[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"site-search-modal-empty-8":171,"page:cases/victim-child":173,"public-chat-settings":293},{"source":4,"siteName":5,"tagline":6,"contactEmail":7,"contactPhone":8,"contactPhoneTollFree":9,"address":10,"mapsQuery":17,"ratingValue":18,"ratingSource":19,"primaryCta":20,"secondaryCta":23,"chatCta":26,"announcement":30,"google":32,"navigationPrimary":34,"navigationLegal":149},"defaults","Stephen D Aarons","Santa Fe Criminal Defense Lawyer","info@aarons.law","(505) 984-1100","(888) 984-1120",{"street":11,"city":12,"state":13,"stateFullName":14,"zip":15,"full":16},"2019 Galisteo St. Ste H1","Santa Fe","NM","New Mexico","87505","2019 Galisteo Street, Suite H1, Santa Fe, NM 87505-2106","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stephen+D+Aarons,+Attorney+at+Law/@35.6564853,-105.9549988,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87220cb8d5a8c3c9:0x331b6810ecf42476!8m2!3d35.6564853!4d-105.9524239!16s%2Fg%2F1tn067lx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D",0,"",{"label":21,"url":22},"Call Now","tel:+15059841100",{"label":24,"url":25},"Contact","/contact",{"label":27,"url":28,"statusLabel":29},"Start Chat","#start-chat","24/7",{"enabled":31,"text":19,"ctaLabel":19,"ctaUrl":19,"startAt":19,"endAt":19},false,{"analyticsMeasurementId":33,"tagManagerId":19,"searchConsoleVerification":19,"tagManagerAuth":19,"tagManagerPreview":19},"G-XPE216QNM4",[35,127,133,139,145],{"id":36,"group":37,"label":38,"path":39,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":41,"groups":42},"primary-1","primary","Cases","/cases",1,[],[43,58,70,82,97,112],{"label":44,"items":45},"DWI & DUI",[46,49,52,55],{"label":47,"path":48},"DWI / DUI Defense","/cases/dwi",{"label":50,"path":51},"First-Offense DWI","/cases/dwi/dwi-first-offense",{"label":53,"path":54},"Interlock License","/cases/dui/interlock-license",{"label":56,"path":57},"DUI Penalties","/cases/dui/mandatory-minimum-penalties-for-dui",{"label":59,"items":60},"Violent Crimes",[61,64,67],{"label":62,"path":63},"Domestic Violence","/cases/domestic-violence",{"label":65,"path":66},"Murder & Homicide","/cases/murder-homicide",{"label":68,"path":69},"Assault & Battery","/cases/violence-assault-battery",{"label":71,"items":72},"Drug & Financial",[73,76,79],{"label":74,"path":75},"Drug Offenses","/cases/drug-offenses",{"label":77,"path":78},"Embezzlement","/cases/embezzlement",{"label":80,"path":81},"Fraud","/cases/fraud",{"label":83,"items":84},"Sex & Cyber Crimes",[85,88,91,94],{"label":86,"path":87},"Sexual Offenses","/cases/sexual-offenses",{"label":89,"path":90},"Internet Sex Crimes","/cases/internet-sex-crimes",{"label":92,"path":93},"Victim – Child","/cases/victim-child",{"label":95,"path":96},"Internet Crimes","/cases/internet-crimes",{"label":98,"items":99},"Other Offenses",[100,103,106,109],{"label":101,"path":102},"Firearm Offenses","/cases/firearm-offenses",{"label":104,"path":105},"Probation Violation","/cases/probation-violation",{"label":107,"path":108},"Reconsideration of Sentence","/cases/reconsideration-of-sentence",{"label":110,"path":111},"Federal Crimes","/federal-crimes",{"label":113,"items":114},"Record Clearing",[115,118,121,124],{"label":116,"path":117},"Expungement","/expungement",{"label":119,"path":120},"Do I Qualify?","/expungement/do-i-qualify",{"label":122,"path":123},"Fees & Costs","/expungement/fees",{"label":125,"path":126},"Waiting Times","/expungement/waiting-times",{"id":128,"group":37,"label":129,"path":130,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":132},"primary-2","Process","/process",2,[],{"id":134,"group":37,"label":135,"path":136,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":138},"primary-3","News","/news",3,[],{"id":140,"group":37,"label":141,"path":142,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":144},"primary-4","About","/about",4,[],{"id":146,"group":37,"label":24,"path":25,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":147,"children":148},"primary-5",5,[],[150,156,161,166],{"id":151,"group":152,"label":153,"path":154,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":155},"legal-1","legal","Privacy Policy","/privacy",[],{"id":157,"group":152,"label":158,"path":159,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":160},"legal-2","Terms of Use","/terms",[],{"id":162,"group":152,"label":163,"path":164,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":165},"legal-3","Disclaimer","/disclaimer",[],{"id":167,"group":152,"label":168,"path":169,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":170},"legal-4","Accessibility","/accessibility",[],{"query":19,"total":18,"results":172},[],{"source":4,"slug":174,"canonicalPath":93,"title":175,"status":176,"seoTitle":177,"seoDescription":178,"ogImage":19,"sections":179},"cases/victim-child","Victim – Child | Stephen D Aarons","published","Child Victim Cases Defense | Stephen D Aarons","Criminal defense in cases involving alleged child victims in New