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
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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
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Cynthia M. Payne's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
28 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | December 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent Outcome
I hired Cynthia to represent me in the first-ever arrest in my life for DWI, and she prevailed in court to the point of having my case dismissed. She was able to answer my questions and allay my fears. I am beyond grateful for her legal expertise and ability in the courtroom.
Posted by Garrett | November 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Highly Recommend
When I went to Cynthia and Jessica to take on my DUI case, what I liked most is that they assured me that my life is not over, and that they will take care of everything. I was a complete nervous wreck and Cynthia made me feel really optimistic about my case, and she even put together a case binder t...
Posted by Mike | August 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Top notch Criminal Defense Attorney!!
Cynthia was hired by my family in a very chaotic situation. She handled all the details, hearings, plea agreements with our family's interest as the number one concern. Frankly, it was a near miracle that many charges were dropped and others got pretty much a minimum punishment. I attribute this h...
Posted by anonymous | March 19, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Excellent experience with DWI case
Cynthia and the team at New Mexico Legal Group provided exceptional representation. I was facing a DWI charge and they handled everything from the drivers' license hearing to answering my questions that came up during the process. Absolutely worth their weight in gold! I appreciate everything they di...
Posted by anonymous | March 19, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Great Attorney with Great Knowledge
Cynthia Payne is very knowledgable in her understanding of DWI and Criminal Defense law. She is trustworthy and I would recommend her without hesitation.
Cynthia M. Payne's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. She has a great reputation as does her firm."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer."
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"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."
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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