Erlinda O. Johnson

Erlinda O. Johnson

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Albuquerque, NM
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Civil Rights

620 Roma Ave. N.W., Albuquerque, NM

About Erlinda

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 95%

Federal Criminal Defense with an emphasis on complex drug and organized crime cases

31 years | 1,000 cases

95%
Civil Rights 5%

17 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Mexico for 30 years

State: New Mexico

Acquired: 1995

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Erlinda O. Johnson

620 Roma Ave. N.W., Albuquerque, NM, 87102

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Erlinda O. Johnson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (28) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Federal Crime

Posted by Santanna | January 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

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.

Posted by john | December 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

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 mo...nth 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.

Posted by Theresa | October 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

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 consultati...on. 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.

Posted by M. Naomi Salazar | October 06, 2016 | Federal Crime

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.

Posted by anonymous | October 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

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, m...y 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.

See All Client Reviews

Erlinda O. Johnson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Erlinda
Glenn Smith Valdez headshot
Glenn Valdez

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Erlinda is an outstanding attorney and highly regarded. She is smart and aggressive."

View All Endorsements
Amber Lea Weeks headshot
Amber Weeks

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2001

EOUSA Award for Excellence, United States Department of Justice

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Erlinda O. Johnson, LLC

2000 - 2006

Assistant United States Attorney, United States Department Of Justice

1995 - 2000

Assistant District Attorney, Second Judicial District Attorney's Office

Associations

2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. J. Herrera

Significant reduction in sentence

United States v. Montenegro

Dismissal

United States v. Romero

Dismissal

United states v. Aispuro-Haros

Dismissal

U.S. v. Morales et al.

Dismissed

United States v. Jovel

Acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of New Mexico School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

University of New Mexico

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

White Collar Crime CLE

Attacking Wiretap Evidence

2014

North Eastern Regional CLE

Strategies on How to Attack a Case Involving a Confidential Informant

2011

Annual NMCDL CLE

Preparing your Expert Witness

2002

Transitioning from Inquisitorial to Adversarial System for Colombian Prosecutors

Trial Techniques

2001

Trial Techniques for Honduran Prosecutors

Trial Techniques/ Transitioning from Inquisitorial to Adversarial System

2000

Prosecuting Sex and Violent Crimes, Managua, Nicaragua National Police Academy

Trial Techiniques

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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