The only statement you should make to a police officer prior to consulting with an attorney is as follows:
I refuse to consent to any search whatsoever. I do not consent to a search of my residence, my person, my immediate location, my vehicle, or personal effects. I am exercising my constitutional rights as stated in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. I do not wish to speak with you at this time and I want a lawyer.
Felonies | Misdemeanors | Drug Crimes | Sex Crimes | DWI/DUI | Juveniles | Sealing of Juvenile Records | Probation Violations | Pre-prosecution representation
Felony Crimes have Serious Consequences
Felony crimes are the most serious criminal charges in the criminal justice system and in New Mexico felony crimes carry penalties ranging from one to 18 years in prison. As a former prosecutor Jennifer Burrill successfully prosecuted serious felony crimes and now uses that experience to defend her clients charged with crimes ranging from fourth to first degree felonies including attempted murder. Ms. Burrill has received acquittals and dismissals on both violent crimes, narcotic crimes, as well as white-collar crimes. Violent crimes involve actions against another person and are often charged as murder, kidnapping, rape, child abuse, and aggravated battery. Narcotic crimes include sales and possession of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. White-collar crimes are crimes that are not violent in nature, usually involving property or money, and include charges such as fraud, forgery, and burglary.
New Mexico’s habitual offender laws can have significant consequences for people who have previously been convicted of a felony crime. If you have been convicted of one felony in the last ten years you will get an extra year of incarceration added on to the sentence you receive for each felony you are convicted of. That penalty jumps to four years of incarceration if you have been convicted of two previous felonies in the last ten years and eight years if you have been convicted of three previous felonies in the last ten years.
The consequences are great when you are facing criminal charges. Before you speak with a police officer, your best decision is to hire Jennifer Burrill to protect your rights and defend you against criminal prosecution.