State Years

New Mexico - NM 38 years

Missouri - MO 43 years
Licensed for 38 years

State NM

Acquired 1985

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 43 years

State MO

Acquired 1980

Status
Good Standing, Active No misconduct found

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

Stephen D Aarons

Criminal defense Attorney at Santa Fe, NM

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Resume

Top Rung - Best Defense - Premier Counsel

I felt trapped. I had lost hope. Now I sleep again, thanks to Steve Aarons. Steve Aarons is an effective criminal attorney, familiar with the intrinsics of the judicial system. His timely responses are highly professional. Steve Aarons will listen and he understands the plight of the comon man caught up in our judicial system. Steve Aarons is invaluable and flexible. Above all, he is dedicated and accessible. For more than one year I have been involved with the Magistrate Court and the District Court, both in San Miguel county, and I had nearly lost my faith. Steve Aarons has given me a new lease on life. I can highly recommend Steve Aarons to anyone in need of professional counsel.

he will fight for you

Steve is a top the line lawyer. Tell you what it is how it is and will not bullshit you one bit.I had a death penalty case and it was not looking good then Steve dug in and got to work and I have been free for a couple years because of him. I could not have asked of any more from a lawyer then what Steve Aarons gave me quick and kept me informed even when I was locked up. Made sure I was okay and informed my family as well......if you need a attorney that will give his all I strongly reccommond Steve Aarons.

About Stephen

Learn Stephen’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

50%

In private practice since 1992 and have handled criminal cases since passing the bar. My practice is limited to criminal cases anywhere in New Mexico.

43 years, 2,000 cases
Expungement

15%

New Mexico finally passed an expungement law, effective 1/1/2020. Some convictions are not eligible including murder, sex offenses and DUIs. We may get DUIs passed in the next few years. Check out my detailed webpage at www.aarons.law/expungements
... Read more
19 years
DUI and DWI

10%

If you are arrested for DUI/DWI in New Mexico, you will face serious consequences if convicted such as possible jail time and an interlock device in your car/truck for 1+ years. Aggravated cases are more serious when you refuse the alcohol test, test above 0.16 or have an accident. Fourth offenders risk a felony conviction and imprisonment.
... Read more
35 years
Domestic violence

10%

See criminal defense above. Most domestic violence cases, such a battery on a household member, are handled in the Magistrate Court as a misdemeanor. In almost every case, the male is the one arrested although, just as often, there are two sides to the story. Sometimes the victim has second thoughts about the criminal prosecution, although she no longer has any control over the case.
... Read more
35 years
Appeals

5%

If you are found guilty at trial, you can appeal the decision to the next highest court. For state district court cases in New Mexico, that is the NM Court of Appeals. Magistrate and Metro court cases are appealed to the district court in the came county. For federal cases here, the 10th United States Circuit Court of Appeals is the appellate court. As your appellate lawyer I would argue why the conviction was wrong, and how the prosecutor and the judge made one or more legal mistakes.
... Read more
38 years
Federal crime

5%

I have handled hundreds of federal criminal cases primarily in Albuquerque US District Court but also Las Cruces federal court.

43 years
Violent crime

5%

Capital defense lawyer at thirteen (13) death penalty trials before New Mexico abolished the death penalty. Accepts state and federal cases throughout New Mexico. A substantial part of my practice.
... Read more
35 years

JUSTICE AND FREEDOM, ONE CLIENT AT A TIME.

Send me a message or telephone my office at any time to discuss your case. There is no fee until you decide to hire me as your lawyer.

/s/ Steve Aarons

; Fax; Toll Free

Even after business hours, my legal secretary or I hope to answer your e-mail or voiceimail message as soon as possible.

___________________

How did I decide to become a lawyer? At the risk of "too much information" for a professional website, when I was only 11 years old I spent a month of July in St. Louis with my favorite aunt. One rainy afternoon I read Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was written from the point of view of Scout, a daughter my age of a local lawyer appointed to represent a black man falsely accused of raping a young white woman. There is a scene where the black Reverend tells Scout to "stand up, your father's passing" that nearly brought me to tears. I decided then and there, so many years ago, to become a criminal defense lawyer and I have never looked back since!

