Bill > SB155

This bill modifies New Mexico's existing embezzlement law by maintaining its current structure but clarifying how penalties are determined based on the total value of items embezzled within a consecutive twelve-month period. Specifically, the law outlines graduated criminal penalties depending on the total value stolen: a petty misdemeanor for amounts up to $250, a misdemeanor for amounts between $250 and $500, a fourth-degree felony for amounts between $500 and $2,500, a third-degree felony for amounts between $2,500 and $20,000, and a second-degree felony for amounts exceeding $20,000. The key change appears to be explicitly allowing prosecutors to aggregate multiple incidents of embezzlement against the same victim within a twelve-month period to determine the appropriate criminal penalty, which could potentially lead to more serious charges if smaller thefts are combined. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, giving legal professionals and law enforcement time to prepare for the implementation of these updated guidelines.

Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=155&year=25