NM HB73

Courts may defer or suspend no more than two-thirds of the basic sentence for second or third degree felony convictions when the defendant has a prior felony conviction of any kind

Current law allows courts to defer or suspend the entire basic sentence for crimes other than capital offenses or first degree felonies; this bill creates a stricter limitation for repeat felony offenders

Courts retain authority to alter the basic sentence based on mitigating or aggravating circumstances as provided by law, even for repeat offenders subject to the new limitation

Amends Section 31-20-3 NMSA 1978 governing orders deferring or suspending sentences and diagnostic commitments