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Erlinda O. Johnson

Criminal defense Attorney at Albuquerque, NM

5.0   28 reviews
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  • Licensed for 28 years
    State NM
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

The best in nm
Lizzeth
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
REAL QUALITY
Crystal
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Erlinda

Learn Erlinda’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    95%
    Federal Criminal Defense with an emphasis on complex drug and organized crime cases

    28 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Civil rights
    5%

    14 years

Erlinda is a former federal and state prosecutor with vast experience as a litigator.  She began her career as a state prosecutor where she handled cases involving drug offenses to murder.  She then took that expereince to the United States Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she handled organized crime drug enforcement task force cases and federal drug cases.  She is a highly skilled and expereinced trial attorney.  For over the past 8 years, she has been representing clients almost exclusively in federal court.  She's a zealous advocate for her clients.  

Contact Erlinda

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Erlinda O. Johnson
620 Roma Ave. N.W.
Albuquerque, NM, 87102
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  28 customer reviews
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Posted by Lizzeth | January 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best in nm
The best on Albuquerque professional and will fight for you like no other she was also recommended to me from someone else’s who said the said thing they that she was the best and she would not let me down I don’t think anyone else would meet the standards
Posted by Crystal | February 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
REAL QUALITY
Erlinda Johnson is going above and beyond for my brother and has requested character witnesses and seems to really care about her clients. She is providing a service that is of exceptional quality and we can't thank her enough!
Posted by Quaila | September 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
AMAZING ATTORNEY!!!!
Erlinda is an amazing attorney! She posses all the traits one would look for when seeking representation. She’s extremely knowledgeable, personable, punctual, and professional. We appreciated all of the communication and updates Erlinda provided throughout our case. I would highly recommend her!
Posted by Patrick Medina | April 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing attorney
Erlinda Johnson was just amazing in the way she handled my case I was facing many years in prison and she found a way to get me probation also her motion to dismiss district attorney in Taos was just amazing she s absolutely the best lawyer in Albuquerque by far
Posted by Nubia | January 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The BEST
Erlinda is an amazimg lawyer! She answers all your questions personally, takes the time to explain everything with detail. Erlinda helped my family and I so much and i highly recommend her 100%
Posted by Dr Suzanne Lopez | September 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Criminal Attorney in New Mexico bar none
Ms Johnson is smart , knowledgeable, diligent, detail oriented and is a consummate attorney. Her legal experiences have given her an expanded understanding of both state and federal law . She uses this knowledge to legally create brilliant defenses for her clients. She leaves no stone upturned to help you. She is patient and yet direct in guidance and coaching clients like myself to understand what the right action and way to legally rethink the traumatic experiences that bring her clients to her. . For myself the situations that brought me to her were very traumatic . I needed her coaching, patience and understanding to legally re frame my expereince in order to help myself and my case. .In doing so she won case. I would highly recommend Ms Johnson with out hesitation. I am happy and available to discuss my experience as her client with anyone who might be hesitant to utilize her service. Please feel free to contact me directly. Dr Suzanne
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Posted by Lynne | March 29, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney
We hired Ms. Johnson to defend my brother in a criminal case. Through her legal expertise, she was able to secure a reduced sentence for him. Ms. Johnson has a mastery of the law. She is diligent, hardworking and possesses excellent communication skills. We highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Confident and Professional
I've never hired an attorney, and hiring Erlinda Johnson was the best decision my family and I made. She showed her expertise from the beginning to end: with a positive result. In addition to her expertise, she explained every step in the legal processes and explained all the legal terms, which were very dense. I would recommend her without hesitation, she's has a lot of experience, and above all, she'll give you 100% of her effort. If you're seeking representation in court, please consider Erlinda Johnson.
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Posted by Santanna | January 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best of the best!!
Mrs.Johnson is currently working on a case for one of my family members. I cant even begin to say how amazing and helpful she has been through this difficult time for me and my family. She has fought tooth and nail for us, and explained everything every step of the way. I dont know what we would have done without her, and I highly recommend her for any federal criminal court case.
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Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ms
She worked for my nephew’s case couple years ago. She did a very outstanding job.
Posted by Berenice | June 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing lawyer!
Erlinda is an excellent lawyer! When going thru a hard time it is important to have a lawyer that is trustworthy and Erlinda definitely earned our trust from the very beginning, she is not only honest but also caring and very knowledgeable. I always felt very confortable with her because she took the time to explain everything. I would definitely recommend her she is an amazing attorney!
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Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer in the USA
When you hire a lawyer, you will need to look for someone who is honest and work with you closely with full honesty! I have worked with lawyers that were not prepared and look at your case at the court without preparation, where Erlinda is fully prepared before the court and her explanation is very detailed. That's the kind of lawyer you need. Erlinda has great personality, honest and detailed.
