Las Cruces Criminal Defense Lawyer
Kris Knutson brings 30 years of New Mexico legal experience, former public defender perspective, and trial-tested preparation to criminal and DWI cases.
Straight answers. Serious preparation. No judgment.
Serving Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, Otero County, and clients throughout New Mexico.
- 30 Years in New Mexico
- Former Public Defender
- 50+ Trials
- Licensed in NM State & Federal Courts
Criminal Defense
Representation when the stakes are real.
Criminal charges can move quickly, but your defense should not be rushed. Kris Knutson reviews the allegations, the evidence, the procedures used by the government, and the consequences that matter most to you. From early negotiations to motion practice and trial preparation, the strategy should fit the facts, not a script.
The right approach depends on the charge, the evidence, the court, and your priorities. Kris will explain the realistic paths in front of you, including when a trial makes sense and when it may not.
Felony and misdemeanor defense
Pre-charge guidance, early case assessment, evidence review, and trial preparation for the full range of state and federal charges in New Mexico.
Federal court practice
Admitted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Representation for federal charges including drug, firearm, immigration related, and white collar matters.
Negotiation with prosecutors
When a negotiated resolution serves you better than trial, Kris will say so, explain why, and work to secure terms that fit your priorities.
Evidence and motion practice
Careful review of reports, video, testing, and procedures. Motions filed where the law and facts support them.
Trial preparation
Every case is prepared as if it will be tried. That preparation is often what makes a better outcome possible, in or out of the courtroom.
Hearings and pretrial release
Representation at arraignments, bond hearings, and pretrial conferences, with a focus on keeping you out of custody and protecting your record from day one.
DWI & DUI
DWI defense in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County.
A DWI arrest does not tell the whole story. The details of the stop, the testing, the reports, and the procedures matter. Kris will review the circumstances of your case, explain the process in plain language, and help you make informed choices about what comes next.
What happens after a DWI arrest
After a DWI arrest you may receive paperwork related to court, the charge, and your driving privileges. Some of those documents carry deadlines that start running right away. Call early so you understand what you received and what may be time sensitive.
- Review of the reason for the stop and officer observations
- Review of field testing, breath or blood testing, and reports
- Review of video, audio, and timeline evidence where available
- Honest assessment of the charge and the likely path forward
Misdemeanor DWI representation begins at $2,500
The final fee depends on the charge, facts, court location, and scope of representation. You will receive clear fee information before you hire the firm. Not every DWI is a misdemeanor and not every case costs the same amount.
Personal Injury
Representation when an accident disrupts your life.
After a serious accident, the paperwork, treatment, and insurance calls can make it hard to focus on recovery. Knutson Law can evaluate the facts, help protect your options, and explain the legal path in clear terms. Whether a claim is viable depends on the facts, evidence, injuries, insurance coverage, and applicable law.
If you have been contacted by an insurance company, be careful about statements, documents, recordings, and releases until you have a chance to speak with a lawyer.
Civil Rights
Government conduct matters deserve a careful review.
When police or government conduct may have violated your rights, the facts and records matter. Kris Knutson evaluates the circumstances, explains the legal questions involved, and helps determine whether there is a viable path forward.
Preserve documents, photos, video, medical records, messages, and the names of potential witnesses. Not every troubling encounter creates a civil rights case, but careful review is how that question gets answered.
About
Three decades in New Mexico courtrooms.
Kris Knutson has spent decades in New Mexico courtrooms. As a former public defender, he knows that people facing charges need more than slogans. They need a lawyer who will listen, prepare, and explain the realistic options the facts can support.
Kris is licensed in New Mexico state and federal courts and has handled more than 50 trials. He works directly with every client from the first call through the final hearing.
30+
Years Practice
50+
Jury Trials
“You do not have to figure this out alone. We will review what happened, explain your options clearly, and help you decide the next step.”
Honest counsel
Plain English. Real options. No empty promises.
Direct access
You work with Kris, not a rotating staff.
Defense perspective
Years as a public defender inform every case.
Local courts
Three decades inside Dona Ana and Otero County courtrooms.
The Process
A direct conversation, on your timeline.
Your first conversation is a chance to explain what happened and ask direct questions. Kris will listen, identify the immediate issues, explain the next steps, and discuss whether the firm is the right fit for the matter. A consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship until the firm agrees to represent you.
