New Mexico DWI Laws Do Not Increase Conviction Rate

Despite new and tougher laws, the number of drunk driving convictions stays the same.

One year ago Governor Bill Richardson signed six pieces of legislation aimed at reducing drunk driving in New Mexico by increasing the consequences of driving while intoxicated in New Mexico. Despite the new laws, the conviction rate for New Mexico DWI has remained the same.

According to the most recent records, 73% of all Albuquerque drunk driving cases handled in Metro Court resulted in a conviction. That is exactly the same percentage as in April 2007, before passage of the laws. In fact, the conviction rate for DWI in New Mexico has remained about 73% for the past ten years.

Anti-drunk driving advocates feel that there should be more pressure for change in the court system. They cite cities with larger caseloads getting higher percentages of DWI convictions.

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