A DWI arrest is frightening. You're worried about your license, your job, your family. Patrick J. Martinez has handled DWI cases in Albuquerque courts for over 25 years, and he knows how the system works, from the MVD hearing all the way through trial.
Under NMSA § 66-8-102, a first-offense DWI in New Mexico means driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher, or driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs to any degree. The law covers more than just alcohol. Prescription medications, marijuana, and controlled substances can all form the basis of a DWI charge in Bernalillo County.
Patrick handles DWI cases at every stage, from the critical 20-day window after your arrest to jury trials in Albuquerque district and magistrate courts.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest
The clock starts the moment you're arrested. New Mexico MVD rules give you 20 days to request a hearing to contest your license revocation. Miss that deadline and your license is automatically suspended. Patrick's office files the hearing request the day you call.
Your First DWI in New Mexico
A first-offense DWI conviction under NMSA § 66-8-102 carries up to 90 days in jail (a minimum of 24 hours must be served), fines of $500 to $1,000 plus court costs, mandatory community service, ignition interlock installation on your vehicle, and DWI school. The consequences follow you. Insurance rates spike. Employers can see the record. Certain professional licenses become harder to keep.
Patrick looks at every DWI case with fresh eyes. Was the traffic stop legal? Was the breath test machine properly maintained? Did the officer follow field sobriety test protocols? One procedural problem can change the outcome entirely.
Results That Matter
DWI Charges Dismissed
Albuquerque client arrested for DWI after a traffic stop. Patrick challenged the legality of the stop and the administration of field sobriety tests. Charges dismissed at the motion to suppress stage.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
First Offense DWI: Not Guilty
Client charged with first-offense DWI based on breath test result. Patrick attacked the calibration records for the testing device and the officer's field sobriety procedure. Jury returned a not guilty verdict.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.