Best Gun Crime Lawyers in New Mexico
JACK MKHITARIAN
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
Jack Mkhitarian graduated from the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management and studied law at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Mr. Mkhitarian is licensed in New Mexico and established a practice in Albuquerque in 2009. He practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense.
Mr. Mkhitarian is a member of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. Mr. Mkhitarian is an active member of the United States District Court’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel of Attorneys.
Jack Mkhitarian has extensive experience in the New Mexico State Courts and has handled over 1000 cases in New Mexico District Courts, Metropolitan Court, and Magistrate and Municipal Court. Mr. Mkhitarian practices State-wide and has appeared in nearly every courthouse in New Mexico.
Lisa Torraco
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
During her time at the District Attorney’s office the Prosecutors Section of the New Mexico State Bar Association awarded Torraco “New Prosecutor of the Year” in 1993. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Prosecutor Section of the New Mexico Bar Association from 1993 -1996. She served as a special prosecutor for the Second Judicial District, from 1996 to 2006.
Lisa Torraco is devoted to criminal justice reform. She is a part of the “Right on Crime” movement and advocates for a smarter approach to criminal justice. When in the New Mexico State Senate, she was the co-chair to the Criminal Justice Reform Subcommittee in the 2013-2014 interim.
A Former New Mexico State Senator
Lisa served in the New Mexico State Senate from 2013 to 2016. She was a leader in Criminal Justice Reform. Lisa Torraco quickly rose to leadership position, being the only conservative Republican to hold a committee chair position on the Criminal Justice Reform Subcommittee, and her work in voter reforms earned her accolades from both sides of the aisle, streamlining voter registration and voter access for military and overseas voters.
Education
- University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- J.D.
- University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, California
- Honors: Certificate of International Criminal Studies
- University of New Mexico
- B.A.
- Honors: cum laude
- Major: Economics
Classes & Seminars
- Judicial Education Center, Metropolitan and District Court Judges , 2006
- Guest Instructor – Prosecution Misconduct, District Attorney Conference – Prosecution Misconduct, 2006
- Guest Instructor – Training, Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Training, 2006
Past Positions
- Office of the District Attorney in the 1st and 2nd District Attorneys Offices , Assistant District Attorney
- Child Abuse Division in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties, Senior Managing Attorney
- New Mexico State Senate, Senator, 2013 to 2017
- University of New Mexico School of Law, Adjunct Professor, 1996 to 2006
Roderick T. Frechette, II
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
Rod Frechette was featured in the American Bar Journal Article New Test for DUI Defense in 2005. He has handled more than 6,000 DWI cases since 1988. His court of appeals victory in the case of State vs. Lasworth successfully held the line on HGN inadmissibility and challenged the validity of field sobriety testing. He is a court recognized DWI expert in the cases of U.S. v. Roybal and State v. Underwood. He has testified in NM legislative hearings and lectures on the topic of DWI.
Admitted:
- New Mexico and U.S. District Court
- District of New Mexico, 1988.
Certification/Coursework:
- NHTSA DWI Detection, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
- RBT4/AS4 Breath Machine Key Operator and Instructor
- Intoxilyzer 5000 Maintenance Technician/Key Operator
- Expert certification for BAC testing in Highway Safety Programs
- Professional Associations and Memberships:
- New Mexico & American Bar Association
- N.M. & National Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Criminal Defense Section of the N.M. Bar
- Founding Member National College for DUI Defense
DWI Courses:
- Moderator/Speaker for American Bar Association DWI tele-conference 2005
- Nat’l Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mastering Scientific Evidence, 2005, 2003, 1999, 1997, 1996
- National College DUI Defense 2005, 2003, 2002, 1997
- Organizer/Speaker NM DWI legal education courses 2002, 2001, 1999
- National College DUI Defense at Harvard Law School 1998, 1997, 1996
- Guest Speaker New Mexico Continuing Legal Education 2001, 2000, 1998, 1996
Reported Cases:
- State of N.M. v. James Lasworth, 2002-NMCA-029;
- Schwartz ex rel. Kennedy, 120NM619, 904P2d1044 (1995).