Awards

Top Contributor

2014 2013 2012

Client's Choice

2012 2011

Photos and videos

Contact Stephen

Aarons Law PC

(505) 557-1540 Office

(505) 984-1110 Fax

(505) 557-1540 Office

2019 Galisteo Street Suite H1

Santa Fe, NM, 87505-2106

aarons.law

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Aarons Law PC

(505) 557-1540 Office

(505) 984-1110 Fax

(505) 557-1540 Office

107 Central Park Square #158

Los Alamos, NM, 87544-4020

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Aarons Law PC

(505) 557-1540 Office

(505) 984-1110 Fax

(505) 557-1540 Office

410 Paseo de Onate

Espanola, NM, 87532

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

33 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Josef | April 4, 2011

Top Rung - Best Defense - Premier Counsel

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Posted by travis rowley | April 1, 2011

he will fight for you

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Posted by Shon Coho | July 26, 2021

I WAS IN BIG TROUBLE…

Once I got to sit down with Stephen and his team, I felt so much more safe and could feel a lot of weight off my chest. Stephen and his awesome team kept me posted and in the loop on every step and consulted me in my best options along the way. On top of it all he was affordable! In my opinion Stephen Aaron’s and team can handle anything! Highly recommend this great professional team.

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Posted by anonymous | October 9, 2020

Highly recommend Mr. Aarons

Mr. Aarons is extremely professional, knowledgeable and kind. He and his staff are attentive and very responsive. I highly recommend Mr. Aarons.

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2020

Saved education

As I write this review, I have my graduation application waiting to be filled out. I owe my biology degree to Mr. Aarons. His priority in my case was well seen amongst my family and I, which was to fight efficiently and effectively, in order to save my future. However, he did much more than that. His services provided sanity for my worried parents who constantly had pending questions that were answered in a timely manner by himself or his employees at the office. Aarons genuinely cared for my higher education as if I was his family member and not simply another client. I can't thank Mr. Aaron's enough for all that he has done during the stressful time in my life, however I will always remember his hard work ethic and determination to save one from life changing complications.

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Posted by tiffany | December 30, 2019

fast responding and knowledgable

He took the time to read my letter of a request. he answered my question very effectively. He was also nice. I didn't know how to proceed with trying to appeal my case.

Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2019

Honest and Knowledgable

I consulted Stephen Aarons about a complex case. He thoughtfully reviewed the case and then gave me solid legal advice -- which included the advice to NOT hire him at this time. Now, because the legal system is not at all implemented to be engaged by non-professionals, he certainly could have charged me money but as it turned out the best advice was to not hire anyone and proceed in a particular way on my own. Only an honest lawyer would do such a thing. It's refreshing to find someone who cares about people in a system that aims to dehumanize them.

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Posted by Tom | September 5, 2019

A lawyer who cares

Mr. Aaron's did an excellent job of helping me when I needed it most. I am glad I chose his law firm that day. Good Job and thank you.

Posted by lisa | January 22, 2019

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Great attorney!!!! Stephen D Aaron won our case for us. I will definitely use him again if needed in the future. I will refer him to all of my friends and family. Great Criminal Defense Lawyer!!!

Posted by anonymous | September 3, 2018

Excellent results, spectacular service

Not only did Steve achieve superb results for me, he provided spectacular service, responding to my initial contact late at night and meeting with me the next morning, on a holiday when his office was closed, to accommodate my schedule. He took the time to explain the process to me and did what he said he was going to do. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again. He's the best!!

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Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2018

Gave my daughter her life back

My daughter had been sentenced to four years in prison due to actions related to drug addiction, and was facing up to 18 additional years on another charge. She had been represented by a public defender, but I hired Mr. Aarons after her first sentencing, as I felt that the public defenders where too overwhelmed with cases to represent her adequately. Mr. Aarons fought for her and was able to strike a plea deal that did not add any additional time to her sentence. Thanks to Mr. Aarons, my daughter now has a bright future, is hopeful, and is taking advantage of treatment programs while she finishes up the amount of time remaining in her original sentence. Had she been sentenced to 18 years, I feel that I would have lost her---not just to the prison system, but to hopelessness and despair. Thank you, Mr. Aarons for giving her the opportunity to redeem herself and have a future again.

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Posted by Aaron | December 16, 2017

Top notch lawyer

I was facing a repeat criminal offense and additional harassment charge, to be honest it was a witch hunt, but regardless was looking at loosing years of my life and an awesome job. I paid Mr. Aarons and he zealously pursued a not guilty on both accounts. What's more, this was acheived during the preliminary hearing. It was a little hard to reach him at times, but he knew what he was doing. Thank you Mr. Aarons.

