Cynthia M. Payne
About Cynthia
Biography
I am a criminal and DWI defense attorney with over 25 years of experience, and I am passionate about representing my clients and providing them with the best legal defense. I attended UNM Law School, have strong ties to the legal community here, and many great relationships with the judges and prosecutors who handle our criminal dockets.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
30 years | 1,000 cases
30 years | 1,000 cases
30 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New Mexico for 29 years
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
New Mexico Legal Group, P.C.
2701 Arizona Street NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87110
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Cynthia M. Payne's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 28 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kalia | November 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney
The Best of the Best
Ms. Payne was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was facing a lot of time in prison and because of Cynthia, I got 2 years probation and a conditional discharge. I'm beyond thankful for Cynthia! I would recommend her to anyone!
Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney
100 % recommend Cynthia
She and her team showed a respect and business acumen that eclipsed any detrimental outcome in regard to the case. They're always available and I would recommend them to anyone. There was integrity not just in there intent but also being the arbiter for a positive outcome allowing me to regain a pos...
Posted by Mario | December 8, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Excellent
Cynthia and her team were excellent to work with. Made everything simple for me. They took all the stress off of me and got the case handled with the best possible outcome. Would highly recommend working with her.
Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2020 | Hired Attorney
DUI
I first sat down with Cynthia and explained everything. She gave me the most honest information and details to the outcomes and options that I have. In court, Ms. Payne fought for me wholeheartedly and spoke to the judge with upmost respect. The outcome, my case was dismissed. I couldn’t have asked f...
Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Cynthia and Jessica were very helpful throughout the whole process. My case eventually got dismissed because of all their hard work. I would definitely recommend Cynthia to anyone who needs an attorney!
Cynthia M. Payne's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. She has a great reputation as does her firm."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Cynthia is the most knowledgeable criminal defense attorney I know. I refer all potential clients with criminal defense needs to her. She is smart, talented, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and decisive. I trust her to do the right thing by her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Cynthia at New Mexico Legal Group. Cynthia is an assertive advocate for her clients, but she also knows how to find common ground and, if possible, settle cases without going to Court. She is very professional and knowledgeable regarding criminal law and DUI's."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Cynthia for many years and she is an excellent attorney. Years later I still ask her questions about criminal law matters and DUI cases."
"I have known Cynthia since 1997. She has always been a zealous and strong advocate for her clients and the constitutional rights of everyone. Cynthia has a keen intellect and well-honed trial skills. As a fellow attorney she freely shares her legal knowledge and experiences. She also has a wonderful sense of humor."
"Cynthia Payne is a fantastic DWI defense attorney. She is a skillful trial lawyer as well as a very good plea negotiator. I have seen her work wonders in many DWIs with terrible facts. I highly recommend her to anyone facing a DWI or any other criminal matter."
"Cynthia's intelligence and experience are enough to make her a great attorney, but the way she truly cares about her clients and strives to provide the best representation possible makes her exceptional."
"Cynthia is an outstanding DWI lawyer, and I have personally watched her win many trials. We have taught a number of continuing legal education classes together, teaching other lawyers how to pick juries in DWI cases, how to use experts and addressing the latest case law. She is a very talented, very knowledgeable lawyer who communicates extremely well to judges and juries. She has my highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cynthia is a fantastic attorney! Always prepared, professional and a great advocate for her clients, she is the kind of lawyer opponents dread and judges respect."
"Ms. Payne is a spectacular advocate for her clients. She is very experienced and secures great results for her clients. I highly recommend her."
Family lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, New Mexico Legal Group, P.C.
1996 - 2005
Felony trial supervisor, New Mexico Public Defender Department
Associations
2011 - Present
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Homeless CourtVolunteer Attorney
1997 - Present
New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
1996 - Present
State Bar of New Mexico
2010 - 2012
State Bar of New Mexico, Criminal Law SectionBoard member
2007 - 2014
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courts Rules Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Case dismissed after successful motion to suppress officer testimony based on unconstituional traffic stop
Education
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Law practice updates
2010
Caselaw update
2008
Update on DWI technology
Publications
2013
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Battery charges for self defense?
31 Dec 2021
How do you see this playing out? Coronavirus petty misdemeanor jury trial by telephone?
23 Jul 2020
My boyfriend failed to appear in traffic court yesterday for an expired registration violation. What consequences can we expect?
04 Oct 2018