Case Name: STATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Douglas R. THORN, Defendant-Appellant
Court: Court of Appeals of New Mexico
Jurisdiction: New Mexico
Decision Date: 1971-03-12
Citations: 82 N.M. 431
Docket Number: No. 547
Parties: STATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Douglas R. THORN, Defendant-Appellant.
Judges: SPIESS, C. J., and WOOD, J., concur.
Reporter: New Mexico Reports
Volume: 82
Pages: 431–432

Head Matter:
483 P.2d 312
STATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Douglas R. THORN, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 547.
Court of Appeals of New Mexico.
March 12, 1971.
Fred T. Hensley, Portales, for appellant.
James A. Maloney, Atty. Gen., Santa Fe, Thomas L. Dunigan, Asst. Atty. Gen., for appellee.

Opinion:
OPINION
SUTIN, Judge.
Thorn pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana under § 54 — 7-13, N.M.S.A. 1953 (Repl. Vol. 8, pt. 2). This is the general narcotics law which contains a mandatory-sentence provision. Under State v. Riley, 82 N.M. 235, 478 P.2d 563 (1970), and State v. Rendleman (Ct.App.) 82 N.M. 346, 481 P.2d 708, decided February 12, 1971, the conviction and sentence is reversed.
At the hearings, in connection with the above charge, the trial court expressed the point of view that the state had the option of proceeding under the general statute, or the special statute which is § 54-5-14, N.M. S.A. 1953 (Repl. Vol. 8, pt. 2). Thorn's appeal contends it was error to charge him ttnder the general statute. We agree.
The rule fixed in Riley applies to the Thorn case.
The judgment and sentence of Thorn in the trial court is reversed. The cause is remanded with instructions to vacate the judgment and sentence and dismiss the charge under which Thorn pleaded guilty.
It is so ordered.
SPIESS, C. J., and WOOD, J., concur.