Mexico.",[180,187,194,204,223,234,243,263,283],{"id":181,"type":181,"displayOrder":40,"payload":182},"hero",{"eyebrow":183,"title":92,"description":184,"primaryCtaLabel":21,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":185,"secondaryCtaUrl":130,"imageUrl":19,"variant":186},"Criminal Defense","Cases involving alleged child victims are treated with heightened urgency and severity in New Mexico courts. These allegations often trigger immediate law enforcement action, protective orders, and parallel investigations by multiple agencies. Even before charges are filed, the consequences for the accused can be life-altering.","What Happens Next","compact",{"id":188,"type":189,"displayOrder":131,"payload":190},"disclaimer","rich_text",{"eyebrow":19,"title":191,"paragraphs":192,"variant":188},"Important",[193],"This is general information, not legal advice. If an arrest happened recently or you believe you are under investigation, do not explain anything to law enforcement before speaking with counsel.",{"id":195,"type":189,"displayOrder":137,"payload":196},"overview",{"eyebrow":197,"title":198,"paragraphs":199},"Overview","Allegations involving a child trigger specialized investigations, enhanced penalties, and immediate protective measures.",[200,201,202,203],"When a criminal allegation involves a child as the alleged victim, the case is handled differently from standard criminal matters. Investigations are often conducted by specialized units and may involve forensic interviews, child advocacy centers, and coordination with child protective services. These cases are frequently driven by statements rather than physical evidence and can proceed rapidly.","The state alleges that a child was the victim of unlawful conduct. The nature of the charge depends on the alleged behavior, the age of the child, and the relationship between the parties. Charges may range from non-contact offenses to serious felony allegations.","Common fact patterns: allegations arising within families or close relationships; reports made through schools, medical providers, or third parties; forensic interviews conducted outside the presence of parents; limited or no physical evidence; statements evolving over time.","Once an allegation involving a child is reported, investigations often begin immediately. Courts may impose strict conditions, including no-contact orders and removal from the home, even before formal charges are resolved. These cases frequently proceed alongside juvenile, family, or child welfare proceedings.",{"id":205,"type":206,"displayOrder":143,"payload":207},"key-points","feature_grid",{"eyebrow":19,"title":208,"description":19,"numbered":209,"items":210},"Key points",true,[211,214,217,220],{"label":212,"title":213,"description":19},"Enhanced scrutiny","Child-related allegations trigger enhanced legal scrutiny",{"label":215,"title":216,"description":19},"Multiple agencies","Multiple agencies may be involved simultaneously",{"label":218,"title":219,"description":19},"Early action","Arrests and restrictions often occur early",{"label":221,"title":222,"description":19},"Severe penalties","Penalties and long-term consequences are severe",{"id":224,"type":189,"displayOrder":147,"payload":225},"penalties",{"eyebrow":226,"title":227,"paragraphs":228,"variant":233},"Penalties & Exposure","What the state is seeking",[229,230,231,232],"In cases involving alleged child victims, the state may seek felony convictions carrying long prison sentences, mandatory treatment, and long-term supervision. Sentencing exposure increases significantly based on the nature of the allegation and the age of the child.","Many child-related offenses are felonies. Serious allegations can result in lengthy prison sentences. Sentencing enhancements may apply.","Certain convictions require mandatory sex offender registration and intensive supervision, often lasting years or decades.","Allegations involving child victims can affect: parental rights and custody; employment and professional licensing; housing eligibility; reputation and community standing.","alt",{"id":235,"type":189,"displayOrder":236,"payload":237},"defenses",6,{"eyebrow":238,"title":239,"paragraphs":240},"How These Cases Are Defended","Common defense themes",[241,242],"Reliability and consistency of statements; proper conduct of forensic interviews; suggestibility or external influence; lack of corroborating evidence; constitutional and procedural violations.","Child-related cases frequently turn on early investigative decisions, interview protocols, and whether proper procedures were followed. Errors at these stages can significantly affect outcomes. These cases often turn on interview methods, timing, and evidentiary safeguards rather than physical proof.",{"id":244,"type":244,"displayOrder":245,"payload":246},"faq",7,{"eyebrow":247,"title":248,"description":249,"items":250},"Common Questions","Frequently asked","Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Every case is different — call for a private consultation.",[251,254,257,260],{"question":252,"answer":253},"When should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?","As