A fun night out with friends and family in Albuquerque can quickly turn disastrous if you’re arrested for drunk driving. A first offense can incur serious penalties like fines and jail time, which can go on to affect your life well into the future.

That’s why you must have a dependable legal partner to help you deal with the charges against you. At Angela Arellanes Law, we assist clients using over two decades of experience. Not only can we handle practical legal matters on your behalf, but we can also provide immense peace of mind.

If you have concerns about an upcoming DUI case, call (505) 247-2417 to schedule a consultation. You can also contact my firm to learn more about our legal services.

What Are the Drunk Driving Laws in New Mexico?

Like most other states, New Mexico imposes a legal driving limit when it comes to blood alcohol concentration (BAC). For drivers 21 and older, the legal limit is .08%. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is .02%. And if you operate a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is .04%.

If convicted of drunk driving, motorists face a wide range of serious penalties. For instance, even first offenses can be accompanied by jail time and fines. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as a BAC of .16% or higher, the charges you face will be elevated, regardless of how many previous offenses you have on record.

License suspension is another common penalty of DUI. License suspension periods range from one year to permanent revocation of driving privileges in cases where a person is a repeat offender. Other punishments include the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, attendance of a substance abuse program, and community service.

How Can an Attorney Fight a DUI Charge?

There are a few different defenses a drunk driving attorney can use if you’re accused of driving under the influence:

• Problems With Breathalyzers – While often reliable for determining BAC, breathalyzers are not completely infallible. For instance, failure to properly maintain and calibrate the device can lead to faulty readings.
• Unreliable Field Sobriety Test Results – Some medical conditions can affect the outcome of field sobriety tests. For instance, a person with mobility or balance issues may not be able to perform functions even when sober.
• Rights Violations During the Arrest – Mistakes made by law enforcement can also impact the case, such as not reading a person their rights or behaving in an unlawful manner during the arrest.

Even if none of the above factors apply to your case, it’s still possible to have the charges against you mitigated. This can lead to reduced penalties, which might mean a shorter jail term, lower fines, and a decreased license suspension period.

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