If you have been charged with domestic violence and scheduled for a preliminary hearing, you may be wondering, What happens at a preliminary hearing for domestic violence? Another name for a preliminary hearing is a “probable cause hearing.” This term... Read More
Alleged victims are vitally important to most domestic violence cases, but their cooperation is not necessary in every case. Well-trained and experienced prosecutors can go forward and try to convict you even if the alleged victim fails to appear for... Read More
Getting released from jail after an arrest but before your case is resolved is extremely important. After New Mexico’s bail reform law amended the state’s constitution, some judges ruled that people are too dangerous after a domestic violence arrest to... Read More
A criminal record can have drastic long-term effects on your life. A domestic violence criminal record can be particularly damaging socially and professionally. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in the past and are applying for a job—when you... Read More
Realizing that someone who you are close to might be in an abusive relationship is scary. You may feel the need to take action immediately to protect your friend. But, it’s important to stop for a moment before jumping in... Read More
Domestic violence cases are emotional for everyone involved, regardless of whether the allegations are true. While it is true that hundreds of thousands of families are affected by domestic violence each year, some people use this fact to put their... Read More
Allegations of domestic violence are extremely serious. Regardless of what actually happened leading up to an arrest, prosecutors tend to cast defendants in New Mexico domestic violence cases as “monsters.” However, the reality is that these cases often rest on... Read More
Childhood should be a magical time of learning and discovery. Above all else, a child should feel safe and loved in their home environment. However, children of parents who are in a tumultuous relationship characterized by yelling or domestic violence... Read More
Not surprisingly, there is a strong correlation between a person’s substance abuse problem and a history of domestic violence. However, while a substance abuse problem is a recognized medical condition, it is not a defense for domestic abuse. If you... Read More
While the terms assault and battery are often used together or interchangeably, legally speaking, the two crimes are distinct. In fact, there are several types of New Mexico assault and battery offenses, varying in seriousness. Under common law, an assault... Read More