Dan Cron

With more than four decades of practice, Dan Cron has built a reputation as one of New Mexico’s most accomplished criminal defense attorneys. Known for his strategic approach and success in complex, high-profile cases, Dan brings seasoned judgment and tenacity to every matter he handles.

Dan is also regarded as the most experienced national security clearance attorney in New Mexico. Drawing on his own experience as a former clearance holder, he has represented clients with security clearances from the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and the State Department. His expertise is regularly sought by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where he is retained in both legal advisory roles and to represent individual employees in sensitive proceedings.

His legal practice focuses primarily on:

Criminal Defense
Security Clearance Law
Professional Licensure Defense

Dan’s legal journey began in Santa Fe in 1980, when he was tasked with monitoring federal reforms at the Penitentiary of New Mexico following the deadly prison riot. His work in uncovering and addressing systemic failings drew national attention and established the foundation for a distinguished career in criminal and constitutional law. Throughout his career, Dan has held leadership roles in top New Mexico firms—including partnerships at Catron, Catron & Sawtell (1982–1990) and Rothstein, Donatelli, Hughes, Dahlstrom, Cron & Schoenburg (1991–1999)—before founding Dan Cron Law Firm, P.C. in 2000.

Dan’s contributions to the legal field have earned widespread recognition:

Listed in Best Lawyers in America for 30 consecutive years

AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over three decades

Named White-Collar Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019)

Honored as ACLU of New Mexico’s Lawyer of the Year (2018)

Awarded Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year (2023) by Best Lawyers in America

Recipient of the Driscoll Award from New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (2025)

• National Security Clearances
• Professional Licensure
• CFYD Abuse & Neglect Cases
• Orders of Protection & Restraining Orders

New Mexico

Since 1982

University of Toledo

J.D. (1980)

Miami University of Ohio

B.S. (1974) | Law

New Mexico State Bar

Member

1982 - Current