Learn More About Criminal Defense Law in Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Las Cruces is a city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 74,267. The population was estimated at 91,865 as of July 1, 2008, making it the second largest city in the state. Las Cruces is the center of an agricultural region irrigated by the Rio Grande, which flows just west of the city. The city of Las Cruces bisects the fertile Mesilla Valley, the flood plain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch, New Mexico to the west side of El Paso, Texas. Las Cruces is also the home of New Mexico State University. NMSU is New Mexico's only land grant university, citing more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students on the main campus. As well as the Organ Mountains that are to the east of the city, the Las Cruces area is also in close proximity to the Dona Ana mountains, the Robledo mountains, and Picacho peak. Las Cruces has a council-manager form of government. It is the county seat of Doña Ana County.

Criminal Defense Law Lawyers In Las Cruces New Mexico

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What is criminal defense law?

In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").

Answers to criminal defense law issues in New Mexico

What are the limits of the police to search me or my home?

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution says that you have a right to be free of unreasonable police searches and...

When can a police officer make an arrest?

The general criteria for making an arrest is what is referred to as probable cause. Probable cause arises when there...

Do the police need a warrant to search or arrest?

There are two different types of warrants that may be issued:

  • arrest warrants - an order issued by a...
What are my rights after I have been detained by the police?

The Miranda decision relates specifically to the rights of a criminal suspect after he has been detained by the...

How do you deal with bail?

Bail is typically set by a magistrate or a judge who considers the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood of...

What happens in the first court appearance?

Early in the course of a criminal proceeding, the defendant will be brought into court and the charges brought...

Can a person strike a deal with the prosecutor to avoid trial?

At any point during this process the defendant may plead guilty to the charge leveled against him or her. Likewise,...

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Criminal offenses can be divided into two general categories:

  • ­felonies -- a crime for which a person...
What are the different crimes that people can commit?

The distinguishing feature of criminal law is the element of punishment. The purpose of criminal law is to punish...

What are defenses to crimes?

There are several defenses that can be raised in a criminal case. The defenses listed here are a sampling of those...