Q&A: Legal pot wouldn't be good, says District Attorney Reeb

Editor’s note: The following is one in a series of continuing question-and-answer sessions with area leaders. Andrea Reeb is the 9th Judicial District attorney.

To your knowledge, which crimes have seen an increase from 2015-2016?

Computer related crimes are what I have seen go up with technology as far as child pornography and sexual exploitation of children. We have predators trying to meet children online. It’s stemming from all of our technology advances. Those are the crimes I’ve really noticed go up.

Andrea Reeb

Burglaries are always a big thing. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that if they commit a burglary, they are getting let out on bond. They get out and commit another burglary. It’s like a revolving door.”

Has the district had any change in the number of prosecutions involving suspects charged with battery on a peace officer?

I’m not aware of there being an increase. A good number of our cases are battery on a peace officer and resisting arrest. They are one of those crimes that we tend to have a high percentage of.

With the use of the video cameras and things of that nature, it’s really helped us to see what is going on out there. It protects officers in regards to what is going on and makes sure they have something to protect themselves when people make false accusations.

What is your opinion on the severity of penalties for people involved in driving under the influence? How effective are these penalties in reducing the chance of repeat offenses?

I don’t believe that the DWI penalties are strict enough. I do understand the occasional offense and the DWI first offense. Once we’re getting into the second, third and fourth, the penalties aren’t severe enough. There is a bill being proposed in the Legislature that stiffens the penalty for DWI, and I am hoping that passes.

FBI crime data suggests that New Mexico ranks high in violent crimes compared to other states. How often are these cases habitual offenses versus single incidents?

It’s generally about 85 percent repeat offenders. We’ll have someone who commits a violent crime, and they will be on probation and pick up new charges. It’s not uncommon for someone to have six files before we get down to trying to get a disposition done and a trial. I’ve been a prosecutor for 20 years, and it’s the same names. You get the occasional first-time offender, but the violent crimes are pretty much (committed by) the same people.

In regards to legislation established in both the House and Senate concerning cannabis use, taxation and possession, what changes do you foresee if this legislation is approved by voters? What impact might this have on the area?

If marijuana becomes legal, it will definitely drop down the amount of cases we have in our office. I only have Colorado to compare it to. It seems to have a good revenue. My concern is that I see marijuana lead to other drugs. I feel if marijuana is legalized, then we will see people move into methamphetamines and cocaine. When we pull someone over who has marijuana, they, most of the time, also have methamphetamines. It will definitely lower our case load as far as simple possession of marijuana, but I don’t think it would be a good thing. You’re going to have the same issue that you have with people who drink and drive. If it’s accessible, there and legal, then people are going to get behind the wheel after they (use marijuana). Driving under the influence will increase.

— Compiled by Correspondent Shaun Banther