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Tempe Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Some of the harshest allegations you can face involve unwelcome sexual contact. These are felony accusations that can profoundly impact your present and future. Prosecutors may also classify these charges as dangerous offenses, leading to mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction.

Even before your day in court, you could face a protective order that interferes with every part of your life. You need legal representation from a skilled attorney to protect your rights from the moment you are arrested. A Tempe sexual abuse lawyer is ready from day one to fight for your best interests and build a defense against these severe allegations.

The Legal Definition of Sexual Abuse

Instances of sexual abuse are always felonies under state law. Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1404 defines sexual abuse as having any sexual contact with a person 15 years or older without their consent.

A person may be unable to consent for a variety of reasons. They may say they felt threatened or believed they would suffer harm if they did not participate in sexual activity. They could also be unable to consent due to drug or alcohol intoxication or incapacitation. Finally, a person may be unable to consent if they suffer from a mental or physical handicap.

Sentencing for Sex Abuse

Sexual abuse is a class 5 felony under state law. This means that even if a person has no prior felony convictions and mitigating factors are present, a conviction must bring a sentence of no less than six months in jail. If there are aggravating factors present, a sentence may be as long as 2.5 years.

Additionally, a jury may decide that the offense is dangerous. Here, the minimum sentence will be two years. A Tempe attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group can provide further information about the state’s sexual abuse laws and potential penalties.

Building a Defense Against Sexual Abuse Accusations

The consequences of a sexual abuse conviction are severe. The mere accusation of wrongdoing could lead to a court creating a restraining order that requires an accused person to end contact with the alleged victim. This could force them to quit their job, move out of their home, or lose time with their children.

It is essential to begin building a defense as quickly as possible. This can include introducing evidence that a sexual encounter was consensual. It could also involve disputing where an interaction took place at all. Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Tempe could examine the legality of the police work that led to an arrest and work to get the prosecution’s evidence thrown out. The sooner a defendant reaches out to an attorney, the sooner they can provide representation.

Contact a Tempe Sexual Abuse Attorney Immediately

If you have been arrested under allegations of sexual abuse, you need to act quickly to protect yourself. These are felony cases where convictions will have lifelong consequences. You need to build an airtight defense to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors and protect your rights in court.

A Tempe sexual abuse lawyer is ready to fight for you. The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group could explain the state’s sexual abuse laws, evaluate the actions that led to an arrest, and make the legal arguments in court necessary to protect your present and future. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case.

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