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Albuquerque Criminal Defense Lawyer

DEFENDING NEW MEXICANS FOR OVER A DECADE

If you are facing criminal charges or you believe you are under investigation for committing a crime, you need to get help. Duran & McDonald will ensure you are represented at all stages of a criminal investigation and legal case. We have successfully defended New Mexicans for over a decade and can do the same for you when you are accused of committing a crime.

We have represented hundreds of people accused of committing crimes from petty misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Whether you are being investigated for a crime or have been accused of a crime, call a dedicated Albuquerque criminal defense lawyer today so that we can begin ensuring your rights are being protected.

You Have Rights

The State of New Mexico must take numerous steps in order to prove you are guilty. Remember, at this point, you are not guilty; you are only charged with a crime.

Being arrested for any criminal charge is serious, and it can have different consequences for each individual, depending upon the particulars of the case. It is imperative that anyone facing a criminal charge understands what challenges they will encounter and has someone in their corner to help them fight back.

Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced attorney as soon as possible in the legal process will help you understand all of your rights and options. Our dedicated legal team makes themselves available and easily accessible to you to answer all your questions and help guide you through the process.

Although your first instinct might be to try to make the matter go away as quickly as possible, attempting to handle a criminal case on your own is not the best option. You might be tempted to accept a plea deal in order to keep the matter private and resolve it fast. However, accepting a plea deal can involve admitting fault and ending up with a criminal record, which could have damaging consequences to your life. A skilled criminal defense attorney from Albuquerque could take the time to review the evidence against you and help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a plea deal. A knowledgeable lawyer could help you evaluate your legal options and come up with a strategy that works towards the best possible outcome, given the facts of the situation.

Once you have been formally charged with a crime you have a right to be presented with the evidence that may be used against you in the case.  You also have a right to be represented by an attorney.  You should immediately contact an attorney when you are first informed of a criminal case against you. There are important decisions that need to be made and your rights need to be enforced immediately.

Call us today so that you can be properly represented at every stage of your case. We will defend your rights and fight for you!

There are a lot of choices when it comes to hiring an attorney that you trust to represent you in one of the most stressful events in your life.  One of the factors that you will have to take into consideration when hiring an attorney is how much will it cost you.  Be sure to ask the attorney on what you will get in terms of experience and knowledge when you hire your attorney.  Our office has represented our clients at every stage of the proceeding and we begin working immediately on defending your case in preparation for trial. Our goal is not to simply get the best plea deal for you.  We explore all available defenses.

Duran & McDonald will present you with a retainer agreement that specifies everything in detail so there are no surprises as the case moves forward.  Our office has a fair and reasonable rate depending on the charges that you face in your case.  We can give an estimate when you speak with us based on our experience in hundreds of cases.

First, it is important to know how a grand jury proceeding works.  A grand jury is made up of a group of people from the community that are called to hear evidence on whether a crime should be charged.  This proceeding is not to decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.   This is an important step in the criminal process and you will benefit greatly from speaking with an attorney before deciding to attend the grand jury proceeding.

One of the most important rights that you have at all stages, including at grand jury, is the right to not make statements that can be used against you.  The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives you the right to avoid answering any questions that would incriminate you.  A criminal defendant does not ever have to take the stand and testify on his or her own behalf in most cases.

You will not receive a warrant for not attending a grand jury proceeding and it will continue without your participation.  Call us today so we can discuss your options and we can assist you in making an informed decision on whether to attend.

If you are under investigation by any law enforcement agency it is always best to consult with an attorney before speaking with law enforcement. The statements that you make today can severely impact a possible case in the future.   We often hear people say, “I have nothing to hide” or “I want my story to be heard”.  We agree with ensuring our clients’ story is heard but there is a process that requires knowing the time, place and manner in which that story is told.  Let us help you. Call us today (505) 924-2121 and we can discuss your options with you.

Possible Criminal Charges

Our seasoned legal team has helped individuals facing a wide variety of charges, including the following:

  • Robbery
  • Assault and battery
  • Burglary
  • White collar crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug crimes
  • Drunk driving
  • Hate crimes
  • Gun charges
  • Sex crimes
  • Murder
  • Traffic charges
  • Receipt and Transfer of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (RTSV)

A seasoned attorney from Albuquerque knows how to help at every stage of the criminal defense legal process. We can assist with answering questions during initial police interrogations, represent you at an arraignment, help you determine whether to accept a plea deal, advocate for you at trial or sentencing, and help you if you decide to appeal the outcome of a case.

Possible Penalties Upon Conviction of a Crime

Criminal charges should always be taken seriously. Upon conviction, a defendant could face prison time and significant fines. If the alleged crime involved a driving offense, a convicted offender could also face a loss of their driver’s license, which could be debilitating. If the accused crime involved a sex offense, a convicted offender might have to register as a sex offender. If the convicted offender is an immigrant, they might also face immigration consequences. With a criminal record, an individual might find it hard to get a new job or a loan because they would have to disclose their criminal history on their application.

An Albuquerque lawyer could work tirelessly and determinedly to fight the criminal charges. After reviewing the evidence and the prosecution’s case, our legal team could develop an effective strategy for fighting the charges. Our attorneys work together with various professional experts, such as psychologists, investigators, doctors, and pharmacologists, to provide a comprehensive and effective defense strategy.

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Reach Out to an Albuquerque Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, you are probably feeling lost and overwhelmed. The best thing you can do to protect yourself, your rights, and your freedom is to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Albuquerque criminal defense lawyer.

Call today to set up a free consultation to discuss the charges and learn how our law office can assist you.

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