Were you arrested for child abuse in Albuquerque, New Mexico? A conviction could have devastating consequences for your future, and a mere accusation can also have a significant impact if you don’t act quickly to respond. Contact Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys at (505) 248 1400. We can defend you throughout the entire legal process.
Our Albuquerque criminal defense attorneys have 25 years of combined experience protecting the rights of individuals facing seriouscharges, including domestic violence crimes. We understand what’s at stake in these cases and work to make sure your case receives the full force of our attention and resources.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque child abuse defense attorney.
How Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Facing Child Abuse Charges in Albuquerque, NM
Child abuse cases in Albuquerque, NM, are among the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in New Mexico. Law enforcement and prosecutors often act quickly and harshly, sometimes without fully understanding the facts and the context of the situation.
You deserve an Albuquerque domestic violence lawyer who can make sure your side of the story is heard. At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve successfully represented clients in complex felony and misdemeanor cases throughout the state.
When you choose us, our legal team can:
- Investigate the allegations and gather evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims
- Review medical, witness, and expert reports for inconsistencies or exaggerations
- Ensure your constitutional rights were not violated during the investigation or arrest
- File motions to exclude unreliable or illegally obtained evidence
- Work with qualified experts in child psychology or medicine when appropriate
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible
- Advocate for you at trial if necessary
We will do everything possible to safeguard your freedom and reputation from the moment you hire us. Call us today to set up a free initial consultation with our Albuquerque child abuse defense lawyers.
Child Abuse Laws in New Mexico
Child abuse in New Mexico is defined broadly under New Mexico Statutes § 30-6-1. This statute makes it a crime to “knowingly, intentionally, or negligently, and without justifiable cause, causing or permitting a child” to be harmed.
The law names a few categories of what harm means in this context, including:
- Placed in a situation that may endanger the child’s life or health
- Tortured, cruelly confined, or cruelly punished
- Exposed to the inclemency of the weather
The law also covers reckless endangerment, which can include leaving a child unattended in a car or allowing access to weapons or dangerous substances.
What Are the Penalties for Child Abuse in Albuquerque, NM?
Child abuse is usually charged as a felony in New Mexico. The potential penalties are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences.
Penalties depend on the degree of the crime, such as:
- First-degree felony: Applies when the abuse results in the death of a child. This carries a potential life sentence.
- Second-degree felony: Applies when the abuse results in great bodily harm. This can mean up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines.
- Third-degree felony: Applies when the abuse causes no great bodily harm but involves intentional or reckless conduct. Punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
Beyond prison, a conviction can have devastating collateral consequences, including:
- Loss of child custody and visitation rights
- Permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation
- Difficulty finding employment and housing
- Loss of professional licenses
- Inclusion on a child abuse registry, which can impact employment, adoption, or foster care
With these life-changing consequences in mind, having an experienced Albuquerque criminal defense lawyer to help you respond to your charges is essential.
Possible Defenses to Child Abuse Charges in New Mexico
At the end of the day, every child abuse case is different. This means that the defense strategy must reflect the unique facts and evidence involved in your situation.
Common defenses our Albuquerque domestic violence attorneys may raise include:
- False allegations: In some cases, false accusations arise from custody disputes or vindictive motives.
- Lack of intent: The law distinguishes between intentional abuse and accidents. Showing that the injury was unintentional could help your case.
- Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak or contradictory evidence can undermine their case.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If police obtained evidence illegally or conducted an improper interrogation, that evidence may be inadmissible.
- Alternative explanations: Medical conditions and other causes could explain a child’s injuries.
At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take a meticulous approach to investigating these cases. We work to uncover the truth and present a fact-based defense in court on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Albuquerque Child Abuse Defense Lawyers Today
Child abuse accusations are among the most serious criminal allegations in New Mexico. However, an arrest does not mean you are guilty. Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to stand with you every step of the way, including at trial if needed.
Contact our Albuquerque child abuse defense attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation. The sooner we can get to work for you, the better.