Law Offices of the Public Defender

Public defender's office

505 S Main St suite121, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

Information last updated October 9, 2026

Practice Areas

On its website, the firm lists criminal charges, criminal cases. Public business listings also file it under Civil Litigation. That category comes from those listings, not from the firm's website, so ask the firm whether it takes that kind of case.

About Law Offices of the Public Defender

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is New Mexico's largest law firm, dedicated to representing low-income individuals facing criminal charges across the state. The firm's mission is to lead the fight for justice in New Mexico, advocating from the courthouse to the Roundhouse. With a vision for justice based on restoration rather than retribution, the firm operates with values of compassion, commitment to clients, collaboration within the community, and courage to drive change. Its teams, comprising attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and office support, work to protect individuals from injustice and address the root causes that bring clients into the criminal court system. In addition to direct representation, the firm advocates in the state legislature to uphold the constitutional rights of all New Mexicans. The Law Offices of the Public Defender provides translation services in over 250 languages, including Spanish, Navajo, Farsi, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Bennett J. Baur — Chief Public Defender
Cydni Sanchez — Deputy Chief of Administrative Services
Randy Chavez — Deputy Chief of Contract Counsel
Philip Larragoite — Deputy Chief of Policy and Statewide Offices
Jennifer Barela — Deputy Chief of Operations
Dayna Jones — District Defender
Dennica Torres — District Defender
Matthew Cockman — District Defender
Ibukun Adepoju — District Defender
Ashlee Placencio — District Defender
Julie A. Ball — District Defender
Services listed: criminal charges, criminal cases
Languages: Spanish, Navajo, Farsi, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin
Fees: New Mexico law allows the Public Defender to represent only individuals who are charged with a jailable offense and unable to pay for all or part of the expenses of legal representation, with eligibil
Offices: 2395 N. Florida Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310
505 Marquette NW, Suite 120, Albuquerque, NM 87102
300 Gossett Dr., Aztec, NM 87410
211 N. Canal St., Carlsbad NM 88220
800 Pile Street, STE A. Clovis, NM. 88101

Source: lopdnm.us · checked October 9, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8 am–5 pm
Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm
Wednesday: 8 am–5 pm
Thursday: 8 am–5 pm
Friday: 8 am–5 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Photos

Law Offices of the Public Defender photo 1

Law Offices of the Public Defender photo 2

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet

Amenities

Toilet

Law Offices of the Public Defender — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Law Offices of the Public Defender located?

Law Offices of the Public Defender is at 505 S Main St suite121, Las Cruces, NM 88001.

What services does Law Offices of the Public Defender list on its website?

When checked on October 9, 2026, the firm's website (lopdnm.us) listed criminal charges, criminal cases. Public business listings also file the firm under Civil Litigation; that category comes from those listings, not from the firm's website.

How do I contact Law Offices of the Public Defender?

Call Law Offices of the Public Defender at +1 575-541-3193. Its website is lopdnm.us.

When is Law Offices of the Public Defender open?

Monday to Friday: 8 am–5 pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed.

How is Law Offices of the Public Defender rated on Google?

Law Offices of the Public Defender has a 2.8-star rating on Google from 25 reviews.

What languages does Law Offices of the Public Defender serve clients in?

According to its website, Law Offices of the Public Defender serves clients in Spanish, Navajo, Farsi, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Client Reviews

8 reviews

Mayra Arroyo· via Google
This is the worst service ever!... I have left messages numerous times and nobody can ever give me a call back. Not to mention, they don't take into consideration power of attorney even when the person is incarcerated and has no way of taking care of their situation from the outside. Their secretaries are beyond rude, starting with Shyanne!....VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!!!
8 years ago
Jeanette Betancur· via Google
I don't even want to give them one star I've been trying to get ahold of these people since 2022 about my landlord and still have not had anybody help me out or anything like where do u get any help here I guess I'm going to district attorney office
2 years ago
Sophia Delao· via Google
Frank Depalma was an excellent public defender for my brother one of the best that i've ever encountered (very professional and straight to the point). He makes you feel comfortable and is very professional, i highly recommend him.
4 years ago
Julian Moncada· via Google
Bad experience very ridiculous, lawyer never to be found still waiting to get my money back after I canceled my bankruptcy process, I payed in full over 2 month and nothing was done. I'm about to fill a complaint at the state bar association, and fill a lawsuit at the magistrate court to get my money back. Do not go there Preston Paschal is bad news.
11 years ago
Richard Nevarez-Barela y Gutierrez de La O· via Google
I am falsely accused of aggravated assault and I now have two (2) count's of said felony to defend against. It took almost two (2) weeks to get the necessary document to prove I am destitute and living in the gutter. I was forced to drop my two (2) free online university courses because of this. "They" want me in jail or prison because...well these are dangerous places and "things" happen
4 years ago
Adam "Drifter" Friel· via Google
They had gotten me a plea deal, never signed it with me then let it change hands. They had stopped answering their phone and I had sent them a money order for restitution to go to the DA's office that never got to them. To top it all off they contracted me to an attorney that was rude and they are fighting me on getting a new attorney. I hope the state does something about this.
9 years ago
High Desert Fruit· via Google
Cops arrested me for doing community service, the cops tried to cover up there corruption and incompetence by trying to get me for a felony they made up . Public defender says I have no case to get dismissed before grand jury even tho all the evidence proves I am innocent, just let yourself get indited for a crime you did not commit then we will help you they said. I hired a real attorney.... case dismissed immediately before a grand jury. Spend money get a real lawyer they wont help you even if your are innocent and have a mountain of evidence proving your innocence. I feel like the DA and the public defenders office where trying to cover up the police corruption by letting an innocent person get convicted.
Edited a year ago
AEO 488· via Google
unfortunate circumstances gave me the opportunity to meet some of the staff. Everyone I personally dealt with was professional. hopefully I will never need any of the services again. Thank you to my attorney and all staff I encountered. your work does not go unnoticed.
8 months ago