Las Cruces, NM Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 21-62 of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to solicit money, goods or services in an aggressive manner in a public area or on private property citywide, to solicit on private property after the owner or occupant has objected or posted a no-soliciting sign, or to solicit from an occupant of a moving vehicle on a street posted 30 mph or higher if it would send a pedestrian into an unmarked part of the roadway. Section 21-61 defines 'aggressive manner' broadly: intentionally or recklessly touching the person solicited without consent; following them in a way intended or likely to cause fear of imminent bodily harm or intimidate them into paying; continuing to solicit within five feet of someone after they have said no, under that same fear-or-intimidation standard; blocking a person's or a vehicle's safe passage or forcing evasive action, though constitutionally protected picketing and licensed business activity do not count; and using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to frighten or intimidate a target into responding.

Section 21-64 sets the penalty for the whole article at a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, with community service available in place of or in addition to that penalty at the city court judge's discretion, and any arrest or conviction is disclosed to government social service agencies that request notice of such events.