New Mexico Criminal Law Offices

09/30/2026

Since 2009, Jack Mkhitarian has focused on one thing: criminal defense in New Mexico. Over 1,000 cases and counting.

He's a UNM School of Law grad, licensed in New Mexico, and admitted to practice before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. He's also an active member of the CJA Panel of Attorneys.

Facing a criminal charge? Contact us today.

https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/attorneys/jack-mkhitarian/

09/23/2026

Ever wonder what it actually takes for prosecutors to prove larceny in New Mexico? It's not as simple as "someone took something."

Under New Mexico law, larceny requires four elements: the property was taken by wrongful means, it belonged to someone else, the owner never gave permission, and the person taking it intended to keep it permanently, not just borrow it. Miss even one of those elements, and the charge doesn't hold up.

The penalty also depends heavily on the property's value. A theft valued at $250 or less is a petty misdemeanor. Once you cross $20,000, you're looking at a second-degree felony. Special items like livestock and fi****ms come with their own rules, too.

If you're facing a larceny charge in New Mexico, the details of your case and whether the state can actually prove every element matter enormously. Contact us to talk through what the elements of larceny mean for your defense.

https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/what-are-the-legal-elements-of-larceny/

09/17/2026

Carrying concealed in New Mexico isn't as simple as tucking a pistol into your waistband and calling it good. The rules around who qualifies, what disqualifies you, and which other states actually honor a New Mexico permit trip up more people than you'd think, and getting it wrong can turn a law-abiding gun owner into a criminal defendant.

We broke down exactly what New Mexico requires on our blog. Worth a read before you carry: https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/new-mexico-concealed-carry-laws-decoded/

Already facing a weapons charge? Don't wait to get answers. Contact us today.

09/14/2026

Charged with a crime in New Mexico? Our criminal defense team is ready to fight for you.
At New Mexico Criminal Law Offices, we know an arrest can turn your life upside down overnight. That's why our attorneys bring nearly 30 years of combined experience to every case, from DUI/DWI and drug charges to assault, theft, domestic violence, and serious felonies.
We've stood in courtrooms across Albuquerque, both state and federal, and we know there's no such thing as a cookie-cutter defense. Every client gets a strategy built around their case, not a template pulled off a shelf.
https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/practice-areas/
If you or someone you love is facing charges, don't wait to get answers. Reach out today and let our criminal defense team put its experience to work for you.

08/31/2026

Voluntary vs involuntary manslaughter: what is the difference? Here's what NM law says.

In New Mexico, both charges involve an unlawful killing without malice, but they are not the same. Voluntary manslaughter happens in the heat of passion, when a person is provoked enough to lose control. Involuntary manslaughter happens through criminal negligence or during a misdemeanor, with no intent involved at all.

The penalties differ, too. Voluntary manslaughter is a third-degree felony that can carry a 3-year sentence, while involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony with an 18-month sentence. Even a short cooling-off period can change how a case gets charged, which is why the details matter so much.

If you or someone you love is facing a manslaughter charge, we're here to help you understand your rights and options.

https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/voluntary-vs-involuntary-manslaughter-what-is-the-difference/

08/24/2026

Is it legal to shoot an intruder in New Mexico? Here's what to know.
New Mexico does recognize the Castle Doctrine, but it's not a blank check. If someone forces their way into your home and you reasonably believe a violent felony is about to happen, you may not have a duty to retreat, room to room, inside your own home. But the force you use has to match the threat. You can't use deadly force just because someone is trespassing on your property.
Outside the home, self-defense works differently. It's treated as an affirmative defense, meaning you (not the prosecutor) have to show it's more likely than not that your actions were justified. That's a lower bar than "beyond a reasonable doubt," but it still means the burden is on you to prove your case.
Bottom line: the line between lawful self-defense and criminal charges can come down to the specific facts of your situation. If you're facing charges after defending yourself or your home, or you just want to understand where you stand, we're here to walk you through it.
https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/is-it-legal-to-shoot-an-intruder-in-new-mexico/
So if you've ever wondered, "Is it legal to shoot an intruder in New Mexico?" the honest answer is: it depends, and the details matter. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

08/17/2026

Can you predict a verdict based on the length of jury deliberation? It's a question we hear often from clients and families waiting anxiously for a decision.
The truth is, the length of deliberation says more about the case than about guilt or innocence. A jury that takes days to reach a verdict isn't necessarily leaning toward acquittal, and a quick verdict doesn't always mean the evidence was clear-cut. Remember the Kyle Rittenhouse trial? Many expected a quick outcome, but jurors deliberated for four days before reaching their verdict.
Sometimes deliberations stretch on because jurors reach an impasse. When that happens, a judge may issue what's known as an Allen charge, asking the jury to keep working toward a unanimous decision. In one Oakland, California case, jurors deliberated for 55 days, the longest deliberation on record.
Every jury is different. Twelve people from different backgrounds bring different perspectives to the same evidence, and that's what really shapes how long they take, not a hidden signal about the outcome.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Albuquerque, we're here to help you understand what to expect at every stage of your case. Call New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today for a free case evaluation.
https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/can-you-predict-a-verdict-based-on-length-of-jury-deliberations/
At the end of the day, you can't predict a verdict based on the length of jury deliberation, but you can have skilled legal representation by your side while you wait.

08/11/2026

Understanding po*******hy laws in New Mexico could protect your future today.
Pornography-related charges in New Mexico cover more than most people realize. These are all treated as serious felonies under state law, not misdemeanors. A conviction can mean prison time and mandatory s*x offender registration that follows you for life.
If you or someone you love is facing an investigation or charges, the time to act is now, not after an arrest. Our team at New Mexico Criminal Law Offices has spent more than two decades defending clients against these exact charges, and we know how to challenge the evidence, the intent, and the process.
Read the full breakdown on our site, then call us for a free case evaluation.
https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/po*******hy-laws-in-new-mexico/
Knowing where you stand under po*******hy laws in New Mexico is the first step to protecting your rights.

07/27/2026

A s*x crime arrest can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. While every case is different, the first few days often include booking, an initial court appearance, and release conditions that can immediately affect your daily life.

Many people don’t realize that the decisions they make during this early stage can have a lasting impact on their case.

Understanding the legal process can help you avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions about your future.

Read more about what typically happens after a s*x crime arrest in New Mexico: https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/what-happens-after-a-s*x-crime-arrest-in-new-mexico/

07/24/2026

"When you have a problem, the law office you contact matters. Jordan and Ken were able to have my charges dismissed. Their excellent skills and knowledge got me the best possible outcome. They have so many years of experience, and I was always able to talk to someone right away. If you need help with a criminal matter, call them now." says D on Google

★★★★★ When you have a problem, the law office you contact matters. Jordan and Ken were able to have my charges dismissed. Their excellent skills and knowledge got me the best possible outcome. They have so many years of experience, and I was always able to talk to someone right away. If yo...