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Albuquerque DWI Lawyers

  • Jaffe Law Firm: DUI/DWI - Charges of driving under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol can have serious criminal consequences. A DUI/DWI conviction may result in fines, the revocation or suspension of your driver's license, jail time, and cancellation of your insurance coverage. When facing an impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant, including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if they are police officers. We can help protect your rights and provide an aggressive defense if you are facing drunk driving charges.
  • Carter Law Office: (E)veryone is entitled to honest, quality legal services at reasonable rates.
  • Jacquelyn Robins: DUI / DWI Attorney
  • Ousama Rasheed:

    Frequently Asked Questions by DWI Clients

    How much will representation cost?
    This depends, of course upon the unique circumstances of your case. Such factors can include any prior convictions, your age, whether your DWI charge is aggravated, whether there was an accident, the method of chemical testing, amount of attorney and staff time expected, etc. When and where possible, a flat fee for your case will be established so that there is relative certainty for the client as to cost.

    What is the difference between a DWI and an “Aggravated” DWI?
    When your blood alcohol level is between 0.08 and 0.159, you could be guilty of a DWI. If your blood alcohol level is 0.16 or above, if you refuse to submit to a chemical test of your breath or blood, or cause an accident with injuries, then you could be guilty of an Aggravated DWI. Of course, the penalties for an Aggravated DWI are more severe, including mandatory jail time.

    I received a Notice of Revocation, can I still drive?
    Yes, the Notice serves as a temporary driver’s license for 20 days. If you or your attorney properly request an Implied Consent hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your driving privileges are extended until 14 days after the hearing, which must be held within 90 days.

    If I lose my driving privileges, can I get a limited license to drive to work or go to
    school?

    No, limited licenses are no longer available to persons who have been convicted of DWI.

    They took my license. What do I use for a picture I.D.?
    DO NOT go to the MVD and get a New Mexico Identification Card (obtaining such an I.D. card will invalidate your driving privileges!). Instead, use a new (replacement) copy of your license, a passport, a military I.D., etc.

    Am I going to jail?
    It depends. Aggravated DWIs entail mandatory jail time, but with most DWI cases, attorneys can work out alternatives with the court. Voluntarily putting yourself into an alcohol or drug counseling program before your case goes to court is very helpful.

    How much are fines and fees if I lose in criminal court?
    In Bernalillo County, fines and fees usually total approximately three hundred forty-four dollars ($344.00). This amount includes court costs, screening fee, DWI School fee, etc.

    If I am found guilty of DWI will I have to get an ignition interlock system installed in my
    vehicle?

    Yes, an ignition interlock system must be installed on all vehicles driven by an offender AND an offender must obtain an ignition interlock license. The interlock license fee is $45 and the ignition interlock fee is $960 or more per year.

    Aren’t they supposed to “Read me my rights”?
    Many police agencies have policies not to read a person their Miranda warnings unless they will be interrogated while in custody.

    Can I “keep it off my record”?
    Not unless you obtain an outright win, which means winning the MVD hearing and the criminal case. The records will remain available through the Motor Vehicle Division, even if the matter is deferred in criminal court. A deferred DWI conviction can also be used as a prior in a subsequent DWI case to enhance the sentence. Conditional discharges on DWI cases are, unfortunately, against the law in New Mexico.

    I have heard about the “six month rule”, does that apply to me?
    Unless the court orders and/or the parties agree to an extension, the State must begin your trial within 182 days of your arraignment or the filing of a waiver. If the State fails to do this, then the charges are dismissed and may not be brought against you again for this particular DWI.

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