Being accused of a sex crime can feel overwhelming and life-altering. These charges often have severe legal and social consequences that can affect your freedom, reputation, and relationships. If you face such accusations, contacting a sex crime attorney promptly is critical to protect your rights.

At New Mexico Criminal Law Offices, we defend individuals accused of sex crimes in Rio Rancho and surrounding areas. From indecent exposure to child pornography allegations, our firm is committed to providing the legal support you need during this challenging time. Contact a sex crime attorney on our team to discuss your charges, potential penalties, and available defenses. 

What Are Sex Crimes?

Sex crimes encompass a wide range of offenses that typically involve sexual conduct, coercion, or exploitation. In New Mexico, these crimes are prosecuted aggressively, with penalties that include imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The seriousness of a charge often depends on factors such as the nature of the act, the victim’s age, and whether force or coercion was involved.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure involves intentionally exposing one’s private parts in public to offend or alarm others. Although often considered a misdemeanor, repeated offenses or incidents involving minors can lead to felony charges. A sex crime defense lawyer can examine whether the alleged act was intentional or if there is evidence of mistaken identity.

Rape

Rape charges involve non-consensual sexual intercourse, often accompanied by allegations of force or threats. New Mexico classifies rape as a serious felony with harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Building a defense often involves challenging evidence, such as DNA or testimony, and proving a lack of intent or consent.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault includes a broad range of unwanted sexual acts or contact. Charges may vary depending on the circumstances, but convictions often carry penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A sex crime defense attorney can investigate inconsistencies in witness statements or procedural errors during the investigation.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent, even if the act was consensual. In New Mexico, the age of consent is 17, and charges often depend on the age difference between the parties involved. 

Child Molestation

Child molestation refers to inappropriate or illegal sexual contact with a minor. These charges are among the most severe and carry lengthy prison sentences, along with mandatory sex offender registration. Defending against child molestation charges often requires challenging physical evidence or disproving false accusations.

Child Pornography

Possession, distribution, or production of child pornography is a serious crime in New Mexico. Convictions often result in significant prison sentences, fines, and lifelong registration as a sex offender. Defenses may include proving a lack of knowledge, mistaken identity, or improper search and seizure procedures.

Prostitution

Prostitution charges involve the exchange of sexual acts for money or goods. While prostitution itself is often a misdemeanor, charges can escalate to felonies if they involve trafficking or exploitation. A sex crime lawyer can challenge the evidence and work toward reduced or dismissed charges.

Child Prostitution

Charges involving child prostitution carry some of the harshest penalties under New Mexico law. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, often seeking maximum sentences. Defending against such charges requires a thorough investigation into evidence and potential misconduct by law enforcement.

Punishments for Sex Crimes

Penalties for sex crimes in New Mexico vary depending on the offense but can include imprisonment, fines, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration. For example:

  • Indecent exposure—up to one year in jail for a misdemeanor or longer for repeat offenses; 
  • Rape and sexual assault—significant prison terms, often ranging from several years to life imprisonment; and
  • Child pornography—federal or state prison sentences, substantial fines, and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Sex offender registration is often a lifelong consequence that severely limits housing, employment, and social opportunities. These harsh penalties highlight the importance of hiring a skilled sex crime attorney to protect your rights.

Common Defenses for Sex Crime Charges

Defending against sex crime charges requires a strategic and tailored approach. Each case has unique circumstances, and the proper defense will depend on the evidence and allegations involved. Some of the most effective and commonly used defenses in sex crime cases include the following:

  • Consent. Demonstrating that the alleged victim willingly participated can weaken the prosecution’s case. Text messages, emails, or witness statements may support a consent defense. 
  • False allegations. False accusations are more common in sex crime cases than many realize. Establishing a motive for the false claim and inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements can help discredit the allegations.
  • Mistaken identity. In cases involving eyewitness accounts or unclear surveillance footage, mistaken identity is a potential defense. If law enforcement relied on faulty identifications or unreliable methods, your attorney can challenge the accuracy of their evidence.
  • Lack of evidence. Sex crime cases often hinge on physical evidence, such as DNA or forensic analysis. The prosecution’s case may fall apart if this evidence is absent, inconclusive, or mishandled.
  • Improper police conduct. Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when investigating alleged crimes. If police obtained evidence through coercion, failed to inform you of your rights, or conducted an illegal search, the evidence may be excluded from the trial. 
  • Alibi defense. Providing proof that you were elsewhere during the alleged crime can refute the charges entirely. Alibi defenses often involve witness testimony, time-stamped receipts, or surveillance footage confirming your whereabouts.

These defenses require thorough preparation and a deep understanding of New Mexico laws. Working with an experienced sex crime defense lawyer ensures that every detail of your case is carefully reviewed and that the most vigorous possible defense is presented. 

Are You Facing a New Mexico Sex Crime? Consult a Sex Crime Attorney Today

If you’ve recently been charged with a sex crime in Rio Rancho, you must find a criminal defense attorney who will take your case as seriously as you do. At the New Mexico Criminal Law Office, we have extensive experience aggressively defending the rights of clients charged with serious sex offenses, including child pornography crimes and rape. Call the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today to learn more and schedule a free consultation. You can also connect with our attorneys through our secure online contact form.