When faced with a drunk driving charge in New Mexico, you must secure proper legal counsel. Fortunately, Angela Arellanes Law has the dedication and experience to ensure that your rights remain respected throughout the legal process.

My name is Angela Arellanes and I have more than two decades of experience defending clients against serious charges. I also believe in providing clients with important information to ensure their understanding of their case and the charges they face. Accordingly, the following are a few common drunk driving cases that can occur in New Mexico and what they entail:

First Offense

While first DUI offenses carry the lightest penalties, drivers can still be faced with:

• A jail term of up to 90 days
• A maximum fine of $500
• Up to one year of probation
• The mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for up to one year
• Attendance of a substance abuse program

Keep in mind that second and subsequent offenses will carry stricter penalties, such as increased jail terms and more expensive fines.

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Aggravated DUI

In Albuquerque, a driver can be charged with aggravated DUI if the following conditions occur:

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16% or more
• Injuries affecting third parties when a driver has a BAC of .08% or higher
• Refusal to submit to breath testing when requested by a police officer

With aggravated drunk driving charges, even a first-time offender can face elevated penalties. For example, drivers will be forced to serve at least 48 consecutive hours in jail, along with other punishments.

Underage DUI

While the legal limit for drivers 21 and older is .08%, drivers under the age of 21 have a lower legal limit. Accordingly, underage drivers cannot operate their vehicles with a BAC of .02% or higher.

In most cases, underage drivers will be faced with license suspension. However, standard penalties can also apply depending on the circumstances. That can mean things like jail time, fines, and other punishments.

You deserve dependable legal representation when faced with serious criminal charges, and I will use my extensive legal knowledge and skill to help you pursue the best possible outcome. Schedule a consultation by calling (505) 247-2417 or contact us for more information on how we can assist you.