Linda Atkinson of the DWI Resource Center in New Mexico was appalled by the latest revelations from the DWI bribery scandal, where defense attorney Thomas Clear orchestrated a scheme to pay off officers to dismiss cases. Since 1995, nearly 1,500 DWI cases in Bernalillo County were dismissed under Clear’s representation, with a 57% dismissal rate compared to the countywide average of 36%. The more serious the DWI charge, the higher the dismissal rate, with first-time offenders at 54%, repeat offenders at 64%, and drivers over the legal limit at 80%. Clear’s connection to officers implicated in the scandal suggests a pattern of bribery and corruption, with potential total bribes amounting to $750,000. The scandal has led to the dismissal of 150 pending DWI cases last year and an additional 100 cases this year by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. As the fallout from the scandal grows, the impact on the criminal justice system is severe, with questions raised about the integrity of law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and more officers could be implicated in the scheme. Stay updated on the latest developments with the KOAT app.
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