New Mexico House Panel OKs Bill for Tougher DWI Penalties

A bill advancing in the New Mexico House would toughen penalties for repeat drunken-driving offenders.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the bill would increase prison sentences for fourth and subsequent DWI offenses to 30 months in prison, up from 18 months. Also, 18 months of the 30 months could not be suspended or deferred.

In addition, the bill would make an eighth or subsequent offense a felony punishable by a 12-year prison sentence, of which 10 years could not be suspended or deferred.

The bill cleared the House Judiciary Committee on a 9-7 vote Monday. It now heads to two other committees.