Tempe Sex Crimes Lawyer

Tempe Sex Crimes Attorney

In Arizona, “sex crimes” is a blanket term for illegal sexual conduct. There are many types of sex crime charges, some of which are punished as misdemeanors and some as different degrees of a felony. All sex crimes have serious consequences beyond jail or prison. If convicted, you may have to register as a sex offender or report for probation, and you may have trouble finding housing or a job.

If you are charged with any sexually based offense, you need rigorous support from a dedicated defense attorney. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our legal team is made up of former prosecutors who know how to protect the rights of those accused. Let a Tempe sex crimes lawyer assess the circumstances of your case, identify mitigating circumstances, and build a credible defense.

MISDEMEANOR SEX CRIMES

Most sex crimes in Arizona are felonies, and misdemeanors can sometimes become felonies for repeat offenses or if the alleged victims are minors. First-time offenders charged with Class 1 misdemeanors could be sentenced to probation, a maximum of six months in jail, or a $2,500 fine. Penalties escalate with each new offense. Arizona recognizes these Class 1 misdemeanor sex crimes:

• Indecent Exposure (exposing genitalia with no regard to who is offended); increases to a Class 6 felony if third offense or victim is under 15
• Public sexual indecency (engaging in sex acts in front of others who may be offended); increases to a Class 5 felony if victim is under 15
• Prostitution (offering to engage in sex acts for money); jail time for first three offenses, escalating to a Class 5 felony at fourth offense
• Procuring or managing prostitutes and sharing in their earnings; penalized like prostitution

These charges come with the stigma of a sex crime on one’s record, as well as potential fines and jail time. As such, it is crucial to consult a Tempe sex crimes attorney and strategize a defense as soon as possible after an arrest.

FELONY SEX CRIMES

Felony sex crimes in Arizona carry various penalties, including life in prison. Many lesser felonies escalate to Class 2 if a minor younger than 15 is involved. Some Class 2 felonies include sexual assault (rape) and sexual conduct with a minor, known as statutory rape.

A Class 2 dangerous felony is punishable by between 7 and 21 years in prison for a first offense. Administering a date rape drug, repeat offenses, or excessive violence, can cause the sentence to be increased.

SEX CRIMES INVOLVING MINORS

Statutory rape of someone younger than 15 could be prosecuted under the Dangerous Crimes Against Children, as per Arizona Revised Statutes 13-705. A first offender could be sentenced to between 13 and 27 years. It is a Class 6 felony for sex with a minor 15 to 17 years old. Although a minor may consent to have sex—for instance, a 17-year-old minor with her 19-year-old boyfriend—the law does not recognize consenting minors. However, under A.R.S. 13-1407, it is a defense to a prosecution if the alleged victim is fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen years old and the defendant is under nineteen years of age or attending high school and is no more than twenty-four months older than the victim and the conduct is consensual.

Child molestation and child pornography (sexual exploitation of a minor) are also prosecuted as dangerous crimes against children, which are Class 2 felonies under ARS 13-705 if the alleged victim is younger than 15. The penalties upon conviction for these types of charges can impact a person for the rest of their life. To minimize the severe consequences, it is crucial for a Tempe resident accused of a serious sex crime to work with a dedicated attorney.

OTHER FELONY SEX CRIMES IN TEMPE, AZ

Sexual abuse, or sexual contact with a minor, is a Class 5 felony. If the alleged victim is younger than 15, the crime is a Class 3 felony, considered a dangerous crime against children.

Sexual extortion involves coercing someone to engage in sexual conduct This is a Class 3 felony, or a Class 2 if the alleged victim is younger than 15.

Kidnapping a child for prostitution or sex trafficking is a Class 2 felony and is a prison-mandatory offense if the person is convicted.

Luring a minor for sexual exploitation, a Class 3 felony, occurs when someone solicits sex with a minor, a common charge after a police sting operation.

There are various scenarios that could lead to these types of charges. It is best for an accused individual to immediately consult an experienced attorney in their area and begin building a defense for the sex crime charges.

WORK WITH A TEMPE SEX CRIMES ATTORNEY

If police charge you with a crime, it does not mean you will be found guilty. You deserve dedicated representation from an experienced attorney who will work to mitigate or refute the charges against you.

Whether you are under investigation or charged, call a Tempe sex crime lawyer right away. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we are here to protect your rights and way of life by tirelessly defending your case.

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