PENALTY FOR RESISTING OR EVADING OFFICERS

HB 318 increases penalties for resisting, evading, or obstructing law enforcement officers in New Mexico, upgrading the offense from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony. It directly affects individuals who knowingly interfere with officers during lawful duties, such as fleeing arrest, refusing to stop a vehicle when signaled, or physically obstructing officers. The bill amends New Mexico law to specify that these actions - covering obstruction, evasion, vehicle refusal, or resisting officers - now carry felony-level consequences. This change represents a concrete policy shift in criminal penalties for interference with law enforcement.