New Mexico Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for New Mexico. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed New Mexico attorney for advice specific to your situation.
New Mexico Quick Facts
- State Capital: Santa Fe
- Region: West
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $500+
- Murder SOL: None
New Mexico DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 24 hours–90 days jail, $500–$1,000 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Second Offense DUI | 96 hours–364 days, $500–$1,000 fine, 2-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
New Mexico requires ignition interlock for all DWI convictions
New Mexico Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 2 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 2 oz: petty misdemeanor |
New Mexico legalized recreational marijuana in 2021
New Mexico Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $500 |
| Felony Threshold | $500+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 1 year |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 18 years (1st degree felony) |
New Mexico theft classified by value
New Mexico Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | 5 years |
| Theft | 5 years |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | 3 years |
New Mexico capital felonies have no SOL