DWI Services in Albuquerque

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a very serious offense in the state of New Mexico. Even it’s your first time experiencing legal trouble, you’ll be faced with jail time, fines, driving restrictions, and even greater penalties. And if you’ve been charged with a DWI in the past, penalties will only increase.

These serious consequences highlight the importance of a skilled legal defense. My name is Angela Arellanes and I’ve provided dependable legal assistance to Albuquerque for more than 25 years. My firm Angela Arellanes Law can support you when faced with accusations of drunk or intoxicated driving so you can move forward with your life.

Penalties for Misdemeanor DWI Offenses

People convicted of a 1st DWI offense may face up to 90 days in jail, a maximum $500 fine, and the possibility of 1-year probation. All vehicles owned by the person convicted must be fitted with an ignition interlock device for a period of 1 year. There are also mandatory penalties, such as 24 hours of community service, attendance of DWI school, substance abuse screening, and following up on treatment recommendations. 2nd and 3rd offenses carry increased penalties but involve more mandatory punishments.

For 2nd offenses, those convicted face 96 consecutive hours in jail, a $500 fine, ignition interlock devices on all vehicles for a period of 2 years, 48 hours of community service, completion of a substance abuse screening, and completion of a 28-day in-patient or 90-day out-patient treatment program.

With the 3rd offense, mandatory punishments include 30 consecutive days in jail, a $750 fine, ignition interlock devices on all vehicles for a period of 3 years, 96 hours of community service, completion of a substance abuse screening, and completion of a 28-day in-patient or 90-day out-patient treatment program.

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Penalties for Felony DWI Offenses

By the 4th DWI offense, 4th degree felony charges are assessed. This increases the penalties you could face, including a mandatory jail term of 6 months, with a maximum jail term of 18 months, a fine up to $5,000, and installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles for 3 years. By the 8th offense, those convicted are looking at a 2nd degree felony, which carries a mandatory jail term of 10 years and up to a $10,000 fine.

How My Firm Can Assist You

Whether it’s your 1st or 8th DWI offense, I will review your case to establish the best possible legal strategy. It may be possible to get the charges against you dropped if law enforcement failed to conduct your traffic stop and arrest appropriately. There may be problems with the breathalyzer device, or the field sobriety testing was not conducted appropriately.

Even if your arrest was lawfully conducted, I can still work to have the charges against you decreased. Every case is different, which is why I sit down with each client to get their perspective on what occurred. This allows me to provide personalized legal assistance to ensure your best interests remain at the center of the case.

The next step is to contact my firm today so we can schedule a consultation. Please call 505.247.2417 or contact me online for more information.