Employment:
- Attorney, Frechette & Associates, 1991-present
- Municipal Judge Alternate, Corrales Municipal Court, 1994-2002
- Special Narcotics Prosecutor, 7th Judicial District, 1991-1992
- N.M. DWI License Revocation Hearing Officer, 1991
- Attorney, New Mexico Public Defender Metro Division, 1988-1991
Education:
- Vermont Law School, J.D., 1988
- St. John’s College, M.A., 1985
- University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1983
Cynthia Payne
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
Cynthia Payne joined New Mexico Legal Group in 2005, already established as a top-level trial attorney in New Mexico. While employed by the State of New Mexico, Ms. Payne engaged in and supervised a complex litigation practice spanning a ten-year period.
She is admitted in all New Mexico courts and is available statewide for the defense of all misdemeanor and felony cases. She is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and is a board member of the State Bar’s Criminal Law Section.
As a highly experienced expert with decades of successful cases under her belt, she is happy to work across our many NM offices in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Rio Rancho. She is often most stationed in Albuquerque.
Alexandra W. Jones
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
Education
- University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Juris Doctor – 2013
- The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- B.A. – 2010
- Major: Business Economics
- Minor: Spanish
Bar Admission
- New Mexico
- U.S. District Court District of New Mexico
- U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
Published Works
- Manuscript Editor, New Mexico Law Review, New Mexico Tort Claims Act, Volume 42.2, 2012 – 2013
Past Positions
- United States District, District of New Mexico, Honorable Robert H. Scott, Clerk
- Honorable James O. Browning at the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico
- Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, Clerk
Current Employment Position
- Founding Attorney
Published Works
- Manuscript Editor, New Mexico Law Review, New Mexico Tort Claims Act, Volume 42.2, 2012 – 2013
RYAN J. VILLA
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
My practice focuses on criminal defense, civil rights, and plaintiff’s personal injury cases. I am licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico, the United States District Court in the District of New Mexico and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have conducted dozens of jury trials in federal, state, metropolitan, and various municipal and magistrate courts throughout the State. I have also argued cases in the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
I am a native of Albuquerque where I live with my family. I graduated summa cum laude from UNM Law School in 2005. After law school, I clerked for Chief Justice Richard Bosson of the New Mexico Supreme Court from 2005 to 2006. I worked as an attorney with the Robert Cooper Law Firm from 2006 to 2014 before I decided to take the plunge and open my own law firm. Before law school I attended New Mexico State University where I graduated in 2002 with bachelors’ degrees in Criminal Justice and Government with distinction in the University Honors Program. I attended Highland High School here in Albuquerque, graduating in 1998. I am dedicated to trial practice and remain active in the law school community by volunteering to judge and guest coach the UNM mock trial team every year.
The majority of my work involves cases where the government or a large corporate insurance company is the opponent. Whether it be the State or the Federal Government prosecuting a client or a lawsuit against one of these governments or their agents, I take a large measure of pleasure keeping the government and large corporations in line. I have defended clients from all types criminal charges, large and small including DWI, domestic violence, drugs and narcotics—possession and trafficking/sale, white collar crime, and all types of violent crimes including sex offenses and murder. I have also sued all manner of government and governmental agencies, including police departments and police officers for civil rights violations and negligence including the federal government, the State of New Mexico, and several counties and cities. These cases include wrongful death, excessive use of force, illegal arrest, First Amendment violations and gender discrimination. I have also taken on dozens of lawsuits against auto insurance companies and cases involving injuries including premises liability, suits against drunk drivers, dramshop, dog bite, product liability and other injuries. I have handled cases against multi- national, multi-billion dollar corporations on down to small companies who have injured or taken advantage of the unsuspecting person.
I believe that handling a different variety of cases has helped me craft a holistic, well-rounded approach to any case that comes my way. Trying cases in all different courts, criminal and civil, has given me skills that I would not have otherwise gained had I only focused on one area.
Nicholas Hart
Criminal Lawyer/Gun Crime Lawyer
Many attorneys claim to want to help people, but few of them will go up against society to make sure you get a fair shake. Nicholas Hart grew up in a family that was dedicated to service. He knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career where he could serve others and the community. He is honored to have the responsibility to go into a courtroom every day and make the world a better place or change a person’s life.
