Criminal Sexual Contact Of A Minor (Clothed)
Legal Definition
A person commits criminal sexual contact of a minor (clothed) when they intentionally touch or apply force to the intimate parts of a minor who is under thirteen years of age, where those intimate parts are clothed. This offense involves unlawful sexual contact without penetration, distinguished from more serious penetration offenses, and is classified as a third degree felony for a sexual offense against a child.
Possible Punishment
Criminal sexual contact of a minor where the intimate parts are clothed is a third degree felony for a sexual offense against a child, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
Local Context
This charge is differentiated from unclothed criminal sexual contact of a minor under § 30-9-13, which carries more severe penalties. The statute specifically addresses contact with intimate parts covered by clothing, recognizing a distinction in the degree of the offense based on whether clothing was present. The age of the victim (under thirteen) is a critical element that elevates this conduct to felony status regardless of consent, as minors of this age cannot legally consent to sexual contact.
Sex-Offense Cases in Doña Ana County
Sex-offense charges carry the heaviest collateral consequences in New Mexico law: conviction for many of these offenses requires registration, and expungement is generally unavailable. Prosecutors seek pretrial detention in a large share of these cases, so defendants often remain at the detention center through trial.
The presumption of innocence matters most in exactly this category. These cases are charged on accusations that a jury has not yet heard, charges are sometimes amended or dismissed as evidence is tested, and a booking record here means only that an arrest occurred.
Related Guides
Your First Court Appearance in New Mexico: What Happens and When
What to expect at a first appearance or arraignment in Doña Ana County: timing, video hearings from jail, public defenders, release conditions, and pleas.
Bail in New Mexico: Why There Is (Mostly) No Cash Bail Anymore
New Mexico voters ended most cash bail in 2016. How pretrial release, bond conditions, and no-bail detention actually work in Doña Ana County courts.
Recent Arrests for This Charge (5)
Las Cruces Man, 72, Booked on Multiple Criminal Sexual Contact Charges
RAYMUNDO PARRA | 5 charges
Las Cruces Man, 24, Booked on Felony Charge of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor
ALEJANDRO GARCIA | 1 charge
Las Cruces Man, 43, Booked on Felony Criminal Sexual Contact Charge
ADAM LEWIS | 1 charge
Las Cruces Man, 43, Booked on Felony Charges Involving a Minor
WYATT CORNELIUS | 3 charges
Las Cruces Man, 33, Booked on Felony Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor Charge
MIGUEL ESTRADA | 1 charge
Information provided for general reference. Statutory text is summarized and may not reflect the most recent amendments. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.