- 01
You call
Reach Kris at (575) 218-6254 or send a short note through the form below.
- 02
We talk
A free, confidential conversation about the facts, the charge, and your priorities.
- 03
You decide
Clear information on next steps and fees so you can decide what to do, without pressure.
Service Area
Serving Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, Otero County, and New Mexico.
Knutson Law is based in Las Cruces and primarily serves clients in Dona Ana and Otero Counties. Kris also considers criminal, injury, and civil rights matters throughout New Mexico. Call to discuss the charge, the location, and the type of case so the firm can determine whether it can help.
FAQ
Straight answers, before you call.
Still have a question? Call (575) 218-6254 any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The consultation is free.
What should I do if I have been arrested or charged with a crime?+
Take it seriously. Keep every document you received, write down what happened while it is fresh in your memory, and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than a lawyer. Call to set up a free consultation so you can understand the charge and the next steps before any deadline passes.
Do I need a lawyer for a first DWI?+
A first DWI can still carry meaningful consequences. A lawyer can review the stop, the testing, the reports, and the paperwork you received, and help you understand what is at stake before you make decisions about the case.
When should I call a DWI lawyer after an arrest?+
As soon as you reasonably can. Some of the documents you receive after a DWI arrest involve deadlines that begin running quickly. Calling early gives a lawyer time to review the materials with you and explain your options.
What does a DWI defense lawyer review?+
A DWI review may include the reason for the stop, officer observations, field testing, breath or blood testing, the written reports, any video or audio, the charging documents, and the timeline. What matters most depends on the facts of the case.
How much does a misdemeanor DWI lawyer cost?+
Misdemeanor DWI representation begins at $2,500. Final fees depend on the facts, charges, court location, and scope of representation. Fee information is discussed clearly during the consultation before you decide to hire the firm.
Will a DWI affect my driver's license?+
A DWI can affect driving privileges, but the process and consequences depend on the case and the administrative and court procedures that apply. Speak with a lawyer promptly so you understand any deadlines connected to the paperwork you received.
What happens at an arraignment?+
An arraignment is generally an early court appearance where the charge is formally read and the case is opened on the court's docket. Specific procedures vary by court. A lawyer can explain what to expect in your particular court and help you prepare.
What should I bring to a consultation?+
Bring any paperwork you received, including citations, charging documents, release paperwork, court-date notices, and police reports if you have them. Photographs, messages, insurance information, and a written timeline of events are also helpful.
Does a consultation mean Knutson Law represents me?+
No. A consultation is a chance to discuss the situation and decide whether the firm is the right fit for the matter. Representation begins only after Knutson Law agrees in writing to represent you.
Does Knutson Law offer a free consultation?+
Yes. The initial consultation is free so you can explain what happened, ask questions, and decide on a next step without pressure.
Does Knutson Law represent clients outside Las Cruces?+
The firm primarily serves Dona Ana and Otero Counties and considers matters elsewhere in New Mexico on a case by case basis. Call to discuss the location and type of case so the firm can determine whether it can help.
Can I contact the firm on the weekend?+
Consultations are generally available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call (575) 218-6254 and leave a message if Kris is not available when you call.
What should I do after a car accident?+
Get medical attention if you need it, document the scene if you safely can, keep records of treatment and communications, and be careful about statements to insurance adjusters until you have had a chance to speak with a lawyer.
Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?+
Be cautious. Insurance representatives often ask for recorded statements or signed releases early in the process. A lawyer can review what you have been asked to provide and help you decide how to respond.
What information helps evaluate a civil rights concern?+
Records, reports, video, photographs, witness names, and a clear timeline are generally important. Careful review of those materials is what determines whether a civil rights claim is viable.
Can a lawyer guarantee that charges will be dismissed?+
No. No lawyer can guarantee a result. What an attorney can do is review the facts honestly, prepare the case, and pursue the strongest responsible strategy for your situation.
Contact
Do not make a serious decision without clear legal advice.
Call Knutson Law to discuss your case with a Las Cruces attorney who will give you a direct answer and a serious evaluation of the road ahead. The consultation is free and confidential.
- Phone
- (575) 218-6254
- Hours
- Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- PO Box 13267, Las Cruces, NM 88013
- Service Area
- Dona Ana & Otero Counties, Statewide New Mexico