As a law clerk, attorney Nicholas Hart reviewed pro se criminal appeals to determine if there was a case that the Court should review. He clerked for the Honorable Judge James E. Graves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. During that time, he was struck by the criminal justice process and the lack of access to quality representation. He believes that sending a person to jail or prison should be amongst the most difficult decisions made. But, as a society, we have created a culture of incarcerations without pause. He gravitates to the most complex cases because that is where he feels like he can make the most impact.
A person charged with murder or a violent crime is not just fighting for an acquittal or a favorable sentence. Our system now requires them to fight to prove their humanity. Harrison & Hart, LLC works on complex cases because those individuals are the most vulnerable in our system. Nicholas Hart works to effect change in a system that is in desperate need of reform.
New Mexico’s Gun Landscape: Understanding Gun Violence, Legal Implications, and the Crucial Role of Lawyers
New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” boasts breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a strong tradition of gun ownership. However, this tradition comes with a responsibility to handle firearms safely and lawfully. Unfortunately, New Mexico faces a significant challenge with gun violence, making it crucial to understand the issue, its legal implications, and why legal representation is vital in navigating the complexities of gun-related charges.
A Complex Issue: Understanding Gun Violence in New Mexico
- Alarming Statistics: Data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) . New Mexico consistently ranks above the national average in gun deaths per capita. This includes a disproportionate number of suicides and homicides involving firearms.
- Contributing Factors: Several factors contribute to this issue, including:
- Easy Access to Firearms: New Mexico has lax gun control laws compared to some other states, making it easier to obtain firearms.
- Mental Health Concerns: Untreated mental health issues can be a significant factor in gun violence, particularly suicides.
- Gang Activity: Gang violence often involves firearms, contributing to a higher rate of gun homicides in certain areas.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence situations involving firearms can escalate quickly and lead to fatal outcomes.
- Lack of Gun Safety Education: Insufficient education on safe gun handling and storage can contribute to accidental shootings.
The Legal Landscape of Gun Ownership in New Mexico
- Federal vs. State Laws: It’s essential to understand the distinction between federal and state gun laws. Federal law sets baseline regulations for firearms, while New Mexico has its own unique set of laws governing gun ownership and use. A lawyer can ensure you’re in compliance with both.
- Background Checks: Federal law mandates background checks for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. However, private sales between individuals are not subject to federal background checks in most cases. New Mexico law may have additional requirements, and a lawyer can advise you on the legalities of private gun sales.
- Concealed Carry: New Mexico is a “shall-issue” concealed carry state, meaning authorities must issue a concealed carry permit to qualified applicants. However, there are specific requirements and restrictions associated with concealed carry permits.
- Red Flag Laws: New Mexico has a red flag law allowing temporary gun confiscation from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. Understanding your rights and the legal process under this law is crucial.
When Legal Representation Matters Most: The Role of a Lawyer in Gun-Related Cases
Facing gun-related charges in New Mexico can be a stressful and confusing experience. Here’s why retaining a skilled lawyer is crucial:
- Understanding Complexities of Gun Laws: New Mexico gun laws, and gun laws in general, can be intricate. A lawyer with expertise in gun law can navigate this complexity and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- Preserving Your Rights: Law enforcement interactions and interrogations can be intimidating. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and ensure they are not violated during investigations or arrests.
- Building a Strong Defense: Depending on the specific charges, your lawyer can explore various defense strategies, such as self-defense, mistaken identity, or procedural violations by law enforcement.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: A skilled lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or pursue alternative sentencing options, such as gun safety education programs.
- Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence and advocating for the best possible outcome.
Finding the Right Legal Representation:
When facing gun-related charges, securing the services of a lawyer experienced in New Mexico gun law is vital. Here are some factors to consider when searching for legal representation:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record of handling gun-related cases in New Mexico.
- Reputation: Research potential lawyers and read client reviews to gauge their effectiveness and client satisfaction.
- Communication Style: Choose a lawyer who is readily available to answer your questions and keeps you informed throughout the legal process.
- Area of Focus: Some lawyers specialize in criminal defense, while others focus specifically on gun law. Consider finding a lawyer with a focus on gun-related legal issues.