{"id":375121,"date":"2017-10-17T11:48:38","date_gmt":"2017-10-17T16:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-mexico-law\/new-mexico-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-19T15:27:36","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:27:36","slug":"new-mexico-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-mexico-law\/new-mexico-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Mexico Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n New Mexico Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The New Mexico Criminal Code defines a crime as an act or omission forbidden by law<\/a>. A complex system of criminal offenses and sentences balances protecting New Mexicans and punishing lawbreakers.<\/p>\r\n

New Mexico statutes have provisions for crimes ranging from Abuse of Privacy to Worthless Checks and everything in between, including Illegal Possession of Mercury<\/a> (you’re fine unless you have over a pound without a legitimate purpose). Offenses are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors.<\/p>\r\n

The criminal laws of New Mexico are expansive. FindLaw’s New Mexico Criminal Law section makes things a bit more manageable by explaining crime classifications, offense categories, self-defense, and more. We’ve also provided links to dozens of articles focusing on specific offenses. If you find yourself facing criminal charges, consider speaking with a New Mexico criminal defense attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Classification of Crimes and Criminal Sentencing<\/h2>\r\n

Criminal offenses in New Mexico are classified as either felonies, misdemeanors, or petty misdemeanors<\/a>. A simple way to differentiate between them is by their sentencing range:<\/p>\r\n