Best Albuquerque Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Albuquerque, hiring one of the city’s top criminal defense lawyers can make all the difference. With their knowledge of New Mexico criminal law and experience representing clients in court, these attorneys have the skills to build a strong defense against the charges and get you the best possible outcome.

I’ve put together this guide to help you find and choose the right criminal lawyer in Albuquerque for your specific case. I’ll introduce you to some of the most highly-rated and successful criminal defense attorneys in the city and provide an overview of their background, areas of expertise, and what former clients have to say about working with them.

Marcus Cameron – The Cameron Law Firm

With over 25 years of experience, Marcus Cameron is regarded as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Albuquerque. He represents clients facing a wide range of charges, including DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and sex offenses. Cameron is known for his aggressive defense strategies in court and ability to negotiate favorable plea bargains with prosecutors.

Former clients describe Cameron as an incredibly hard-working and dedicated lawyer. He is praised for thoroughly investigating cases, finding ways to get charges reduced or dismissed, and building strong rapport with clients. Cameron has successfully defended hundreds of clients over his career.

Areas of expertise:

• DUI/DWI
• Drug charges
• Domestic violence
• Sex crimes

The Cameron Law Firm
201 3rd St NW #1920, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Website

Alicia L. McConnell – Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias & Ward P.A.

Alicia McConnell has over 20 years of criminal law experience and is known as a fierce litigator. She represents clients facing state and federal charges ranging from white collar crimes to drug trafficking. McConnell is especially skilled at getting criminal cases dismissed pre-trial by aggressively contesting the prosecution’s evidence.

Past clients say McConnell is exceptional at building strong defenses and negotiating for reduced or alternate sentences when needed. She is an aggressive and uncompromising advocate for her clients in the courtroom.

Areas of expertise:

• White collar crimes
• Drug trafficking
• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses

Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias & Ward P.A.
20 First Plaza NW, Suite 700, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Website

William D. Russell – The Russell Law Firm

William D. Russell is a former public defender with over 35 years of criminal law experience. He represents clients facing all types of state and federal charges, from DUI to murder. Russell is known for thoroughly analyzing each aspect of a case to build the strongest defense.

Past clients say Russell is exceptional at presenting persuasive arguments in court to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. He is praised for his knowledge of criminal statutes and procedures in New Mexico as well as his compassionate approach.

Areas of expertise:

• DUI
• Drug crimes
• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses

The Russell Law Firm
111 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Website

Anne W. Simon – Simon Kubiak & Blosser LLC

Anne W. Simon is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with extensive experience handling complex federal cases. She represents clients facing charges ranging from fraud and embezzlement to drug trafficking. Simon is known for her meticulous trial preparation and ability to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.

Past clients describe Simon as a tough and intelligent lawyer in the courtroom. She is praised for thoroughly examining evidence and finding creative legal arguments to get charges dismissed or reduced. Simon is also known for her compassion and guidance through the difficult legal process.

Areas of expertise:

• White collar crimes
• Drug trafficking
• Violent crimes

Simon Kubiak & Blosser LLC
218 Montezuma Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Website

Mark Horwitz – Horwitz Law Group

Mark Horwitz is an experienced trial lawyer who represents clients facing state and federal criminal charges. He handles cases ranging from drug trafficking and sex crimes to white collar offenses. Horwitz is known for his relentless pursuit of the facts in each case and finding ways to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses.

Former clients say Horwitz is exceptional at identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and presenting persuasive arguments in court. He has successfully defended many high-profile cases over his 30+ year career. Horwitz is praised for his knowledge of criminal law and trial skills.

Areas of expertise:

• Drug crimes
• Sex offenses
• Violent crimes
• White collar crimes

Horwitz Law Group
201 3rd St NW #1920, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Website

Todd Coberly – Coberly Law Office

Todd Coberly is a former public defender with over 20 years of criminal defense experience. He represents clients facing charges at both the state and federal level, ranging from drug possession to violent crimes. Coberly is known for thoroughly examining the details of each case and finding creative defenses.

