Partner Mark Donatelli chides Governor Lujan Grisham for ignoring the results of a recent study showing that bail reform in New Mexico (implemented in 2017) has successfully reduced pretrial detention rates while maintaining public safety.  Notwithstanding the results of the study, Governor Lujan Grisham has reiterated her support for a law restricting pretrial release.  The study, conducted by the University of New Mexico Institute for Social Research and release in August 2020, demonstrated that since 2017, fewer than 5% of persons on pretrial release engaged in violent behavior before trial.  Without reasonable pretrial release policies, persons in the criminal justice system – presumed innocent – languish in jail awaiting trial and face consequences (lost jobs, lost housing) that have lasting effects that cannot be undone by an acquittal.  Mark serves on the New Mexico Sentencing Commission by appointment of Speaker Egolf and has been on the commission since 1994.

Santa Fe New Mexican article here.

UNM Institute for Social Research study here.