New Mexico Supreme Court
State v. Romero
July 6, 2023533 P.3d 735
Summary
The New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals, holding that Juror 11’s statements did not demonstrate actual or implied bias and therefore did not violate the Sixth Amendment. The Court further held that the defendant failed to preserve the bias issue and waived any claim of bias by not objecting or using peremptory challenges. Finally, the Court found no prima facie ineffective‑assistance claim. Justice Thomson wrote the opinion, joined by Chief Justice Bacon and Justices Vigil and Zamora.