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Michelle R. H. Frechette

Michelle R. H. Frechette


Michelle Frechette is a dedicated criminal defense attorney. She has been a private defense attorney since 1993 with an emphasis in the area of DWI Defense. She is currently the lead and primary attorney of Frechette and Associates as the firm begins the third decade of service to clients. In her full-time defense of clients she is a strong advocate and this has given her a solid base for new referral business within the firm. She is the attorney handling all juvenile work within the firm because she enjoys working with youth.

Ms. Frechette began in the 1900’s working towards being a well-educated defense attorney. She has regularly attended national level conferences through the National Criminal Defense Lawyers and National College for DWI Defense for three decades. National level education has enabled her to remain current on the newest defenses and legal theories being developed in cases across the country. New Mexico is a place where sometimes progress in various areas can move more slowly than other large metropolitan regions, but Michelle Frechette believes that being well informed enables her clients to get the most current legal theories applied in their case.

Michelle Frechette has been a speaker at legal conferences for both attorneys and judges due to her years of knowledge. Her extensive knowledge in the area of DWI means that other attorneys also seek out her advice in cases which need insight. Her philosophy of client representation is based upon being an advocate both in the courtroom and providing personal support to every client to enable them to set goals which are beneficial in their case. Each person has a set of needs which are unique, and Ms. Frechette seeks to fully understand those needs, so that all the resources necessary for a client’s well-being are identified and brought to the table.

Ms. Frechette has gained respect in her community and was asked to run for Corrales Municipal Judge. She is currently in her second term in that part-time role, which she is able to do while being a full-time, private attorney. Ms. Frechette has been a prosecutor and a public defender as well, giving her an understanding of all the roles and perspectives in New Mexico criminal law.

She is a community leader in her hometown and participates in the Rotary service organization where she has a focus in youth programs.

Certification/Coursework

  • NHTSA DWI Detection, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
  • Nat’l Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mastering Scientific Evidence
  • National College DUI Defense
  • Organizer/Speaker NM DWI legal education courses

Education

  • Vermont Law School, J.D. 1989
  • St. Lawrence University, B.A. 1986

Admitted

  • New Mexico 1990
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico 1990

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • New Mexico Bar Association
  • N.M. Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Criminal Defense Section of the N.M. Bar
  • Member National College for DUI Defense

Employment

  • Judge, Village of Corrales 2016 to present
  • Attorney, Frechette & Associates 1993-present
  • Attorney, Village of Corrales Special Prosecutor 1993-1996
  • Assistant City Attorney, City of Rio Rancho 1991-1992
  • Attorney, City of Albuquerque 1990