What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

The non-emergency phone line of the Las Cruces Police Department is 575-526-0795.

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

You can acquire a copy of police report from the Las Cruces Police Department by calling its record section at 575-528-4137.

What types of crimes are committed most frequently in Las Cruces?

Criminal defense attorneys in Las Cruces frequently defend clients against a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges, such as sexual abuse, theft crimes, drug offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, and homicide. They also supervise prosecutions for white-collar crimes like money laundering, embezzlement, and credit card fraud.

How can a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces assist you during trials?

Criminal defense attorneys in Las Cruces will professionally represent you in court and question the veracity of the prosecution's evidence. They can thoroughly cross-examine the state's witnesses to point out discrepancies, provide proof of your innocence, bring witnesses in your defense, and propose other hypotheses of the crime.

Do you need to speak with the police in Las Cruces about your criminal case?

Avoid discussing the specifics of your case with the police if you are detained in Las Cruces on a criminal accusation. You only need to give them your name, address, and any necessary identification. Also, if you are being held in jail, it's crucial not to discuss your case with anyone besides your lawyer during a private visit.

Should you get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces after receiving a target notice?

Yes, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately if you receive a target notice in Las Cruces. A target notice indicates that you are under investigation for a felony-level offense and that a grand jury will hear your case to decide whether there is adequate evidence to bring charges against you. Without representation, a grand jury will almost always find enough evidence to charge you with a felony.

What are the legal deadlines for filing a criminal charge in Las Cruces?

In Las Cruces, the time limit for filing a case varies according to the crime's seriousness. The statutes of limitations that apply in each situation are as follows: <ul> <li>Two years for misdemeanors</li> <li>Five years for offenses in the third and fourth-degree felonies</li> <li>Six years for offenses in second-degree felonies</li> </ul> There is no such limitation for first-degree felonies.

2025

Last updated: April 17, 2025

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Las Cruces, NM

Our Recommended Best Las Cruces Criminal Defense Lawyers

We did the research for you!

Licensing
User Reviews
Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Las Cruces criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

74Reviewed

46Curated

4Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

= Featured Provider

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Las Cruces

665 East University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005

Visit Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google: 3.9 (29)
Avvo: 5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Founded by attorneys with decades of combined legal experience, The Lahann Law Firm advocates for defendants in Las Cruces. Its attorneys practice criminal defense law and represent citizens with various charges, helping them uphold their rights in New Mexico courts. Some of their tasks include gathering and analyzing evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and crafting a defense that would hold up in court. The team also assists with expungements by assessing eligibility, filing the petition, and advocating for clients in the courtroom.

Jeff Lahann has been in legal practice since 1991, fighting for the accused. He worked as a prosecutor in Socorro and Truth or Consequences and then transferred to Las Cruces to serve as a deputy district attorney. Jeff has led over 300 felony cases to trial.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Las Cruces

1140 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001

Visit Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google: 4.5 (15)

Why choose this provider?

C.J. McElhinney Attorney at Law upholds the rights of accused citizens in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The firm takes on criminal defense cases, handling various allegations like murder, drug possession and trafficking, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, and lighter offenses like traffic infractions. Sole practitioner C.J. McElhinney practices in both federal and state courts and is familiar with local prosecutors and judges across the Las Cruces area. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1992.

C.J. McElhinney has been a criminal defense lawyer since 2003. One of his landmark cases was the New Year 2014 home invasion case of MMA fighter Joe Torrez, where he was exonerated. He also represented Corban Serna in his voluntary manslaughter trial in 2022, resulting in acquittal.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Las Cruces

755 S. Telshor Blvd. Ste. R202, Las Cruces, NM 88011

Visit Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google: 3.8 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Russell Dean Clark, LLC Attorney at Law, serves clients in and around Las Cruces. It brings advocacy to various legal disciplines, including criminal defense. It advocates for the rights of those wrongfully accused or arrested. It also offers legal advice on personal injury and civil rights cases. Russell Dean Clark, the firm's lawyer, earned his Juris Doctorate in 2000. He is also licensed to practice in Texas and Arizona. Clark has represented soldiers in various court-martials as an army trial defense attorney.

