State of New Mexico, ex rel. Kari Brandenburg, Second Judicial District Attorney, Petitioner v. Hon. Ross Sanchez…

Summary

The New Mexico Supreme Court held that the mandatory life‑sentence enhancement under §31‑18‑25 applies to a defendant’s second conviction for second‑degree criminal sexual penetration, despite a legislative renumbering that created a reference discrepancy. The Court construed the statutes harmoniously, emphasizing legislative intent to increase penalties for repeat violent sexual offenses. It granted the State’s petition for a writ of superintending control.