Updated July 2026
An arrest in Los Lunas or Belen means dealing with the Valencia County courts, just south of Albuquerque. Mr. Nieto defends criminal and DWI cases throughout the county, bringing more than 25 years of New Mexico courtroom experience. Call (505) 247-1973 for a free, confidential review.
Valencia County covers Los Lunas, Belen, and the communities around them, and its cases run through the local courts rather than the Albuquerque system. From the main Albuquerque office, a short drive north, Mr. Nieto handles both the criminal side of a case and, in DWI matters, the separate fight to save your license. This page explains how it works for Los Lunas, Belen, and the rest of Valencia County.
Criminal Defense in Los Lunas and Belen
A charge in Valencia County is still just an accusation the State has to prove. Mr. Nieto looks for the same weak points he has challenged for decades: a stop with no legal basis, a search without a warrant, a witness who is not credible, or evidence that falls apart under scrutiny. He handles the full range of cases, from misdemeanors and drug charges to domestic violence and serious felonies. Start at the criminal defense overview to find the charge closest to yours.
DWI Defense and Your License
A DWI arrest in Los Lunas or Belen starts two separate cases. The criminal case moves through the Valencia County courts, while the Motor Vehicle Division separately moves to revoke your driver's license. You have only 10 days from arrest to request an MVD hearing, or the revocation becomes automatic.
Mr. Nieto fights both. He challenges the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood testing on the criminal side, and he handles the MVD hearing to protect your ability to drive. See the MVD hearing page for the deadline that cannot wait, and the DWI defense overview for first offenses, repeat charges, and test issues.
Talk to Mr. Nieto. The first call is free, and he answers it himself.
Call (505) 247-1973The I-25 Corridor and Valencia County Enforcement
Los Lunas and Belen sit along the Interstate 25 corridor south of Albuquerque, a stretch that sees heavy traffic and steady enforcement. The Valencia County Sheriff and the local police departments patrol the highways and the roads through town, and DWI stops are common on the routes home. Because the county courts move on their own schedule and with their own prosecutors, a Valencia County case is not the same as an Albuquerque one, even though the two are only a short drive apart.
Mr. Nieto serves families throughout the county, from Los Lunas and Belen to the smaller communities nearby. He handles both the criminal case and, in a DWI, the separate MVD hearing, and he can do it in English or Spanish so the whole family understands what is happening. Calling early gives him the most room to protect your record and your license.
Serving Valencia County in English and Spanish
Because Los Lunas is a short drive from the Albuquerque office, Mr. Nieto can appear in the Valencia County courts without trouble. More important, he has tried cases across New Mexico for over 25 years, so the Thirteenth Judicial District is familiar ground. As a solo attorney, he handles your case himself, start to finish, and he speaks with clients and families in Spanish. Hablamos Español.
Valencia County courts. Most state misdemeanors and DWIs are heard in Valencia County Magistrate Court, which serves Los Lunas and Belen, and city cases can go to the Los Lunas or Belen Municipal Court. Felonies are handled by the Thirteenth Judicial District Court, which covers Valencia County. In any DWI, the MVD license case is separate and runs on its own 10-day clock.
Common Questions
What court handles cases in Los Lunas and Belen?
Most state misdemeanors and DWIs are heard in Valencia County Magistrate Court, which serves both Los Lunas and Belen, while city cases can go to the local municipal court. Felonies are handled by the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. Mr. Nieto appears across these courts.
Do you serve Belen as well as Los Lunas?
Yes. Mr. Nieto serves all of Valencia County, including Los Lunas, Belen, and the surrounding communities. The county cases run through the same court system, and he handles both criminal defense and DWI matters throughout the area.
How long do I have to save my license after a Valencia County DWI?
Just 10 days from the date of arrest to request an MVD hearing. If you miss that deadline, the revocation of your license becomes automatic, separate from the criminal case. Call Mr. Nieto right away so he can protect it in time.
How much does a Los Lunas defense lawyer cost?
It depends on the charge and how complex the case is. Mr. Nieto explains his fees clearly and up front, and the first consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to call and find out where you stand.