Past clients say Coberly is exceptional at identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and presenting persuasive arguments to judges and juries. He is praised for his knowledge of criminal statutes and procedures as well as his compassionate approach. Coberly has successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout his career.

Areas of expertise:

• Drug crimes
• DUI
• Violent crimes

Coberly Law Office
201 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Website

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Albuquerque

If you are facing criminal charges, it’s important to carefully evaluate lawyers to find the right one for your case. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer with extensive experience handling your specific type of criminal case. An experienced attorney will be familiar with the prosecutors and judges and effective defense strategies.
• Courtroom skills: Find a lawyer who is known as a strong litigator and trial lawyer, which can be crucial if your case goes to trial.
• Resources: Hire a lawyer with the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and build a strong defense.
• Reputation: Choose a criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial and achieving successful case outcomes.
• Communication: Find an attorney who is responsive, understands your objectives, and keeps you informed through every stage of the case.

Be sure to ask prospective lawyers detailed questions about their background, experience with cases like yours, and strategy for defending you. Comparing multiple criminal defense lawyers in Albuquerque can help you make the right choice.

How Criminal Lawyers Defend Clients in Albuquerque

Albuquerque criminal defense lawyers use a variety of strategies and legal procedures to build the strongest case on behalf of their clients. Here are some of the most common ways they defend against criminal charges:

• Contesting evidence: Lawyers rigorously examine all evidence, including witness testimony, documents, video footage, etc. They look for ways to get evidence thrown out or discredited if it was obtained illegally or is unreliable.
• Investigating the case: Thorough independent investigations are conducted to uncover facts and witnesses that support the defendant’s innocence or cast doubt on the prosecution’s version of events.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: Lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. Alternate sentencing options may also be negotiated if conviction seems likely.
• Filing motions: Lawyers file motions asking the judge to throw out evidence, dismiss the case, or take other actions beneficial to the defense.
• Plea bargains: Negotiating a plea bargain to lesser charges may be the best option in some cases to avoid harsher penalties if convicted at trial.
• Trial defense: During a trial, defense lawyers cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies and weaknesses in their testimony.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer thoroughly explores every opportunity to get charges against their client dropped or reduced and minimize penalties. Their knowledge of New Mexico criminal statutes, case law, and court procedures are used to protect defendants’ rights.

Common Criminal Charges in Albuquerque

Albuquerque criminal defense lawyers handle a wide variety of state and federal charges. Some of the most common criminal cases they defend include:

• DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is aggressively prosecuted in Albuquerque. Lawyers defend DUI charges by contesting chemical test procedures, challenging traffic stops, and looking for calculation errors.
• Drug crimes – Charges involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, prescription medications, and other illegal substances make up a significant portion of cases. Defense lawyers examine whether searches violated 4th Amendment rights.
• Domestic violence – Lawyers defend against domestic violence charges by verifying the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, getting restraining orders lifted, and negotiating alternate sentencing programs.
• Sex offenses – Allegations related to sexual assault, misconduct with a minor, solicitation, and child pornography carry severe penalties. Defense lawyers meticulously investigate claims and closely examine digital evidence.
• Violent crimes – Homicide, assault, robbery, and other violent crimes require defense lawyers skilled at developing alternate theories of the crime and discrediting witnesses.
• White collar crimes – Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes often involve complex paper trails. Lawyers identify illegal government conduct and follow the money flow.

Connecting with a criminal defense lawyer experienced at building strong defenses against specific charges is critical. The right lawyer has the skills to get charges reduced or dismissed and avoid harsh penalties.

How to Check a Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Background

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Albuquerque, it’s important to thoroughly check their background and qualifications. Here are some tips:

• • Verify they have an active license through the New Mexico State Bar Association.
  • Confirm which courts they are admitted to practice in.
  • Ask how long they have focused on criminal defense law and handled your type of case.