Los Lunas Sex Crimes Attorney
Many people do not know the first thing about a sex crimes lawyer until their freedom depends on one. The stigma of a sex crime allegation could damage your reputation, even if the accusations are fabricated.
Our team at the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices understands the seriousness of sex crime accusations and is committed to helping protect our client’s rights. Contact our office today so we can review the details of your case.
How Can a Los Lunas Sex Crimes Lawyer Help My Case?
Depending on the facts of your case, a criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea agreement to lesser charges. Alternatively, if a valid legal defense relieves you of any criminal liability, the prosecutor may agree to drop your charge.
If you are looking for an attorney who will negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf and advocate for a desirable outcome, you have come to the right place.
Our team can also request the police report detailing the alleged offense and prepare a strategy in the event your case goes to trial. Contact a sex crimes lawyer in Los Lunas today so we can start reviewing your case.
Sex Crimes in New Mexico: An Overview
New Mexico defines multiple different sex crimes that vary in penalty ranges. In some cases, the accused is required to register as a sex offender upon conviction. Our team can walk you through the elements of New Mexico sex offenses and explain the penalties associated with them. Reach out to a sex crimes attorney in Los Lunas at the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices if you have additional questions.
Indecent Exposure
New Mexico defines indecent exposure as knowingly and intentionally exposing a “primary genital area” to public view. According to the statute, the primary genital area means the mons pubis, penis, testicles, mons veneris, vulva, or vagina. Indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor offense and carries the potential of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. An indecent exposure conviction does not require registration as a sex offender.
Aggravated indecent exposure occurs when someone knowingly and intentionally exposes their primary genital area in a lewd and lascivious manner with intent to threaten or intimidate another person. That means the indecent exposure must be coupled with one of the following offenses:
- Battery,
- Aggravated battery,
- Criminal sexual penetration,
- Child abuse,
- Indecent exposure to a child under 18,
- Assault,
- Aggravated assault, or
- Assault with intent to commit a violent felony.
Aggravated indecent exposure is considered a fourth-degree felony and carries the potential of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Criminal Sexual Contact
New Mexico defines criminal sexual contact (New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978, Section 30-9-12) as unlawful and intentional touching of or application of force, without consent, to the unclothed intimate parts of another adult or causing another adult to touch one’s intimate parts. Criminal sexual contact is considered a misdemeanor unless it is committed:
- While the accused was armed with a deadly weapon,
- By use of force or coercion against a victim who suffers an injury, or
- With the assistance of one or more persons.
If one of these factors exists, the criminal sexual contact charge is considered a fourth-degree felony.
Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor
New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 30-9-13 defines criminal sexual contact with a minor as unlawful and intentional touching or applying force to the intimate parts of a minor or unlawfully and intentionally causing a minor to touch one’s intimate parts. According to the statute, “intimate parts” means the primary genitalia area, groin, buttocks, breasts, or anus. The maximum prison sentence for conviction of criminal sexual contact of a minor is fifteen years, and the minimum is eighteen months. Additionally, the court can require you to register as a sex offender upon your conviction.
Criminal Sexual Penetration
In New Mexico, the crime of rape is referred to as criminal sexual penetration. Criminal sexual penetration is defined as the unlawful and intentional causing of a person to engage in sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal intercourse or the causing of penetration of the genital or anal openings of another.
Criminal sexual penetration in the first degree occurs when the act is committed against:
- A child under 13, or
- By use of force or coercion that results in great bodily harm or great mental anguish to the victim.
Criminal sexual penetration in the first degree is considered a first-degree felony. A typical first-degree felony carries the potential of up to 18 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Criminal sexual penetration in the second degree occurs when the act is committed:
- While the accused was armed with a weapon,
- By use of force or coercion against a child between 13 and 18 years of age,
- By use of force or coercion against a victim who suffers an injury,
- With the assistance of another person, or
- Against an inmate by a person in a position of authority at the correctional facility.
Second-degree criminal sexual penetration is considered a second-degree felony. Such a felony carries the potential for up to nine years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Do You Have Questions About a Charge in New Mexico? Contact a Los Lunas Sex Crimes Attorney Today
We treat our clients like more than just another case walking through our doors. At New Mexico Criminal Law Offices, we dedicate one-on-one time with our potential clients to learn the facts of their cases and discuss their expectations. Our clients receive individualized attention that helps us prepare a defense strategy based solely on the facts of your case.
Our team is committed to listening to your concerns, investigating the allegations against you, and determining whether a valid legal defense applies to your case.
With over 30 years of combined experience representing criminal defendants in New Mexico, we are confident that we have what it takes to defend our clients against sex crime accusations. Contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.