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Posted by Alvaro | July 3, 2017

Professional, Understanding, and Analytical.

One of my family members was in an unlucky situation, thanks to some so called "friends". I called around and NO ONE was as concerned or honest about the situation as when I spoke to Mr. Aarons. Now, we are in a situation MUCH better than we could have ever imagined. A little bit of luck had to do with it, but all the measurable results were 100% because of Aarons.

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Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2017

Stephen Aarons Saved My Life

This isn't hyperbole. Steve saved my life. Had I not consulted with him I would have walked right into the snake pit that the justice system can be. Even if you are stone cold innocent like I was, if you don't know what you're doing,? Or God forbid as naive as I was? It can chew you up. Not only did he walk me through everything, he was always up front and brutally honest. He truly was a counselor. He listened to me, calmed me down more times than even he knows and was a port in the storm that my life became. I am eternally grateful. Fortunately I only got to see him in action once at court, but damn, he handled it. Thanks Steve. Always.

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Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2017

Great Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Aarons help out my husband with a criminal case and he was very helpful in answering any questions we had. he also kept us informed as to what was happening and what steps were next. At first the case didn't look so good but in the end he fought for my husband and things turned out better than in the beginning. I would highly recommend him.

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Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2016

Aggravated DUI

After being charged for an aggravated DUI, I spent nearly 2 weeks researching and talking to different lawyers about my case. Came across Stephen Aarons and was immediately impressed with his style, methods, and ethics of work. With his easy going and likable attitude not only towards me as a client, but towards the DA, he was able to drop it to a simple deferred. After 1 year of checking off the legal requirements and good behavior, it will be dropped.

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Posted by Bonita Robinson | April 16, 2016

Great Job

Mr. Arrons took over my DUI case. I was not happy with my first lawyer at all. But that is another review. It was an aggravated because of the one car accident and that meant more jail time if convicted at that level. I really did not want more jail time. Once is enough. The prosecutor finally after several hearings agreed to simple DUI -- jail time no fine a year of a breath machine in our truck. If I stay out of trouble for one year, which I have learned my lesson, the DUI gets dismissed. It was worth the wait. Good job.

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Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2016

Thanks for your help

Emailed this lawyer for some clarification regarding a case and he called and spent 5 minutes giving me good, solid, easy to understand info to help me out. Thank you for your help.

Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2015

Ditto everyone….

My 16 year old got mixed up trespassing. We contacted Mr. Aarons and he gave excellent advice and didn’t sugar coat things to my son. Though he did not have to actually represent my son in court, he definitely held our hands as we wound through the process and he told us what to expect at every step from interviews with police and the juvenile court officers to teen court. His reassurance of what was normal and likely outcomes was a sanity saver for us. We found Mr. Aarons to be very thorough, knowledgeable and experienced in the legal matter at hand with excellent council. We would point any and all who need council to him without reservation.

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Posted by Gjorgi | December 5, 2014

Absolutely excellent!

Both him and his staff are knowledgeable and professional, trustworthy, Mr. Aarons did an excellent job defending my case, it is dismissed. He presents all the options for your defense under the law very clearly and straight forward and you'll leave his office feeling you are under the wing of a seasoned professional. Excellent at what they all do at his office. I am highly recommending his service to anyone considering hiring legal counsel.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Aarons Law PC
1992 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law
The US Army Judge Advocate General's School, University of Virginia
2000 - 2007

Associate
Jones Snead Wertheim
1989 - 1992

Lead Counsel - Capital Crimes Unit
NM Public Defenders Dept
1986 - 1989

Reserve Judge Advocate
Fort Carson, Colorado
1986 - 1989

Assistant Public Defender
NM Public Defender Department - Clovis NM
1985 - 1986

Command Judge Advocate
US Army - Augsburg Germany
1981 - 1983

VII Corps Military Prosecutor
Augsburg Germany
1980 - 1981

Adjunct Professor
University of Maryland - Europe
1980 - 1984

Volunteer (VISTA) Lawyer
Great Falls, Montana Legal Services
1979 - 1980

View all work experience

Education

Saint Louis University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1979

George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1976

Oxford University
N/A

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
LL.M - Master of Laws
N/A

View all education

Legal Cases

State v. Marino Leyba, NM Sup Court 2012-NMSC-037
Two 1st degree murder convictions reversed

