Las Cruces Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorney in Las Cruces

Dealing with a sexual abuse case can be complicated in many different ways. You may be suffering from severe physical and/or psychological injuries from everything you’ve been through, and pursuing a civil case for damages in that mindset on your own may not be conducive to success. It may be wise for you to seek legal counsel in developing your case. Consider reaching out to a Las Cruces sexual abuse lawyer for help in this situation.

The legal team at Branch Law Firm recognizes how hard it can be to endure a sexual abuse case without the experienced help of a Las Cruces sexual abuse attorney at the helm. New Mexico’s sexual abuse laws can be tough to fully understand on your own, but there’s nothing that says you need to do this alone. You should hire a sexual abuse lawyer to help you through this. Our firm can bring years of focused personal injury experience to your case and give you a chance.

How Is Sexual Abuse Defined in Las Cruces?

The state of New Mexico defines sexual abuse as unwanted sexual contact or sexual acts that are inflicted upon an individual without their consent. Sexual abuse in New Mexico can include sexual exploitation, incest, criminal sexual penetration, and criminal sexual contact. It’s not a rare situation. In a recent poll, 40% of New Mexicans admitted to being the victim of sexual violence in the past. In 2024, 32 people were criminally sentenced for sexual abuse in the state.

If you decide to pursue a civil claim in a sexual abuse case in Las Cruces, your case is filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Doña Ana County, which can be found on West Picacho Avenue. This is the court that handles the majority of state-level civil claims, personal injury cases, and negligence or abuse claims for the area. Keep in mind that 11% of individuals in another poll reported sexual assault in the past 12 months while in New Mexico. You are not alone.

Dealing With the Aftermath of Sexual Abuse

It’s not hyperbolic to say that the trauma of sexual abuse can last the rest of your life, especially if you were targeted by someone that you trusted. Healing from the psychological damage of sexual abuse is an ongoing process that won’t happen overnight. Still, there are certain steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of the incident that can protect you and your future injury claim, should you choose to file one. Here is a brief rundown of some of those steps:

• Focus on your own safety. After enduring something like this, your top priority needs to be getting yourself somewhere safe. It’s normal to feel shock, pain, disgust, and fear after being sexually abused. If you can, try to use any coping mechanisms you may know, such as taking deep breaths or making calm, gentle movements. If possible, reach out to a close friend or family member to come get you.
• Rely on a strong support system. It’s understandable to feel alone after being victimized like this. Still, if you have a support system, you should rely on it for help, reassurance, and love. Take comfort in your friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone who wants to help you. If you don’t have a support system, you may want to consider contacting a local sexual abuse survivors’ support group.
• Consider seeing a doctor. Many sexual abuse victims choose not to see a doctor, as that would create an official medical record of your injuries. You really should consider seeing a doctor or going to a crisis center for help. A medical record can be very strong evidence for your civil claim and for any criminal charges that come from this. The more evidence you have, the easier it may be to prove your case.
• Contact a lawyer. When you feel you’re ready to proceed with a legal claim, you should hire a sexual abuse lawyer to represent your interests and guide you through the process. Since you’re filing a civil claim against your abuser, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer with experience handling sexual abuse cases.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Sexual Abuse Case?

The main difference between a civil and criminal sexual abuse case is the end goal. A civil case is filed by the survivor with the goal of seeking financial compensation from the perpetrator. A criminal case is filed by the government to hold the perpetrator legally accountable and make them face legal penalties. You don’t have the power to file a criminal case, just a civil one.

Is It Hard to Prove a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?

Yes, it can be very hard to prove a civil sexual abuse case. While you are not required to prove the offender’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt like in a criminal case, you still have to prove that it is most likely that the offender committed the crime. The burden of proof is lower, but you still must prove that the abuse happened. Gather considerable evidence before filing your case.

What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?

If you file a civil sexual abuse case, you can pursue many different types of damages. Primarily, you may want to pursue damages for your medical expenses, therapy, lost wages due to missing work, and emotional distress. Depending on the facts of your case, you may also be awarded punitive damages if the court feels the offender deserves further punishment.

What Shouldn’t I Tell My Lawyer?

In every legal situation, you should be completely honest with your lawyer. They cannot do their job correctly if they don’t have all the facts. Don’t lie to them, don’t withhold details, don’t exaggerate, and never ask them to help you commit a crime. Your lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege, so anything you tell them stays between the two of you.

Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

At Branch Law Firm, we can give you a chance to seek accountability for what happened. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case.