|
Susana Martinez on Crime
|
|
|
Increase penalties for many crimes
I learned a long time ago as a prosecutor--and it's just plain common sense--that those who commit crimes will go where the laws are weak and punishments are light. And in New Mexico, they have found their easy mark. Just over a year ago,
New Mexicans voted to give judges power they've never had before--to hold dangerous defendants--including repeat offenders--in jail prior to their trial. This session, let's increase penalties for those who use a gun while committing a crime.
Crack down on those who repeatedly drive drunk. Require stiffer punishment for those who commit crimes while other charges are pending against them. Pass child protection legislation that would increase penalties on those who prey on, abuse, and kill
the most precious and innocent among us. We also need a three-strikes law with real teeth, and those who kill police officers, correctional officers, or children should absolutely face the death penalty.
Source: 2018 New Mexico State of the State address
, Jan 16, 2018
Collect DNA from felons
We funded bold education reform; passed stricter penalties on repeat DWI offenders; expanded Katie's law to collect DNA from felons; passed Jaydon's Law to give judges the entire criminal history of offenders; protected victims of sexual assault with
Rachael's Law; and ended the dangerous practice of giving drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. We can address challenges while protecting the progress we've made.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to New Mexico Legislature
, Jan 17, 2017
Do away with bail for dangerous criminals
Every judge should have real-time access to the criminal background and history of defendants who appear in their courtrooms--so that sentencing and bail decisions can be made with that information.
And we need to amend our Constitution to allow judges to keep the most dangerous criminals in jail--without bail.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New Mexico legislature
, Jan 19, 2016
Beef up three strikes law, allow for curfews
Look at our three strikes law. It sounds tough, but it was worded so that it didn't mean anything. No one has ever been incarcerated under that law. Let's put real teeth into it, so we can keep those who commit repeated violent felonies--who repeatedly
prey on innocent families--behind bars for life. In addition, skipping out on parole should be a 4th degree felony, and I fully support the bipartisan effort to allow local communities to adopt curfews if it's necessary to keep us safe.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New Mexico legislature
, Jan 19, 2016
Mandatory prison time for child abuse
I have spent my life and career helping those who had no voice, particularly children who had been the victim of senseless cruelty, violence, and abuse. I am asking you to join me in standing up for those who are unable to stand for themselves.
I'm asking you to increase penalties for child abuse. Those who abuse children should face severe penalties and mandatory prison time. We must always put justice for victims first. And we are going to change the law and fight to ensure that no one is
able to murder someone in our state and get off easy--or get away with it completely--by simply running out the clock.
I am confident we can work together to solve other pressing public safety needs--strengthening Megan's Law to ensure sex offenders
cannot live in secret in our neighborhoods, allowing Amber Alerts to be issued when relatives abduct a child and put them in harm's way, and ending the practice of providing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Source: 2012 New Mexico State of the State Address
, Jan 17, 2012
Accountability instead of soft-on-crime politics
For too long, soft-on-crime politicians have focused less on the rights of victims and more on the rights of criminals. That will end in a Martinez Administration. I will make accountability the order of each and every day.
Criminals will be made to understand New Mexico is not a place they want to visit, much less reside in. I will be a strong advocate for tougher laws to protect the most vulnerable among us, including children, the disabled and seniors.
Source: Campaign website, susanamartinez2010.com, "On the Issues"
, Nov 2, 2010
Reinstate death penalty for horrendous crimes
As a prosecutor, public safety has always been my top priority. As governor, I will fight to reinstate the death penalty for the most horrendous crimes. Those who murder law enforcement officials, witnesses and children in the course of a sexual assault
should face the ultimate punishment.I will also conduct a thorough review of our state's laws to ensure no one takes advantage of the system. One area that will receive particular attention will be laws against sex offenders and child abusers.
Source: Campaign website, susanamartinez2010.com, "On the Issues"
, Nov 2, 2010
Supports capital punishment for certain crimes.
Martinez supports the CC survey question on capital punishment
The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.
The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Capital punishment for certain crimes, such as first degree murder & terrorism"
Source: Christian Coalition Survey 10-CC-q8 on Aug 11, 2010
Page last updated: Mar 12, 2019