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Posted by john | December 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
100% expert
Erlinda Johnson is hands down the absolute best criminal defense attorney in the Albuquerque/ Santa Fe area simply because she will not allow prosecutors to have their way which at times involves over exaggerated charges and sentences. Mrs. Johnson parted an ocean of time for me by getting me a 46 month plea, probation violation included as I was on federal probation at the time of my 2nd federal meth conspiracy case. Rest assured that Mrs. Johnson will leave no stone unturned and one will be 100% satisfied post sentence. Erlinda Johnson will not sell you out. She is the best.
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Posted by JUAN OR | October 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST LAWYER
There are no words to describe Mrs. Johnson she was a blessing to my case and family . I was charged with kidnapping and nothing on my side to prove my innocence. I don't know where my case would of ended without her help, she is always one step ahead at all times and always had a plan . She was always reachable no matter how little my question was and most of all very prepared for any outcome . I had a previous lawyer that dragged my case on for almost 2 years and only thing he accomplished was the sending the bill . Mrs. Johnson walked me and my family through the process and prepared us for what we thought would drag on for another 2 years but in only 5 month she gave me the good news that it was all over and taken care of my record was clear of any charges and all the charges were dropped . The peace of mind that she provides is priceless, I'm happy to say New Mexico still has one of the best lawyers around.
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Posted by Theresa | October 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional
I cannot say enough good things about Erlinda. Initially my son was assigned a federal public defender. He gave me know hope. I have dealt with a few attorneys and I knew that I needed someone who would give my son the best defense possible. She was highly recommended, so I schedule a consultation. I explained my sons case and she told me what she could do. She also gave me the names of a couple of lawyers, so I could consult with them regarding the case. Who does that? That sealed it right there. She kept me informed every step of the way. She still continues to answer any questions I might have. I have given her name to other possible clients because she is phenomenal at her job. Erlinda is honest and truthful.
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Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Determine to Prevail
Ms. Johnson successfully represented my criminal case in federal court. She was very professional, knowledgable and determined to provide the very best representation. She has the utmost respect from the Federal Judges, and US Attorneys prosecuting the case. She was always accessible to answer any questions during the process. Ms. Johnson comes with the highest endorsement. If you are looking for an attorney who has your interest at heart and willing to go the extra mile, I would recommend you contact Ms. Erlinda Johnson.
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Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
100% Satisfied, Highly Recommend
A few years ago, my Godson was arrested by the DEA while serving as a courtier for a regional methamphetamine distribution ring. His family could not afford an attorney skilled enough to stand a chance against a merciless prosecution that was threatening a sentence upwards of 25 years. Fortunately, my wife and I were able to provide financial assistance. My sister-in-law is an attorney herself. As soon as I told her the nature of my Godson's charges, she referred me to Erlinda. Erlinda took the case to trial, and was able to reduce a 25-year sentence to five years - the mandatory minimum, aka the best possible outcome. In a nation saturated with attorneys, Erlinda stands among the best. When she agrees to take on a case, she demonstrates an impassioned emotional attachment to whomever she is fighting for. Highly, highly recommended.
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Posted by M. Naomi Salazar | October 6, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Peer Review
I am familiar with Erlinda's legal work since she was first licensed, 21 years ago. She is excellent in whatever role she's in. I've worked cases against her, with her and we've represented co-defendants. She was a hard hitting but fair ADA and AUSA. It was a gift to the criminal defense community when she began representing Defendants. She's raised the bar in the quality of work we see from defense lawyers. She explores every aspect of an investigation and is creative in finding shortcomings in the prosecutions' cases. She is an incredible writer and a fierce litigator. She will find holes in cases others may see as unwinnable. The results she's obtained for her clients are a testament to her talent and intellect. Erlinda is generous in sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She is a source often turned to for advice and guidance on complex legal issues. She has an impeccable reputation and is a leading, if not the best, federal criminal litigator in the State. She is able to balance this toughness with a compassion and understanding for her clients and their situations.
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Posted by Jonnie | October 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great success
Erlinda is very good at taking care of her clients. She gives clear, concise direction on what she expects from clients, such as information, affidavits or records. She gave us real hope within the first 3 minutes of our first meeting and sustained our belief in her abilities throughout our entire course of business. She is very knowledgeable about how the laws work and how it applies to each case. She was amazingly responsive to phone calls or emails, and was prompt in her return communications. I would highly recommend her to any of my family and friends. Wonderful experience!
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Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated and Tenacious
Ms. Johnson recently represented my father. She was able to get his case dismissed. She was courteous, professional and tenacious.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Erlinda O. Johnson, LLC
  • 2006 - Present
  • Assistant United States Attorney
  • United States Department Of Justice
  • 2000 - 2006
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Second Judicial District Attorney's Office
  • 1995 - 2000

