With police distrust on the rise, there are many reasons why you may have refrained from identifying yourself to a police officer in New Mexico. However, as this could be a violation of the state’s Stop and Identify statutes, doing so could land you in legal trouble.
Do I Have to Identify Myself to a Police Officer in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, you must provide identifying information to an officer when asked to do so. Depending on the scenario you are in, this includes information such as your full name, address, and your social security number.
Section 30-22-3 of New Mexico Statutes dictates that any individual who does not turn over this information when asked could be found guilty of a petty misdemeanor. This is because disguising your identity or failing to properly identify yourself could hinder legal processes or the officer’s ability to carry out their work.
As such, while there are specific scenarios when you may not need to identify yourself, it is generally considered wise to comply with what the officer is asking of you. This can help to protect your best interests moving forward and may allow you to avoid legal complications in their eternity.
What are the Penalties for Failing to Identify Myself To A Police Officer?
If you decide against identifying yourself to a police officer in New Mexico or attempting to conceal your identity, you could be charged with a petty misdemeanor. The maximum sentence you can receive for this is a six-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $500.
What To Do If You Are Being Charged With Failure to Identify and Concealing Identity.
If you are being charged with any crime, it’s normal for the panic to set in. After all, you may be worried about the impact this can have on everything from your financial health to your personal and professional life. It can be even more overwhelming if you have little prior experience with the court system, as it means that you do not know what to expect moving forward.
In these cases, seeking out legal counsel is essential. Your lawyer will be able to help you determine the best course of action forward, especially when it comes to building your case. For example, it may be possible to dispute the charges if the officer asked for identification without having “reasonable suspicion to detain and question a defendant.”
As such, if you are charged with failure to identify or concealing your identity, it is important that you:
- Remain calm. Acting out of fear or panic will impede your ability to make calm, rational decisions, and this could land you in further trouble.
- Reach out to a trusted attorney. The sooner you reach out and enlist the support of a New Mexico criminal defense attorney, the better the chances of a favorable outcome. Not only will they play a key role in gathering evidence and building a case, but they will also represent you, and your best interests, in court.
- Gather evident that may support your. Gathering evidence that can be used in your defense during this time is critical. Your lawyer will be able to support you during this task, such as by gathering witness statements, body camera footage, etc.
- Understand the charges you are facing. Working to understand the charges you are facing can also prove useful during this time. You’ll develop a better understanding of the legal challenges you are facing. Working with a lawyer can help in this regard, as they will be able to break down complicated legal jargon or phrases into something that is a little easier to digest.
Get in touch today to find out more.
Working with a qualified legal professional, such as Lizzy Bunker, is key during this time. An experienced defense attorney with a keen understanding of New Mexico Law, Lizzy will work closely with you when building your case, providing you with expert legal counsel and support during this time.
If you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch today for a free consultation. During this time, you will be able to determine your next course of action while also receiving non-judgemental advice.
