DWI charges in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County
New Mexico uses the term DWI — driving while intoxicated — for alcohol and drug impairment. Most first-offense and misdemeanor DWI cases in Albuquerque are heard in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, a few blocks from our office.
In 2023, Metropolitan Court disposed of 2,349 DWI cases, according to the New Mexico Judiciary’s annual caseload reports. That is a large local docket. If you were stopped on Central, I-25, I-40, Coors, or anywhere in the metro area, early counsel can help you understand the charge, the MVD side of a license action, and what not to say to anyone except your lawyer.
What to do after a DWI arrest
- Do not discuss the stop, field tests, or drinking with anyone except your attorney.
- Write down what you remember while it is fresh — location, time, testing, and who was present.
- Call our office as soon as you can. License and court deadlines can move quickly.
- Bring any paperwork from the stop, jail, or MVD to your evaluation.
How we defend DWI cases
Every stop is different. We review the reason for the stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, and how the case was charged — first offense, aggravating factors, or a prior. We appear in Metropolitan Court, district court, and, when the facts require it, related federal matters. Ahmad Assed is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Alcohol-involved crashes are a small share of all New Mexico crashes, but they account for a large share of fatal crashes, according to the University of New Mexico Traffic Research Unit. If your DWI is tied to a crash, say so when you call. We can talk through both the criminal charge and any related civil exposure.
Related
Common questions
Where are Albuquerque DWI cases heard?
Most first-offense and misdemeanor DWI cases in Albuquerque are heard in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, a few blocks from our office. Repeat or felony DWI can be charged in district court.
Is there a separate MVD license case?
Yes. A DWI arrest can trigger a Motor Vehicle Division license action on a short deadline, in addition to the criminal case. Tell us about any MVD paperwork when you call so we can talk through both tracks.
Should I talk about the stop with anyone besides my lawyer?
No. Do not discuss the stop, field tests, or drinking with friends, bonding companies, or on social media. Those statements can be used in court.