What are the sentencing guidelines for a DUI in New Mexico?

Protect Yourself. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
searchbox small

Question:

What are the sentencing guidelines for a DUI in New Mexico?

Answer:

The State of New Mexico has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related accidents each year compared to other states in the nation. They are committed to curbing these offenses through drunk driving education and strong enforcement by law enforcement officials. The New Mexico laws state that any driver who is found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher may be found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI).

New Mexico Penalties of a DUI Conviction

Any individual over the age of 21 who is found guilty of a DUI will have their driver’s license revoked on the spot by the arresting officer. Due to a higher number of DUI cases, the State of New Mexico has begun cracking down on offenders. The State now has mandatory penalties for a DUI conviction, and the penalties may include the following:

  • A prison sentence for up to two years
  • Fines imposed up to $5,000
  • Up to 96 hours of community service
  • A license reinstatement fee of $100
  • Ordered to submit to a psychological evaluation
  • Driver’s education courses
  • An ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle

First time offenders for a DUI conviction in New Mexico face a mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to 90 days. Repeat offenders may by charged with a felony offense, resulting in the loss of many of their civil rights.

Why You Need a New Mexico Defense Attorney

When you are facing criminal charges for a DUI, you may risk losing your job, your home and end up paying exorbitant fines. First-time offenders may be able to work out a plea agreement with the District Attorney in getting their charges reduced, and only receive a sentence of probation. This is when you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to advise you on how to proceed with your case. 

This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need legal advice or representation,
click here to have an attorney review your case .

This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.


LA-WS4:0.9.22.120430.13848