DWI Attorney in Las Cruces

Dedicated Defense for Drunk Driving Cases

Few people ever expect to get pulled over for driving while intoxicated, but the reality is that many people drink and drive. Eventually, they get pulled over by a police officer and begin to see their life flashing before them. Many people believe that if they are arrested for a crime, they will be convicted. However, the good news is that you can fight the charges against you with the help of a trusted Las Cruces DWI attorney.

Attorney Marco Aranda will fight to protect your rights and your freedom. He is a dedicated advocate who knows New Mexico law and will not rest until you receive the best possible outcome in your case.

Were you recently arrested for DWI? Contact the Aranda Law Firm at (575) 386-5100 to schedule a consultation with our qualified DWI attorneys in Las Cruces.

DWI Laws in New Mexico

If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), you need to speak with a Las Cruces DWI attorney. New Mexico harshly penalizes individuals who have been convicted of drunk driving. A defense attorney can help make sure that you do not receive the harshest sentence allowed under state law.

You can be charged with a DWI in Las Cruces if you are driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher or are found to be driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. It is important to note that a person can still be arrested for a DWI, even if their blood alcohol concentration is under 0.08%. A toxicologist for the prosecution will argue that impairment begins well before the legal limit.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Las Cruces

Penalties for driving under the influence in New Mexico depend on the offense and the circumstances of the case.

If you are convicted of a first-offense DWI in Las Cruces, you may be required to:

Pay a fine of up to $500
Spend up to 90 days in jail
Serve up to one year of probation
Install an ignition interlock device
Complete community service
Attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel
Complete a substance abuse screening and follow any recommended treatment
Enroll in and complete DWI school

For a second or subsequent offense, the penalties increase substantially. With a second offense DWI, there is a mandatory jail sentence of 96 hours. Probation is increased to up to five years, and you will have to complete a substance abuse treatment program.

Penalties are also increased if you have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16% or higher, refuse a chemical test, or are involved in a crash that causes great bodily injury. Due to the severity of the penalties, you need to speak to a Las Cruces DWI attorney immediately after an arrest.

How a Las Cruces DWI Attorney Can Help

A DWI attorney in Las Cruces can help by ensuring that your rights are protected. They can fight the charges against you by preparing a strong defense on your behalf. There are several issues that can be addressed in a DWI case, including the validity of the blood or breath results, the reliability of the Field Sobriety Tests, and whether the officer had probable cause to place you under arrest.

However, without the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you may end up being sentenced to the maximum penalties allowed under New Mexico law. It is critical that you speak with a lawyer as early in the process as possible. A DWI attorney in Las Cruces can help mitigate the impact a DWI arrest has on your life.

DWI - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I have to go to court?

If you are ordered to appear in court, you must show up. Failure to appear in court when you are ordered to can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. If you retain a DUI lawyer, they can help determine whether you need to appear in court.

Is a DWI a felony?

While most DWI cases are filed as misdemeanors, there are certain cases that may be filed as felonies. For instance, if it is your fourth or subsequent drunk driving offense, you will likely be charged with a felony.

Will I go to jail after an arrest for a DWI?

In some cases, you may be taken into custody immediately after an arrest. You can generally post bail as soon as it is set to help avoid going to jail. Unfortunately, if you are convicted of a DWI, you may face jail time as a part of your sentence.

Arrested for a DWI in Las Cruces? Contact the Aranda Law Firm.

Were you arrested for driving while intoxicated? Contact the Aranda Law Firm at (575) 386-5100 to schedule a consultation. All consultations are confidential and without obligation. Do not wait. Call now to speak with our experienced DWI attorneys in Las Cruces.