State v. Almeida, 149 N.M. 651

Defendant Almeida was stopped for a traffic violation after turning left and allegedly entering a non-leftmost lane.
The stop expanded to an arrest on multiple charges after the officer observed nervous behavior and a damaged steering column.
Defendant provided a false alias and was later identified; dispatch uncovered warrants and the suspect was taken to jail.
Defense moved to suppress evidence, arguing the stop was invalid or expanded without reasonable suspicion; district court denied without a written order.
Defendant pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and forgery, reserving the right to appeal; the court reversed the stop based on a mistaken lane requirement under §66-7-322(B).
The issue on appeal centers on whether §66-7-322(B) requires ending a left turn in the leftmost lane on multi-lane roads; the court held it does not, leading to suppression of the stop evidence.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether the stop was lawful under §66-7-322(B).	Almeida contends the left-turn lane requirement was violated and the stop was based on a mistake of law.	Ahlm's belief that the driver failed to turn into the leftmost lane was a misapplication of the statute.	Stop invalid; evidence suppressed.

State v. Ingram, 126 N.M. 426, 970 P.2d 1151 (1998 NMCA) (illegality of stop where based on unlawful basis)
State v. Hubble, 146 N.M. 70, 206 P.3d 579 (2009 NMSC) (statutory interpretation priority; plain meaning governs)
State v. Ochoa, 146 N.M. 32, 206 P.3d 143 (2009 NMCA) (reasonable suspicion necessary for traffic stop; mistaken belief insufficient)
State v. Anaya, 143 N.M. 431, 176 P.3d 1163 (2008 NMCA) (police mistaken belief does not create reasonable suspicion)