Arraignment

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Las Cruces

230 S Alameda Blvd Bldg B, Las Cruces, NM 88005

Visit Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google: 5.0 (19)
Facebook: 5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Donisthorpe Law Offices, LLC, provides criminal defense services to locals of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It represents individuals who received traffic citations or were charged with assault and battery, breaking and entering, drug offenses, and white collar crimes. It also assists clients who need help with license revocation. The legal practice is led by a lawyer who previously served as a senior trial prosecutor at the District Attorney's Office in San Juan County and Dona Anna County.

DWI/DUI
Juvenile Crimes

Compare Best Las Cruces Criminal Defense Lawyers

Name	Address	Learn more
The Lahann Law Firm	665 East University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005	View More
C.J. McElhinney Attorney at Law	1140 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001	View More
Russell Dean Clark, LLC Attorney at Law	755 S. Telshor Blvd. Ste. R202, Las Cruces, NM 88011	View More
The Donisthorpe Law Offices, LLC.	230 S Alameda Blvd Bldg B, Las Cruces, NM 88005	View More

Disclaimer: Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Other New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers

Las Cruces, NM Criminal Defense FAQs

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
The non-emergency phone line of the Las Cruces Police Department is 575-526-0795.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
You can acquire a copy of police report from the Las Cruces Police Department by calling its record section at 575-528-4137.
What types of crimes are committed most frequently in Las Cruces?
Criminal defense attorneys in Las Cruces frequently defend clients against a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges, such as sexual abuse, theft crimes, drug offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, and homicide. They also supervise prosecutions for white-collar crimes like money laundering, embezzlement, and credit card fraud.
How can a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces assist you during trials?
Criminal defense attorneys in Las Cruces will professionally represent you in court and question the veracity of the prosecution's evidence. They can thoroughly cross-examine the state's witnesses to point out discrepancies, provide proof of your innocence, bring witnesses in your defense, and propose other hypotheses of the crime.
Do you need to speak with the police in Las Cruces about your criminal case?
Avoid discussing the specifics of your case with the police if you are detained in Las Cruces on a criminal accusation. You only need to give them your name, address, and any necessary identification. Also, if you are being held in jail, it's crucial not to discuss your case with anyone besides your lawyer during a private visit.
Should you get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces after receiving a target notice?
Yes, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately if you receive a target notice in Las Cruces. A target notice indicates that you are under investigation for a felony-level offense and that a grand jury will hear your case to decide whether there is adequate evidence to bring charges against you. Without representation, a grand jury will almost always find enough evidence to charge you with a felony.
What are the legal deadlines for filing a criminal charge in Las Cruces?
In Las Cruces, the time limit for filing a case varies according to the crime's seriousness. The statutes of limitations that apply in each situation are as follows:
- Two years for misdemeanors
- Five years for offenses in the third and fourth-degree felonies
- Six years for offenses in second-degree felonies
There is no such limitation for first-degree felonies.

View all Criminal Defense FAQs View all Criminal Defense Resources

Featured

Our Recommended Best Las Cruces Criminal Defense Lawyers

We did the research for you!

Providers

The Lahann Law Firm

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Why choose this provider?

C.J. McElhinney Attorney at Law

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Why choose this provider?

Russell Dean Clark, LLC Attorney at Law

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Why choose this provider?

The Donisthorpe Law Offices, LLC.

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Why choose this provider?

Compare Best Las Cruces Criminal Defense Lawyers

Other New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers

Las Cruces, NM Criminal Defense FAQs

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

What types of crimes are committed most frequently in Las Cruces?

How can a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces assist you during trials?

Do you need to speak with the police in Las Cruces about your criminal case?

Should you get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Las Cruces after receiving a target notice?

What are the legal deadlines for filing a criminal charge in Las Cruces?

Related Articles