Top DWI Lawyers in New Mexico

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in New Mexico, and it is important to understand the laws surrounding DWI arrests in the state. A New Mexico DWI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of DWI arrests in New Mexico over the past few years and how getting a New Mexico DWI lawyer can help you beat a DWI charge.

DWI Arrest Rates in New Mexico

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there were 8,419 DWI arrests in New Mexico in 2021. This marks a significant decrease from the 10,675 DWI arrests made in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted the trend of DWI arrests in New Mexico, as there were much fewer people on the roads in general in 2021 compared to 2019. The majority of DWI arrests in New Mexico occur in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, and San Juan counties.

Penalties for DWI in New Mexico

The penalties for a DWI in New Mexico can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DWI in New Mexico:

First Offense:

• A fine of up to $500
• License revocation for up to one year
• Possible jail time of up to 90 days
• Mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program

Second Offense (within 10 years of the first offense):

• A fine of up to $1,000
• License revocation for two years
• Mandatory jail time of at least 96 hours, up to one year
• Mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program

Third Offense (within 10 years of the second offense):

• A fine of up to $1,000
• License revocation for three years
• Mandatory jail time of at least 30 days, up to one year
• Mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses:

• A fine of up to $5,000
• License revocation for life
• Mandatory jail time of at least one year, up to six years
• Mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program

It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DWI in New Mexico may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Ignition Interlock Devices

In addition to the above penalties, New Mexico also requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for some DWI offenders. An IID is a device that is installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.

In New Mexico, an IID is required for:

• Second and subsequent DWI offenses
• First offense with a BAC of 0.16 or higher
• First offense with a passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test

The cost of installing and maintaining an IID can be substantial, and it is important to discuss the potential requirement of an IID with your New Mexico DWI lawyer.

How a New Mexico DWI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DWI Charge

One of the main ways that a New Mexico DWI lawyer can help you beat a DWI charge is by investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes reviewing the police report, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and any other evidence that may have been gathered by the arresting officer.

If you have been charged with a DWI in New Mexico, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced New Mexico DWI lawyer. An experienced New Mexico DWI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your DWI charge.