to say, ‘Okay. Its good. We can try to get it to zero, ”Pepin said.

He points out that the courts have already made changes to the system three times and are always open to suggestions.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the study did not change its focus on making system changes, adding that the violent crime statistic “is not a marginal figure” and “can still be quite devastating for a family or a community. “

Many New Mexico House Democrats say they will support the changes, and Bernalillo County Attorney Raúl Torrez has supported the initiative for years.

A spokesperson for the office brought up the case of Devin Munford, who was arrested on charges of shooting outside a car, released, and months later police said he shot and killed a man.

Torrez has a specific proposal, to ensure that those accused of certain violent crimes have to prove why they should be released. Right now, the onus is on prosecutors to explain why they should be locked up.

Pepin says the courts have already considered this idea.

It should be noted that around 2,000 people were imprisoned before trial during this period of nearly three years, according to the courts.

KOB 4 asked Torrez for an interview for this story. A spokesperson said the office was reviewing the study to compare it with its own data.

Additionally, KOB 4 asked Pepin why the courts would want to make these statements when they generally remain silent on heated debates. He says the courts are not taking sides but feel it is important to explain the current system.

New Mexico releases many more people without bail than most states.

Three other states have similar systems, and Illinois voted earlier this year to end bail. Many other states are reducing bail requirements.

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