Feb. 17—Juvenile crime was a big concern for some of the 50 or so guests who came to Congregation Albert to listen to 2nd Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman on Sunday morning.
Albuquerque resident Peggy Werbner said while she would like to see stronger laws for crimes involving juveniles, she does not want them to be put away "forever and ever," especially those who committed less severe offenses.
"I think there has to be some rehabilitation in there, too," she said. "On the other hand, I want to feel safe when I'm walking through the parking lots and shopping centers and around my own home."
In a November opinion piece that appeared in the Journal, Bregman made several requests to the Legislature that included making changes to the Children's Code, which is now being considered under House Bill 134 that Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, House Judiciary Committee chairwoman, said could still advance during the 60-day session, the Journal reported.
One of those changes involves expanding the list of crimes where a juvenile can be charged as an adult.
"Currently, the only crime you can charge a juvenile as an adult is first-degree murder," he said. "We want to expand that to include: second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, criminal sexual penetration — rape, armed robbery with the use of a firearm, shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm or death, and shooting at dwelling or occupied building causing great bodily harm or death."
On Sunday, Bregman said, "there must be consequences when juveniles first enter the criminal justice system."
In 2023 and 2024, 1,239 juveniles were charged with violent or serious crimes. Of that, 24 were homicides, Bregman said.
"This is not about a kid going into a store and shoplifting candy or even a new set of headphones," he said. "This is about kids who are willing to steal cars, drive down the road, videotape their friend while he's shooting off 20 rounds of bullets that are going into houses and killing 5-year-olds."
Bregman told the Journal as legislators continue to look at crime-related bills — including a six-bill crime package that he called "a good first step" — he wants them to "have a robust debate" on House Bill 134.
Other topics Bregman discussed on Sunday included:
Homicide convictions: Since Jan. 1, 2023, he said, there were 275 homicide convictions, which is a "very sobering" number.
Anti-Semitism: While Bregman did not say whether there have been local incidents involving anti-Semitism, he said if people experience it, they should call his office.