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§ 31-18-24 NMSA 1978

Violent felony sentencing procedure

Known as the Criminal Sentencing Act

The act spans §§ 31–31 (23 sections).

1978 Comp., § 31-18-24, enacted by Laws 1994, ch. 24, § 3.

A. The court shall conduct a separate sentencing proceeding to determine any controverted question of fact regarding whether the defendant has been convicted of three violent felonies. Either party to the action may demand a jury trial.

B. In a jury trial, the sentencing proceeding shall be conducted as soon as practicable by the original trial judge before the original trial jury. In a nonjury trial, the sentencing shall be conducted as soon as practicable by the original trial judge. In the case of a plea of guilty, the sentencing proceeding shall be conducted as soon as practicable by the original trial judge or by a jury upon demand of the defendant.

C. In a jury sentencing proceeding, the judge shall give appropriate instructions and allow arguments. The jury shall retire to determine the verdict. In a nonjury sentencing proceeding, or upon a plea of guilty where no jury has been demanded, the judge shall allow argument and determine the verdict.

Official source: NMOneSource (New Mexico Compilation Commission). Reproduced from public-domain New Mexico statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.