State v. Samora

Summary

The New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed Michael Samora’s convictions, holding that the trial court’s dismissal of a Spanish‑speaking prospective juror violated Article VII, Section 3 of the state constitution but, because the error was not preserved, it did not rise to the level of fundamental error required for reversal. The Court also rejected six additional challenges—including late DNA disclosure, denial of a DNA expert, an improper witness comment, ineffective assistance of counsel, a speedy‑trial claim, and a cumulative‑error argument—finding each without merit.