Have you been arrested for a sex crime in Albuquerque, NM? Contact Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation at (505) 248 1400. Our experienced Albuquerque sex crimes lawyers can help you fight back against the prosecution, working to have your charges dismissed outright if possible.
We have decades of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges in New Mexico. We know what is at stake in these cases and will make your defense our top priority from the start if you hire us to represent you. You can trust us to handle your case with diligence, integrity, and compassion.
Why Choose Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys if I’ve Been Charged With a Sex Crime in Albuquerque, NM?
Sex crime allegations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can bring unique challenges that other cases don’t, like sensitive evidence and strong public pressure to convict. Given the complexities of these cases, it’s crucial to select a skilled and experienced Albuquerque criminal defense attorney.
At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, we bring extensive courtroom experience and a proven track record in criminal defense to every case we take on.
Beyond our extensive experience, we belong to a number of reputable legal organizations, including New Mexico Trial Lawyers and New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Our credentials include individual recognitions, such as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” designation and inclusion in Albuquerque Business First’s 2025 Women of Influence.
With us, you are not just another case file; you are a person whose future matters. Contact Albuquerque sex crimes attorneys today for a consultation.
An Overview of Sex Crime Laws in New Mexico
Sex crimes in New Mexico cover a wide range of offenses under Chapter 30 of the New Mexico Statutes. These laws are complex, and penalties vary significantly depending on the specific charge.
Some of the most common sex crime charges include:
- Criminal sexual penetration (CSP): This covers a broad range of nonconsensual sexual acts, including sexual assault. The degree of the charge depends on factors such as the age of the alleged victim and whether a weapon was involved. Convictions can result in decades in prison.
- Criminal sexual contact (CSC): This involves unlawful sexual touching without penetration. CSC may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.
- Sexual exploitation of children: Charges for possession or distribution of child pornography carry mandatory prison time and registration requirements.
- Internet sex crimes: Allegations involving online solicitation or inappropriate communication with minors have become increasingly common in recent years and can lead to serious consequences.
- Indecent exposure and related offenses: Though less severe than penetration or contact charges, these can still result in significant consequences, including registration in some cases.
Additional offenses include voyeurism, unlawful videotaping, and sexual extortion. Many of these crimes carry harsh mandatory minimum sentences and may be charged as federal offenses if interstate communication or transmission of materials is involved. It’s also important to note that some offenses may result in immediate pre-trial restrictions such as electronic monitoring, travel bans, and prohibitions on internet use—even before a conviction is secured.
Unlike some other crimes, sex crime allegations can lead to immediate restrictions such as bail conditions, protective orders, and no-contact orders with alleged victims.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
The penalties for sex crimes in New Mexico are among the toughest in the criminal code. A conviction can carry years or longer behind bars and other life-changing consequences.
For example:
- First-degree criminal aggravated sexual penetration can result in life imprisonment.
- Sexual exploitation of children carries a minimum prison sentence of three years, depending on the nature and extent of the offense.
- Indecent exposure is generally a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to a felony if repeated.
A conviction for a sex crime carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment, hefty fines, and ongoing court supervision. One of the most impactful consequences is the mandatory sex offender registration, which can significantly hinder your ability to find employment and housing, and irreparably damage your reputation.
The bottom line is that a sex crime conviction in New Mexico can follow you for life, affecting your relationships, your ability to earn a living, and your basic freedoms. That’s why it’s crucial to take action early and build the strongest defense possible.
Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in New Mexico
The penalties imposed by a court are only part of the story, as a conviction for a sex crime in New Mexico often follows you long after your sentence is served. These collateral consequences can affect your daily life.
Some of the most common include:
- Employment barriers: Many employers run background checks, and a sex crime conviction can disqualify you from entire industries, such as government work.
- Housing restrictions: Landlords may refuse to rent to someone with a sex offense, and certain convictions restrict where you can live, especially near schools or parks.
- Loss of civil rights: A felony conviction can limit your right to vote or own firearms, to name a couple of examples.
- Damage to reputation: Accusations alone can strain personal relationships, while a conviction often creates a lasting social stigma.
- Travel complications: Some countries deny entry to individuals with sex crime records, limiting your freedom of movement.
Virtually any sex crime charge can lead to collateral consequences that jeopardize your freedom for the foreseeable future. It’s more important than ever to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you fight back effectively if you face these circumstances.
What It Means to Be on the Sex Offender Registry in New Mexico
Being required to register as a sex offender isn’t just another step after a conviction—it’s something that can reshape your entire life. In New Mexico, most sex crime convictions carry this requirement, and the impact often lasts long after any jail time is served.
Depending on the situation, you could be on the registry for a decade or even the rest of your life. Your personal information—like your photo, home address, and the offense you were convicted of—can be made public. That alone can affect your ability to find work, rent a place to live, or even form new relationships.
There are also strict rules about where you can go, what you need to report, and how often you have to check in. Even an honest mistake—like missing a reporting deadline—can lead to more charges. It’s a system that’s hard to navigate, and once you’re in it, getting back to normal life is anything but easy.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Sex Crime Charges?
Every case is different, so the best defense or defenses will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. However, several defenses are commonly used to fight sex crime allegations in New Mexico.
These include:
- Consent: Showing that the alleged victim willingly participated can be a complete defense in many cases, provided the individual was legally capable of giving consent.
- Mistaken identity: Many sex crime cases hinge on eyewitness identification, which can be unreliable. Establishing an alibi or highlighting flaws in the identification process may create reasonable doubt.
- Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is weak, the charges against you may be dismissed or reduced.
- Violation of rights: If police violated your rights (such as by conducting an unlawful search or failing to respect your right to remain silent), key evidence may be excluded from trial.
By tailoring these defenses to your case, a knowledgeable lawyer can fight to protect your freedom and reputation.
How a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Albuquerque Can Help
Sex crime cases can feel overwhelming, but the burden of proof is on the prosecution. If you have an experienced attorney, they can provide you with legal representation throughout the process and ensure your rights are protected at all times.
Additional ways a lawyer can help include:
- Explaining the charges and penalties so you fully understand what you are facing
- Investigating the evidence to uncover weaknesses in the state’s case
- Negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing when possible
- Presenting a strong defense in court if your case proceeds to trial
- Protecting your rights from improper police tactics or constitutional violations
At the end of the day, your lawyer’s primary objective is to secure as favorable a resolution for you as they can.
Contact Our Albuquerque Sex Crimes Lawyers for a Consultation
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Albuquerque, NM, the rest of your life may depend on what you do next. A conviction can bring years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your future. However, an accusation is not the same as a conviction, and you still have the right to defend yourself.
At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, our experienced Albuquerque sex crimes attorneys have extensive experience handling high-stakes criminal defense cases in New Mexico. We understand what is at stake and are prepared to fight for your freedom at every stage of the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Albuquerque Courts
- District Court Domestic Relations – 400 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- State Of New Mexico Metropolitan Courthouse – 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- District Court Grand Jury – 415 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Albuquerque Federal Building and Courthouse – 421 Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102