Albuquerque & Santa Fe · Criminal Defense & DWI
Charged With a Crime? Hire a Lawyer Who Actually Tries Cases.
If you were arrested last night, you are scared and you have questions. I am Mr. Nieto. I have spent my whole career defending people the State has decided to go after — and I have tried cases from DWI to first-degree murder in courtrooms all over New Mexico. When you call, you get me, not a middleman.
One Lawyer. The Cases That Matter Most.
Criminal defense and DWI are the heart of the practice. Mr. Nieto also stands up for people on the civil side when the powerful cause harm.
Criminal Defense
Felonies and misdemeanors across New Mexico — from a first arrest to the most serious charges. Mr. Nieto has tried these cases to juries and judges for more than two decades.
Criminal defenseDWI / DUI Defense
Your license and your record are both on the line, and the MVD clock gives you just 10 days from arrest. Mr. Nieto fights the criminal charge and the license revocation.
Albuquerque DWI lawyerPersonal Injury
Car crashes, Dram Shop liquor liability, negligent security, and insurance bad faith.
Personal injury
Mr. Nieto, Founder & Attorney
He Grew Up in the Courtroom
Mr. Nieto learned this work as a boy, watching his father — a capital defense lawyer — represent people charged with the most serious crimes in the system. That is where he learned that everyone, even the people society has already given up on, deserves a real defense.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2000 and started trying serious cases almost as soon as he passed the bar, first as a public defender in northern New Mexico. He opened Nieto Law Office in 2003 and has kept it a one-lawyer firm on purpose.
“To me, the courtroom is home. I take cases one at a time and I handle them myself.”
Over 25-plus years and nearly 100 jury and bench trials, Mr. Nieto has tried cases from DWI to first-degree murder in nearly every district in New Mexico and in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. That trial record is not a trophy — it is leverage. Prosecutors negotiate differently when they know your lawyer is ready to try the case.
Serving Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Across New Mexico
Mr. Nieto appears regularly in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, the Second Judicial District Court, the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Facing a DWI there, start with the Santa Fe DUI lawyer page.
Reviews
Mr. Nieto is an amazing lawyer. He helped my family tremendously and was kind, compassionate, and yet stern and accomplished the goals we sought!
Mr. Nieto is an amazing lawyer. He helped me out tremendously with my case. I highly recommend him.
Mr. Nieto represented me in my accident case and was on my side the whole time. He talked to me like family and represented me aggressively. I was very happy with his services.
My sister was involved in an accident and he helped her and our family so much. I would highly recommend him.
Reviews from Google. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions People Ask First
How long do I have to save my license after a DWI arrest in New Mexico?
You have 10 days from the date of a DWI arrest to request an MVD hearing. Miss that deadline and your license revocation becomes automatic and much harder to undo. Call (505) 247-1973 right away so the request goes in on time.
Will Mr. Nieto handle my case himself?
Yes. Nieto Law Office is a solo firm by design. Mr. Nieto takes cases one at a time and handles them himself, from the first call through trial. You are not handed off to an associate or a paralegal.
What kinds of cases does Mr. Nieto take?
Criminal defense and DWI are the core of the practice, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Mr. Nieto has tried cases from DWI to first-degree murder. He also represents people on the civil side in police misconduct and personal injury matters.
What should I do right after being arrested?
Stay quiet and ask for a lawyer. You do not have to explain your side to the police, and doing so almost never helps. Be polite, give your name, and say you want to speak with an attorney. Then call (505) 247-1973.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. The office serves a largely Spanish-speaking community and can talk with you and your family in Spanish. Hablamos español.
What does it cost to talk to Mr. Nieto?
The first consultation is free. Mr. Nieto will listen, answer your questions, and give you a straight read on what you are facing — no pressure, no obligation. See our free consultation page or call (505) 247-1973.