Quick answer: On July 7, 2026, the New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled in In the Matter of Petition for Expungement for C.T., No. A-1-CA-41067, that individuals who received a deferred sentence for a first DWI offense and successfully completed all program requirements — resulting in dismissal — are now eligible to petition for expungement under CREA Section 4. DWI …
A Fresh Start: New Mexico’s Expungement Law in Review
In January 2020, New Mexico enacted the Criminal Record Expungement Act (CREA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to give individuals a second chance. This law provides a pathway for people with certain arrests and convictions to have their records sealed from public view. Nearly five years later, it is time to assess its impact. Has the law been a …
Navigating Background Checks & Your Career
A past criminal record can feel like a roadblock to your future career. You’ve paid your dues and are ready to move forward, but a box on a job application stands in your way. Understanding your rights during the hiring process is the first step toward securing the employment you deserve. Many states, including New Mexico, have laws designed to …
Understanding Expungement of Criminal Records in New Mexico
Criminal records can be a stain on your reputation that can affect your life in many ways. It can make it harder for you to get a job, a loan, and even housing. Fortunately, in New Mexico, you can get an expungement to clear your criminal record. This blog post is all about understanding the process of expungement, how it …
Why DWI Convictions Are Not Eligible For Expungement in New Mexico
The intent within the new expungement law in New Mexico is to “serve justice”. Justice is not served by erasing the criminal record of serious criminals or those who may be likely to re-offend. Alternatively, it also doesn’t serve justice that those who have made a mistake, taken responsibility for it and have avoided trouble since, continue to suffer a …
