A. A human trafficking victim may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction against an alleged human trafficker for actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief or any other appropriate relief. Where the court finds that a defendant's actions were willful and malicious, the court may award treble damages to the plaintiff. A prevailing plaintiff is also entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.
B. A civil action pursuant to this section shall be forever barred unless the action is filed within ten years from the date on which:
(1) the defendant's human trafficking actions occurred; or
(2) the victim attains eighteen years of age if the victim was a minor when the defendant's actions occurred.
History: Laws 2013, ch. 200, § 1.
Effective dates. — Laws 2013, ch. 200, § 5 made Laws 2013, ch. 200, § 1 effective July 1, 2013.
Structure 2021 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 30 - Criminal Offenses
Article 52 - Human Trafficking
Section 30-52-1 - Human trafficking.
Section 30-52-1.1 - Human trafficking; civil remedy for human trafficking victims.
Section 30-52-1.2 - Sealing of records of human trafficking victims.
Section 30-52-2 - Human trafficking; benefits and services for human trafficking victims.