Criminal Defense

The word “assault” is often thought of in a broad sense. Assault is commonly used to refer to a physical attack on another person. Nonetheless, the legal definition of assault in New Mexico is very specific. Perhaps surprisingly, physical contact is not required for...

No one wants to be pulled over by police. That’s especially true if you’ve had a drink or two, have some drugs in your car that you don’t have a prescription for or are pretty sure they want to ask you what you know about some criminal activity you may or may not have...

Electronic evidence plays a big role in criminal prosecutions involving fraud, embezzlement, insider trading and more. From incriminating emails to financial records stored on computers, tablets and phones, electronic evidence can give law enforcement and prosecutors...

Last month, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed four bills into law that she says will help law enforcement agencies cut down on crime in the state. Two of the laws involve firearms. Gov. Grisham said in signing the laws that while she and the legislature...

Ending a criminal case without a conviction – but that’s not always possible. In those cases, the defense focus will often shift toward reducing the consequences of the offense. That’s where mitigation comes in. Mitigating factors are any circumstances or conditions...

Social media use can result in unintended consequences, from relationship tensions to legal trouble. As a result of this reality, especially for individuals facing criminal charges, it’s important to engage in social media activity with great care. The information...

Miranda rights protect individuals from self-incrimination during police interrogations. They must be explicitly invoked by the individual in custody. Until that invocation, the individual’s statements are legally admissible in court.  Understanding how to invoke...

The law allows you to protect yourself and others from imminent harm. As such, you may not be held criminally liable for using reasonable force to defend yourself or others in a threatening situation.  When a self-defense claim arises in court, the key question...

Encountering law enforcement during a police stop can feel intimidating, and you might wonder what to do. It is essential to approach these situations calmly because your demeanor can impact the situation's outcome. If police have reason to believe that you are...

In recent years, there’s been an increase in brazen thefts from retailers ranging from home improvement megastores to high-end jewelry stores. These have cost retailers millions of dollars in lost items and damage to their businesses. Further, these thefts are...