Santa Fe Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorney in Santa Fe

The trauma that can come with a sexual abuse incident may stay with you for the rest of your life. However, it’s up to you to seek civil damages and hold the right person accountable for what they’ve done to you. A criminal case is another matter, which is in the hands of law enforcement. A civil case is solely for you. A civil sexual abuse case can be overwhelming if you choose to pursue it alone. You should consider hiring a Santa Fe sexual abuse lawyer for help.

The legal team at Branch Law Firm understands the complexities of a sexual abuse case, and we’re ready to help you weave through the state’s sexual abuse laws. The help of a Santa Fe sexual abuse attorney cannot be overstated in a situation like this. Our team can bring years of personal injury experience to your case, providing you with the necessary resources to seek accountability from your abuser in civil court. We know what kind of help you need.

Sexual Abuse Cases in Santa Fe

In New Mexico, sexual abuse is defined as any unwanted sexual contact or acts that are inflicted upon somebody without their consent. Sexual abuse can include penetrative acts, sexual contact, exploitation that’s sexual in nature, and incest. Unfortunately, sexual abuse isn’t rare in New Mexico. A recent poll showed that 40% of New Mexicans have experienced sexual violence in the past, while 11% of polled New Mexicans experienced it within the past 12 months.

If you decide to pursue a civil sexual abuse claim in Santa Fe, your case is generally handled by the First Judicial District Court for Santa Fe County. This court can be found at the Steve Herrera Judicial Complex on Montezuma Avenue and is generally the court that handles significant civil claims. Keep in mind that in 2024, there were 32 criminal sentences for sexual abuse crimes in New Mexico. Some of those cases also led to civil claims.

How to Handle Yourself After Sexual Abuse

It’s understandable to feel completely terrified and unsure of yourself after enduring an act of sexual abuse. You may not know what your first steps are when it comes to reporting the incident, retaining legal support, or filing a civil claim for damages. It’s recommended that you hire a sexual abuse lawyer as soon as you can, as they can guide your case in the right direction. Here are some actions you can take after the incident to protect your future claim:

• Above all, you need to make sure that you are safe. It can be hard to focus on safety after what you’ve been through. It’s reasonable to feel worried, confused, overwhelmed, and small after a sexual abuse incident. However, you can’t let your negative emotions dictate what you do. Try to use any coping mechanisms you may have learned for anxiety, and make sure you reach out to someone you trust who can come help you.
• Don’t be afraid to lean on a strong support system during a time like this. The more people you have in your life who want to help you, the better it can be. Let your family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances support you in their own ways. If you don’t have anybody close to you, you may want to consider finding a local sexual abuse survivor support group. They’re often anonymous and can be a source of constant support.
• You should seriously consider reporting the abuse to a medical professional. Many individuals who go through similar abuse are reluctant to report it for reasons that are entirely their own. Reporting sexual abuse creates an official medical record of everything that happened to you. This can be very strong evidence for your civil claim if you choose to pursue such a case.
• When you’re ready, you should hire a sexual abuse lawyer to oversee your case and help you seek civil damages from your abuser. A personal injury lawyer knows what kind of damages you can file for, as well as the most important filing deadlines you may not know about. Pursuing a civil claim without a lawyer’s help can result in unnecessary complications.

FAQs

Which Four Behaviors Make Up the Definition of Sexual Assault?

According to federal safety standards, the legal definition of sexual assault comprises four specific behaviors, all of which can be viewed as felony behaviors in New Mexico. Those four behaviors are:

• Rape. Non-consensual sexual penetration.
• Fondling. Non-consensual touching of private parts for sexual gratification.
• Incest. Sexual intercourse between related family members.
• Statutory rape. Sexual intercourse with someone under the age of consent.

Which Is Worse, First- or Third-Degree Sexual Assault?

Between first- and third-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual assault is generally viewed as the worst one. In the legal system, the lower the number, the more serious the crime. First-degree sexual assault is the most severe sexual assault charge that one can face. It includes the use of a deadly weapon, significant physical injuries, and carries the longest prison term if convicted.

How Hard Is It to Succeed in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?

Succeeding in a civil sexual abuse case can be quite difficult. You still have to prove the abuser’s guilt through a preponderance of evidence, which means you need to prove that the most likely scenario is the abuser’s guilt. The more evidence you have, the easier it can be to prove your position, which is why a personal injury lawyer’s help is so valued. A civil case results in potential damages for the victim, not legal consequences for the abuser.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the outcome of the criminal case, a civil case could end up being your only way to hold your abuser accountable in a court of law. You shouldn’t leave that to chance. Hiring a good lawyer to build your case and argue on your behalf can end up being the most important decision of your case.

Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

At Branch Law Firm, we can help you succeed with your civil case. Contact us to speak to someone on our team who can help.