US v Gee 1:10-cr-01759-JEC-2
All charges dismissed

US v Largo 1:08-cr-02830-JCH-1
Jury found him not guilty on all counts

View all legal cases

Associations

Marquis Who's Who in American Law
Lifetime Achievement Award
2017 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Admitted to Practice
1985 - Present

State Bar of New Mexico
Admitted to Practice
1985 - Present

United States District Court for the District of New Mexico
Admitted to Practice
1985 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar
Admitted to Practice
1983 - Present

ARAG Legal Insurance
Network Attorney
N/A

New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
N/A

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Admitted to Practice
1997 - 1997

United States District Court for the District of Montana
Admitted to Practice
1996 - 1996

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Admitted to Practice
1992 - 1992

Board of Veteran's Appeals
Admitted to Practice
1990 - 1990

Oxford Union
Lifetime Member
1984 - 1984

United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Admitted to Practice
1981 - 1981

Missouri State Bar
Admitted to Practice
1980 - 1980

United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
Admitted to Practice
1980 - 1980

College Democrats of America
National President
1975 - 1977

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Languages Spoken

Spanish

Honors and Awards

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2018

Peer Review Rating: AV® Preeminent™
Martindale-Hubbell
2012

New Mexico Super Lawyer
Southwest Super Lawyers
2012

Listed
Who's Who In American Law
2012

Armed Forces Reserve Medal
US Army (Retired)
2008

Lieutenant Colonel
United States Army Reserves
1998

First Listing
Marquis' Who's Who in America
1992

Biography
Marquis Who's Who in the World
1992

Honors Graduate
US Army Command and General Staff College
1990

Criminal Trials
National Board of Trial Advocacy
1986

Overseas Service Ribbon
United States Army
1983

Top Secret - Special Intelligence
Department of Defense Security Clearance
1981

Egypt/Israeli Youth Delegation
US State Department
1976

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Publications

Sunstone Press
The Torreon Cabin Murders
2013

Pinnacle
Monster Slayer
2005

Speaking Engagements

New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Advanced Trial Skills College
2013

New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Thinking Outside the Box: Visual Evidence
2009

The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2006

The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2005

The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2004

California Western School of Law
Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy
2003

University of Virginia Criminal Law Advocacy
Cross-Examination Techniques
2002

University of Virginia Criminal Law Advocacy
Direct Examination of Expert Witness
2001

University of New Mexico School of Law
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
2000

Southern Methodist University
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
1998

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)

Given (33)

Endorse Stephen

Slate Stern

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen Aarons is known in New Mexico as one of our state's elite criminal defense lawyers. He does one thing -- fight for people -- and he does it well. He is a trial lawyer driven by a passion for justice and care for his clients. When the stakes are too high for most lawyers, call Stephen Aarons. I observed first hand when we shared offices that he saved the lives of uncounted clients through his expertise and hard work. He is conscientious, dedicated and, most importantly, a good human being. I endorse Stephen Aarons as an OUTSTANDING criminal defense attorney."

John Samore

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve Aarons is an ethical and competent defense attorney whom I have known for 25 years and seen perform in court. He is knowledgeable on the law and respected by Judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense attorneys."

John O'Brien

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Hovanes Margarian

Appeals Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Peake

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Aarons is very active in the Avvo community. His advice is always correct and to the point. He has an obvious understanding of the criminal legal process. As another attorney, I would trust Mr. Aarons to handle my personal legal matters."

Christian Lassen

Unknown Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Robert Twiss

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. I would not hestitate to retain Steve if I had a criminal matter in New Mexico"

Wade Russell

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen Aarons is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He provides an intelligent, creative and determined defense for every one of his clients."

Lelia Hood

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Aarons got charges dismissed against his client in a death penalty case. They had the wrong guy! Mr. Aarons fought to right the terrible injustice against his client."

Thomas Clark

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an excellent attorney with years of experience representing individuals charged with all types of crimes."

Stephen Mcilwain

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve Aarons has always demonstrated the highest degrees of competency, conscientiousness, knowledge and professional conduct. I have no reservations about endorsing him."

Thomas Banner

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"In my capacity as a state prosecutor, Steve Aarons gained my respect as a strong and effective advocate for his clients. He is a top-notch criminal defense attorney."

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John Boyd

Family

Sheri Raphaelson

Criminal defense

Slate Stern

Estate planning