Lauren Baldwin has been licensed as an attorney in New Mexico for more than 20 years. She has extensive experience as a litigator and appellate practitioner in criminal and family law (including adoptions). She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Articles by Lauren Baldwin
Aggravated Battery Laws and Penalties
Aggravated battery is more than a fight gone wrong. It's a serious felony charge and a conviction can follow you for life. Learn the difference between simple and aggravated battery, what prosecutors must prove, and what defenses are available.
Sentencing Alternatives to Jail and Prison
Time behind bars isn't the only sentencing option available. Learn about alternatives, such as probation, restitution, community service, house arrest, and treatment.
Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial: How the Process Works
A bench trial is tried to a judge only—there's no jury. Learn how bench trials work in criminal cases and why a defendant might choose to go that route over a jury trial.
Rape Laws, Defenses, and Penalties
Rape charges carry some of the most serious penalties in criminal law, and the penalties don't end at sentencing. Understand the full scope of these laws and possible defenses.
Can You Be Convicted of Rape If You Previously Had Consensual Sex?
Prior sexual history is not consent. This article explains the legal standard, how these cases are prosecuted, and what rape shield laws mean for defendants and victims.
Vehicular Assault
Wondering if a serious car accident could become a felony vehicular assault case? This article explains key legal terms, typical penalties, how DUI and hit-and-runs change the stakes, and what to expect if you're charged.
Using a Gun for Self-Defense: Laws and Consequences
Carrying a gun for protection raises hard questions: when can you legally shoot, what happens after, and could you still be charged? Learn about key self-defense provisions in the law.
Statutory Rape Laws and Charges
Statutory rape offenses are strict liability offenses that can result in a felony conviction and prison time, even if a defendant genuinely didn't know the partner was younger than the age of consent. Learn how statutory rape laws work.
Misdemeanor Assault Laws: Crimes and Penalties
A conviction for misdemeanor or simple assault can have serious immediate and long-term consequences that go beyond jail time.
Entrapment as a Defense to a Criminal Charge
Understand how the defense of entrapment works, including examples of police entrapment and what the defendant needs to prove.