Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
44 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Stephen D. Aarons
also known as Steve Aarons
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Stephen
Biography
After serving three years as a US Army Judge Advocate stationed in Germany, Steve returned to New Mexico and, as a public defender, represented defendants in 13 death penalty trials. He hung his own shingle in 1992 and has handled state and federal cases in New Mexico ever since. His criminal caseload ranges from DUI, domestic violence and expungements up to first degree murders and appeals. At a free consultation he will discuss his honest assessment of your case and discuss a payment plan
Justice and freedom, one client at a time.
You lost the trial. Now you need experience, research & writing skills for the best possible appeal.
With liberty in the balance, you need both experience and hard work on your case.
Because DWI is so serious, you need a "serious lawyer" with enough experience to make a difference.
With liberty at stake, you need a lawyer with 30+ years of experience in domestic violence cases.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
46 years | 2,000 cases
Appeals
15%
41 years
DUI and DWI
10%
38 years
Domestic Violence
10%
38 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014 2013 2012
2012 2011
Licenses
Licensed in New Mexico for 40 years
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 45 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Aarons Law PC
(505) 984-1110
Fax
2019 Galisteo Street Suite H1, Santa Fe, NM, 87505-2106
aarons.law/Aarons Law PC
(505) 984-1110
Fax
107 Central Park Square #158, Los Alamos, NM, 87544-4020
aarons.law/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Stephen online.
Stephen D. Aarons's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (36)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 36 reviews
Posted by Ana | January 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
100% Recommend
I wish there were a way to rate Mr. Aarons higher than 5 stars. He attentively listened to all concerns and ensured we were consistently well-informed throughout the process. His clear and direct approach made a significant impact on the positive outcome for my son. Despite the complexity of our case...
Posted by Evan | September 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great, Effective Trial Lawyer
Steve Aarons handled my case with complete professionalism from start to finish. In fact, this finish came pretty quickly, as the DA recognized it wasn’t worth pursuing against such an experienced lawyer. I strongly recommend Mr. Aarons as a highly skilled and effective trial lawyer
Posted by Ted | February 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Simply The Best
Stephen immediately got into action , SFPD complicated everything with 2 case numbers. Stephen figured out the mishap quickly , He contacted the DA and combined the 2 cases then proceeded to get both cases dismissed within 90 days. He does not waste time or money and gets results ......I am lucky to ...
Posted by Shon Coho | July 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney
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 Stephe...
Posted by anonymous | October 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney
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.
Stephen D. Aarons's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an excellent attorney with years of experience representing individuals charged with all types of crimes."
"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."
"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."
Laurie Knight
Criminal defense lawyer
Hugh Dangler
Expungement lawyer
Walter Latham
Criminal defense lawyer
John Boyd
Family lawyer
Sheri Raphaelson
Criminal defense lawyer
Slate Stern
Estate planning lawyer
Samuel Ruyle
Criminal defense lawyer
John Samore
Criminal defense lawyer
Bill Hubbard
Unknown lawyer
Aaron Boland
Personal injury lawyer
Petra Schwartz
Unknown lawyer
Jason Lidyard
Unknown lawyer
Ian Loyd
Criminal defense lawyer
David Walther
Family lawyer
Anderson Clipper
Criminal defense lawyer
Nancy Hewitt
Unknown lawyer
Richard Klein
Unknown lawyer
Carolina Ramos
Immigration lawyer
Robert Twiss
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Abbott
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Listed, Who's Who In American Law
2012
New Mexico Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2012
Peer Review Rating: AV® Preeminent™, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Armed Forces Reserve Medal, US Army (Retired)
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1998
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army Reserves
1992
Biography, Marquis Who's Who in the World
1992
First Listing, Marquis' Who's Who in America
1990
Honors Graduate, US Army Command and General Staff College
1986
Criminal Trials, National Board of Trial Advocacy
1983
Overseas Service Ribbon, United States Army
1981
Top Secret - Special Intelligence, Department of Defense Security Clearance
1976
Egypt/Israeli Youth Delegation, US State Department
