What Kinds of Cases Does a Child Abuse Crimes Attorney Typically Handle in Tijuana, Mexico?

If we ask you what constitutes child abuse, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are you’re thinking of physical violence against children. But did you know child abuse can also be mental?

For instance, sending sexually explicit materials to children and influencing them to engage in morally questionable behavior are both examples of mental child abuse covered under Mexico’s “Código Penal Federal” (Federal Penal Code). Forcing children to work in adult-only places like bars and clubs is also prohibited under Mexican law.

So, are you ready to learn more about what kinds of physical and mental child abuse cases criminal defense lawyers typically handle in Mexican cities like Tijuana?

Here are three types of cases a child abuse crimes attorney typically handles in Tijuana, Mexico.

Communicating Sexually Explicit Materials to Children

One of the most common types of child abuse cases criminal defense attorneys handle in Tijuana involves the communication of sexually explicit materials to children.

According to UNICEF, exposing children to sexually explicit materials obstructs the development of their mental health and causes them to grow up objectifying people. It also increases their chances of becoming abusers in the future as they grow up viewing sexual abuse as acceptable. In some cases, children that are exposed to sexually explicit materials develop sex and/or pornography addictions that affect them throughout life.

Criminal defense lawyers often refer to Article 199 Septies of Mexico’s Federal Penal Code when handling cases involving the communication of sexually explicit materials to children. According to the article, sending images, audio, or videos of explicit sexual activities constitutes a child abuse crime in Mexico. No matter what type of data transmission method you use to send this content to a child, you’ll be charged with child abuse in Mexico. Additionally, cases in which a person requests a sexual encounter with a child are also considered child abuse cases under Mexican law.

Child Sex Tourism

Did you know prostitution is legal in most parts of Mexico? In Tijuana, it’s legal in the city’s red-light district known locally as “zona de tolerancia” (the tolerance zone). In other words, adult sex tourism is permitted in some parts of Tijuana—but child sex tourism is strictly prohibited and constitutes child abuse.

Mexico has extremely severe penalties for those found to have engaged in child sex tourism. According to Article 203 of the Federal Penal Code, you could land in prison for 12 years and pay a fine worth 2000 days of your salary if you’re found guilty of advertising or facilitating sex with one or more children under the age of 18—even if you don’t take part. This includes both real sex and simulated sex through methods like chats, calls, or virtual reality.

On the other hand, if you’re found guilty of taking part in real or simulated sex with one or more children under the age of 18 in Mexico, you’ll face up to 16 years in prison and a fine worth 3000 days of your salary as per Article 203 Bis. If you advertise and participate in sex tourism, you could end up in jail for a combined 28 years and pay a fine worth over 13 years of your income!

Non-Sexual Corruption of Minors

The term ‘child abuse’ often has sexual connotations attached to it—but Mexico’s laws also prohibit the non-sexual abuse of children. In other words, it’s common for a child abuse crimes attorney in Tijuana to find themselves handling cases in which the defendant is charged with ‘corrupting a child’.

According to Article 201 of the Federal Penal Code, child abuse crimes related to the corruption of children can include manipulating children into consuming alcohol/drugs, or taking part in crimes. It also involves exploiting children to beg for money on your behalf or carrying out acts of sexual exhibitionism.

Struggling to find a reputable child abuse crime attorney in Tijuana? If so, come speak to our team of seasoned criminal defense lawyers at Meneses Legal headed by Fabian Meneses.

Our team has extensive experience handling various types of sex crime cases, including the three forms of child abuse we’ve discussed in this article. We also defend clients charged with contraband smuggling, firearms-related crimes, homicides, and drug-related cases in Tijuana. We have 40 years of experience helping clients charged with cross-border crimes in Tijuana and our team regularly receives positive reviews for the quality of our services!

Drop us a message on our website today or dial 664-500-6896 if you’re in Tijuana to speak to one of our criminal defense lawyers today.