The New Mexico Supreme Court held Stephen Aarons in direct contempt for submitting a brief with "false testimony from wholly fabricated witnesses," including fake police testimony. The court referred him to a disciplinary board, noting he "demonstrated a lack of remorse and a lack of concern for his client."

Aarons, a defense lawyer for over 40 years, fed a trial transcript into ChatGPT, which generated fake quotes. He admitted the brief contained false testimony from Officer Michelle Amarillo, Officer Sanchez, Manal Al-Jibury, and Teresa Marquez, among others. He also misrepresented legal authority.

"It's of little comfort to know that my stupidity is what brings us together this afternoon," Aarons told the court. He was fined $5,000 and barred from appearing before the state Supreme Court pending disciplinary proceedings. The court struck all previous briefs and ordered a new lawyer for the defendant, Oscar Renee Sandoval.