Albuquerque Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Charged with a Drug Crime in New Mexico?

If you or someone you love is facing criminal drug charges in Albuquerque, do not hesitate to contact Raymon Law Group. Our Albuquerque drug crime defense lawyers can use their skill, knowledge, and experience to build a strong defense against your charges. We can explain your rights in a free consultation and break down the options you have. To get started, call our office at (505) 390-1040.

Many drug crimes carry heavy penalties in the state of New Mexico. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense, your freedom may be at risk. Marijuana is not legalized in New Mexico for recreational use, as it is in many other states. The most common drug crimes charged in New Mexico include:

• Drug possession
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug trafficking
• Prescription drug offenses
• Grow house cases

Drug Crimes: Misdemeanor or Felony?

The level of the charge filed will be based on a set of factors evaluated by the prosecutor, which include:

• The type of drug
• The alleged quantity
• Where the alleged sale took place
• The age of the buyer of the substance
• The prior criminal record of the accused

Drug Crime Penalties and New Mexico Law

Drug crimes are serious offenses in this state, and being arrested for possession, sale, or trafficking of drugs can result in harsh prison sentences, large fines, and mandatory drug rehab programs. In addition, you’ll face the lifelong stigma of having a criminal record, the loss of your right to own a firearm, damage to your reputation in the community, and even the inability to obtain employment, housing, or financial aid to pursue an education. If you have prior offenses, you should also be aware of the potential for mandatory enhanced sentencing under New Mexico’s “habitual offender” law.

Under state law, drugs are classified based on the danger of the drug, whether it comes with a high risk of abuse or addiction, and whether it has any medical value.

Marijuana Crime Penalties

A first-time possession of marijuana (up to one ounce) charge is filed as an infraction and may include fines and mandatory attendance to a drug education course. A second offense carries higher penalties, is filed as a misdemeanor, and jail time may be imposed. Possession of larger amounts of marijuana are punished more heavily.

For quantities between an ounce and a pound of marijuana, the penalties imposed may be fines up to $500 and up to three months in jail. Distribution (trafficking) charges are often filed when it is believed that the accused had the intent to distribute, based on the possession of larger quantities of marijuana, with penalties that include up to 20 years in prison. The penalties imposed will reflect the quantity, the prior criminal record, and other factors.

Defenses for Drug Crime Charges: Can You Avoid Conviction?

Being caught in the criminal justice system in a drug case is a frightening legal situation. The outcome of your case will reflect, in large part, the skills and experience of your New Mexico defense attorney. Some of the possible defense strategies include:

• Illegal police stop, search, and seizure
• The drugs were not yours
• Entrapment
• Failure to inform you of your rights
• Insufficient evidence
• Errors occurred in the chain of custody of evidence
• Lab errors

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If you are under investigation or charged with a drug crime, the outcome of your case could change your life forever. At Raymon Law Group, we have the experience in criminal defense to help you protect your rights and your future. Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney and contact us to discuss your case at (505) 390-1040.