Opinion ID: 610918
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: New Mexico's repeat offender statute

Text: 12 While the interpretation of § 841(b)(1)(B) is a matter of federal law, the operation of New Mexico law nevertheless sheds some light on the intended effect of Meraz's prior state conviction and deferred sentence. Under the New Mexico deferred sentence statute, once the probationary period is complete, the offender has satisfied his criminal liability for the crime, [and] the court shall enter a dismissal of the criminal charges. 1978 N.M.Laws § 31-20-9. A convicted felon with a dismissed sentence who successfully completes his probationary period also automatically regains the right to vote and to carry firearms. 1973 Op.N.M.Att'y Gen. 73-44; 1988 Op.N.M.Att'y Gen. 88-03. 13 However, New Mexico's habitual criminal statute imposes enhanced penalties on convicted felons even if the charges against them have been dismissed pursuant to the deferred sentence statute. The New Mexico Supreme Court has stated that a deferred sentence which was later dismissed can be counted under the habitual offender statute, as the prior conviction referred to in the habitual offender statute is simply a finding of guilt and does not include the imposition of a sentence. State v. Larranaga, 7 N.M. 528, 529, 424 P.2d 804, 805 (1967). It is the fact of a prior conviction, not a prior sentence, that is dispositive. Thus, the New Mexico deferred sentence statute does not erase a prior conviction for the purposes of the state habitual offender statute, and Meraz would be subject to an enhanced sentence for a second offense if she should commit one under New Mexico law. See Padilla v. State, 90 N.M. 664, 568 P.2d 190 (1977). 2 14