soon as possible — ideally before speaking with law enforcement about the facts of the case. The right to remain silent is one of the most important protections available. Statements made before consulting counsel can be used against you and are very difficult to walk back later.",{"question":255,"answer":256},"Do I have to answer questions from law enforcement?","Generally, no. You have the right to remain silent. While you must provide identifying information in certain situations, you are not required to discuss the details of your case. Politely invoking your right to remain silent and requesting an attorney is not an admission of guilt — it is a constitutional right.",{"question":258,"answer":259},"What happens at an arraignment?","An arraignment is typically your first formal court appearance after charges are filed. The judge informs you of the charges and you enter a plea. Bond conditions and conditions of release are often set at this stage. Having counsel present at arraignment can influence bail decisions and early case direction.",{"question":261,"answer":262},"Can charges be dismissed or reduced?","Yes, in many cases. Charges may be dismissed or reduced depending on evidence issues, constitutional violations, plea negotiations, or other legal factors. No outcome can be guaranteed, but early defense preparation significantly expands the range of available options before key procedural deadlines pass.",{"id":264,"type":265,"displayOrder":266,"payload":267},"related","promo_cards",8,{"eyebrow":268,"title":19,"cards":269},"Related Practice Areas",[270,274,277,279,281],{"title":271,"body":272,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DUI","Drug or combination impairment charges. Dual court and MVD proceedings. Outcomes often hinge on testing procedure.","Learn more",{"title":275,"body":276,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DWI","Alcohol impairment with prior convictions. Mandatory minimums escalate with each offense. Early action matters.",{"title":74,"body":278,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":75},"Possession, distribution, and trafficking. Penalties range widely. Search-and-seizure issues frequently central.",{"title":62,"body":280,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":63},"State-controlled prosecution. Immediate no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, and custody implications.",{"title":104,"body":282,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":105},"Technical or substantive violations. Can result in revocation and exposure to original sentence.",{"id":284,"type":285,"displayOrder":286,"payload":287},"cta","cta_band",9,{"eyebrow":288,"title":289,"description":290,"primaryCtaLabel":291,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":292,"secondaryCtaUrl":39},"Talk to counsel before the state defines your case for you.","Early decisions often control everything that follows.","If you are under investigation or facing charges, a short, private consult can clarify exposure, options, and next steps. Free consultation. 24-hour answering service. Payment plans available in many cases.","Call 505-984-1100 Now","Browse All Cases",{"enabled":31,"followUpEnabled":209,"title":294,"assistantName":294,"eyebrow":27,"description":295,"welcomeHeadline":296,"welcomeBody":297,"inputPlaceholder":298,"statusLabel":299,"suggestedPrompts":300,"form":304,"review":315},"Aarons Law Chat","Calm first-step guidance for urgent criminal defense questions.","Tell me what is happening.","Keep it general at first. If the situation is urgent, recent, or someone is in custody, call (505) 984-1100.","Tell us what happened in broad terms. Avoid confidential details for now.","Available 24/7",[301,302,303],"Someone was arrested last night. What should we do first?","Can you explain what happens after a DWI arrest in New Mexico?","I need the office to review this chat and follow up directly.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":305,"headline":311,"description":312,"submitLabel":313,"successMessage":314},[306,307,308,309,310],"contact me","call me","follow up","consultation","talk to a lawyer","Request office follow-up","Share a few details and the office can review the chat and follow up directly.","Send Follow-Up Request","Your follow-up request has been sent to the office.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":316,"threshold":143,"geoPreference":209,"clickTracking":209,"askHeadline":325,"askDescription":326,"positiveHeadline":327,"positiveDescription":328,"negativeHeadline":329,"negativeDescription":330,"reviewSites":331},[317,318,319,320,321,322,323,324],"leave a review","write a review","review","feedback","testimonial","google review","yelp","avvo","How would you rate your experience?","Choose a rating so we can route you to the right next step.","Thank you for the kind words!","Would you mind sharing your experience on one of the review platforms below?","We are sorry to hear that.","Tell us what happened and the office can review it directly.",[]]