Lea County

    Arrested for DWI in Hobbs, New Mexico?

    You have only 10 days to request an MVD hearing or your license is automatically revoked.

    QUICK ANSWER

    After a DWI arrest in Hobbs, New Mexico, your case will be handled through Lea County courts. You have only 10 days from your arrest to request an MVD hearing to fight license revocation.

    Keep reading for the full breakdown

    DWI in Hobbs by the Numbers

    800
    Annual DWI Arrests
    Lea
    County Jurisdiction
    3-6
    Avg Release Time (hrs)
    10
    Days for MVD Hearing

    What Makes Hobbs Different

    Hobbs is a major oil & gas hub in the Permian Basin. Many workers commute from Texas. CDL holders in the energy industry face severe consequences from DWI convictions. The Texas border proximity means some arrests involve cross-state legal issues.

    ⚠️ 10-Day MVD Deadline

    You must request an MVD hearing IN WRITING within 10 calendar days. Include a $25 check or money order. Mail to: MVD Central Administration, Joseph M. Montoya Building, 1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Or hand-deliver to any MVD office.

    Hobbs Court Information

    Fifth Judicial District Court - Lea County

    Handles DWI criminal cases in Lea County

    Hobbs Municipal Court

    May handle misdemeanor DWI cases

    New Mexico DWI Penalties Summary

    1st Offense DWI

    Up to 90 days jail, up to $500 fine, 1 year revocation, IID 1 year

    1st Aggravated DWI

    48 hrs mandatory jail, up to $500 fine, 1 year revocation, IID 1 year

    2nd Offense DWI

    4-364 days jail (4 mandatory), $500-$1,000, 2 year revocation, IID 2 years

    4th+ Offense = FELONY

    1-2 years prison, up to $5,000, LIFETIME revocation

    View full New Mexico DWI penalties →

    Ignition Interlock License

    New Mexico allows revoked drivers to apply for an Ignition Interlock License immediately. Drive anywhere in NM for any reason with an IID installed. Apply through mvd.newmexico.gov.

    Hobbs DWI FAQs

    I live in Texas but was arrested in Hobbs. What happens?

    Your case will be handled in New Mexico courts. Texas will be notified through the Interstate Compact. You'll face consequences in both states.

    Nearby New Mexico Cities

    Last updated: February 2026