Education

  • University of New Mexico School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • University of New Mexico
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992

Legal Cases

  • United States v. J. Herrera
  • Significant reduction in sentence
  • United States v. Montenegro
  • Dismissal
  • United States v. Romero
  • Dismissal
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • EOUSA Award for Excellence
  • United States Department of Justice
  • 2001

Speaking Engagements

  • White Collar Crime CLE
  • Attacking Wiretap Evidence
  • 2014
  • North Eastern Regional CLE
  • Strategies on How to Attack a Case Involving a Confidential Informant
  • 2014
  • Annual NMCDL CLE
  • Preparing your Expert Witness
  • 2011
  • Transitioning from Inquisitorial to Adversarial System for Colombian Prosecutors
  • Trial Techniques
  • 2002
  • Trial Techniques for Honduran Prosecutors
  • Trial Techniques/ Transitioning from Inquisitorial to Adversarial System
  • 2001
  • Prosecuting Sex and Violent Crimes, Managua, Nicaragua National Police Academy
  • Trial Techiniques
  • 2000
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (1)
Endorse Erlinda
Glenn Smith Valdez headshot
Glenn Valdez
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Without a doubt, Erlinda is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the State of New Mexico. She is well known and respected by Judges, court personel and other criminal law practitioners. More importantly, she is respected and feared by prosecutors in both state and federal court. She is an amazing trial lawyer and truly a tireless and zealous advocate for her clients. Not only have I referred clients to her, but I have worked with her on cases and seen first hand the preparation, knowledge of the law and tenacity that can make all the difference in serious legal matters. You cannot find a harder working, better prepared criminal defense lawyer."
Amber Lea Weeks headshot
Amber Weeks
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Erlinda is incredibly tenacious, and her impressive legal skill, meticulous attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of every possible defense has resulted in dismissals and acquittals where many other attorneys may have recommended a quick plea deal. Erlinda is at the very top of my list of referrals to criminal defense attorneys. In addition to her many successful case outcomes, I appreciate the fact that Erlinda handles every case as if it were her only case. She has timely and knowledgeably responded to every inquiry that I have ever sent to her. As an immigration practitioner, I particularly appreciate her zealous advocacy in addressing all issues with potential case outcomes, including immigration matters."
Lisa Torraco headshot
Lisa Torraco
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Erlinda is an outstanding attorney and highly regarded. She is smart and aggressive."
Amber Lea Weeks headshot
Amber Weeks
Immigration
Albuquerque Criminal defense Lawyer Erlinda O. Johnson
Erlinda O. Johnson
Criminal defense Attorney
Albuquerque, NM
Licensed for 28 years
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