SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Supreme Court this week hears arguments on whether a northern New Mexico law enforcement accused of drunken driving while off duty in 2010 should have to stand trial.
Abraham Baca was a New Mexico State Police officer when he was arrested. He’s now a Rio Arriba County sheriff’s sergeant.
The Santa Fe New Mexican (https://bit.ly/1h1chxo ) reports that the appeal issue being heard by the state high court centers on whether a trial would subject Baca to double jeopardy, as his defense argues.
State prosecutors contend he never had a valid trial and escaped punishment because of incorrect lower court rulings that cut short previous court proceedings against Baca.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday.
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