New Mexico DA criticizes legislature for ignoring juvenile crime

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman expressed frustration over the lack of action by New Mexico lawmakers on juvenile crime during the recent legislative session. He criticized the legislature for failing to address serious issues related to violent juvenile offenders. While lawmakers did pass a law making it illegal to possess weapons conversion devices, Bregman noted that many other proposed reforms aimed at tackling increases in juvenile gun crimes did not move forward. He said his office submitted 36 amendments last October, but they were not adequately discussed during the session. Bregman pointed out that current consequences for juvenile offenses are insufficient. For example, he mentioned that a youth caught driving a stolen car would not spend time in detention. This lack of accountability can lead to more serious crimes and tragic incidents in the community. A recent case highlighted these concerns. A 63-year-old physicist was killed by a stolen car driven by teenagers, one as young as 11. Bregman emphasized that without consequences for juvenile offenders, community safety is at risk. Despite having some bipartisan support for juvenile crime legislation, Bregman did not comment specifically on the motivations behind Democrats' reluctance to act. He stressed the need for more serious penalties for violent offenders and urged lawmakers to consider the impacts on innocent community members. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has indicated a potential special session to address juvenile crime. Bregman remains hopeful that lawmakers will finally listen to the community’s concerns. He believes urgent reforms are necessary to protect good kids and residents from the rising threat of juvenile violence.