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Attorney, Aarons Law PC
2000 - 2007
Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law, The US Army Judge Advocate General's School, University of Virginia
1989 - 1992
Associate, Jones Snead Wertheim
1986 - 1989
Lead Counsel - Capital Crimes Unit, NM Public Defenders Dept
1986 - 1989
Reserve Judge Advocate, Fort Carson, Colorado
1985 - 1986
Assistant Public Defender, NM Public Defender Department - Clovis NM
1981 - 1983
Command Judge Advocate, US Army - Augsburg Germany
1980 - 1981
VII Corps Military Prosecutor, Augsburg Germany
1980 - 1984
Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland - Europe
1979 - 1980
Volunteer (VISTA) Lawyer, Great Falls, Montana Legal Services
Associations
2017 - Present
Marquis Who's Who in American LawLifetime Achievement Award
1985 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
1985 - Present
State Bar of New MexicoAdmitted to Practice
1985 - Present
United States District Court for the District of New MexicoAdmitted to Practice
1983 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAdmitted to Practice
ARAG Legal Insurance
Network Attorney
New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
1997 - 1997
United States District Court for the Eastern District of MichiganAdmitted to Practice
1996 - 1996
United States District Court for the District of MontanaAdmitted to Practice
1992 - 1992
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
1990 - 1990
Board of Veteran's AppealsAdmitted to Practice
1984 - 1984
Oxford UnionLifetime Member
1981 - 1981
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed ForcesAdmitted to Practice
1980 - 1980
Missouri State BarAdmitted to Practice
1980 - 1980
United States District Court for the Western District of MissouriAdmitted to Practice
1975 - 1977
College Democrats of AmericaNational President
Sample of 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
State v. Justin Romero, D-101-CR-200800451
One year on electronic monitoring; probation
US v. Kuranga 1:08-cr-02337-JAP-1
Misdemeanor probation, no deportation
State v. Torrez, 146 N.M. 331, 210 P.3d 228 (2009)
Conviction reversed, remanded for new trial
State of New Mexico v. S.A., D-0101-JR-2008-144
Probation
State v. Travis Rowley, D-202-CR-200705644
Charges dropped before trial
US v. Jessica Quintana, 1:07-cr-00931-LFG-1
Misdemeanor probation
State v. Shaun Wilkins, D-722-CR-1996-92
All charges dismissed after mistrial and appeal
State of New Mexico v. Robert Fry, D-1116-CR-200000542
Life sentence
State of New Mexico v. Robert Fry D-1116-CR-200001055
Life sentence
Stock v. Grantham, 125 N.M. 564, 964 P.2d 125 (Ct. App. 1998)
Garrity v. Overland Sheepskin Co., 121 N.M. 710, 917 P.2d 1382 (N.M. 1996)
Client Prevailed on Appeal
Clark v. Tansy, 118 N.M. 486, 882 P.2d 527 (1994)
Death Penalty Reversed on Appeal
Marrujo v. New Mexico State Highway Transportation Department, 118 N.M. 753, 887 P.2d 747 (N.M. 1994)
Highway Department prevailed
State v. Henderson, 109 N.M. 655, 789 P.2d 603 (1990)
Death penalty reversed on appeal; retrial with new counsel resulted in a life sentence
State v. Wilson, 109 N.M. 541, 787 P.2d 821 (N.M. 1990)
Reversed, pled to lesser charge on remand
State v. Morton, 107 N.M. 478, 760 P.2d 170 (N.M.App. 1988)
Hung jury 11-1 for acquittal; but later convicted
State v. Cloyd Norman Hall, 107 N.M. 17 (1987)
Because jury in Ft. Sumner returned with 2nd degree verdict, no death penalty hearing and defendant released in 1995
Education
1979
Saint Louis University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
LL.M - Master of Laws
N/A
Oxford University
Speaking Engagements
2013
New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Advanced Trial Skills College
2009
New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Thinking Outside the Box: Visual Evidence
2006
The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2005
The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2004
The Judge Advocate General's School
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2003
California Western School of Law
Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy
2002
University of Virginia Criminal Law Advocacy
Cross-Examination Techniques
2001
University of Virginia Criminal Law Advocacy
Direct Examination of Expert Witness
2000
University of New Mexico School of Law
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
1998
Southern Methodist University
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Publications
2013
Sunstone Press
The Torreon Cabin Murders
2005
Pinnacle
Monster Slayer
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Stephen earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does deferred adjudication termination mean the offense was expunged?
27 Sep 2019
Q&A
Will my misdemeanor be shown in a background check if it was sealed and expunged ?
27 Sep 2019
Q&A
How can I get my record expunged ?
19 Aug 2019
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
How to Get a Criminal Record Expunged (Sealed) in New Mexico
10 Sep 2019
Legal Guide
New Mexico Expungements
10 Sep 2019
Legal Guide
New Mexico Habeas Corpus Petitions
16 Oct 2014