Facing an internet sex crime is serious, and we understand you likely have plenty of questions. Right now, legal options are available. You may be able to work with a Goodyear sex crimes lawyer who can work to get the charge against you dismissed or reduced.
Suzuki Law Offices is a criminal defense law firm with a history of excellence and integrity. Our Goodyear criminal defense lawyer is available to review your case and go over your legal options with you. For more information, reach out to us.
Types of Internet Sex Crime Charges in Goodyear, Arizona
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) defines internet-facilitated sexual offenses. These may be different from child pornography or overlap with it. They may include:
- Possession or distribution of pornographic images or videos of a minor
- Soliciting a minor in an online chat room
- Soliciting a prostitute online
- Advertising prostitution on the internet
- Making unwanted sexual advances online (cyberstalking)
- Blackmailing someone by using nude photos (sextortion)
- Sexting with anyone under the age of 18
These are serious offenses, and if you are charged with any of them, it may be in your best interests to treat them as such. At Suzuki Law Offices, our Goodyear internet sex crimes defense attorney can answer frequently asked questions and many others about these offenses. To learn more, contact us today.
Common Types of Internet Sex Crimes
Per Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) §13-3553, child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor are illegal. These may be internet sex crimes against children. Along with these, there are online sex crimes against adults, such as:
Unlawful Disclosure of Explicit Images
No one is allowed to display, publish, advertise, or distribute an image of someone else who is nude or involved in a sexual act with the intent to hurt someone else. For instance, someone may post a photo of another individual online as an act of harassment or intimidation. This violates the law, and the person behind the crime may be punished accordingly.
Surreptitious Recording
Photographing or recording someone engaged in sexual conduct is against the law. This is considered a violation of a person’s privacy. It may be classified as voyeurism.
Sex Trafficking
A person may use the internet to traffic an individual 18 or older for prostitution or sexually explicit acts. They may do so through coercion, force, or deception. In any of these instances, the person responsible may be charged with human trafficking.
Sexting
Based on ARS §8-309, it is considered unlawful for a minor to view, transmit, or possess sexually explicit material. In a case involving sexting between an adult and a minor or two children, a prosecutor may pursue the most severe charges possible. An adult found guilty of sexting with a minor may be sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
An internet sex crimes defense lawyer in Goodyear can provide additional information about these and other charges. They may review your case and give you personalized insights on how to contest the charges you face. Your attorney may help you prepare an argument designed to show the charges against you are not valid.
Penalties of a Conviction
The penalties of an internet sex crime conviction vary based on the charge. There are times when people face misdemeanors or felonies. Penalties associated with online sex crime convictions may include:
- Sexting a Minor Under the Age of 15: This may be treated as a dangerous crime against children and result in a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum 24-year prison sentence for every conviction.
- Sexting a Minor Between the Ages of 15 and 17: Penalties range from probation to up to 35 years in prison.
- Child Pornography: This is considered a class 2 felony, with a 10-year prison sentence for each piece of pornography.
An internet sex crimes defense attorney in Goodyear will not understate the penalties associated with a conviction. Instead, they will teach you about the possible outcomes of your case. They may work with you to develop an argument to compel the court to rule in your favor.
Collateral Consequences
You may have to register as a sex offender in Arizona following an internet sex crimes conviction. Sex offenders may be required to register within 10 days of their conviction. Once you submit your information, you stay on this registry for the rest of your life.
A sex crime conviction may impact your ability to get housing or a job. If you want a mortgage, you may have to disclose information about your conviction. Much in the same vein, if you want to work at a school or elsewhere, you may have to share details about your conviction.
Family members and friends may treat you differently if you are convicted of a sex crime. The relationships you have with family members and friends may disappear altogether due to your conviction. To avoid this scenario, it’s helpful to do everything you can to contest a charge before it leads to a conviction.
Defending Against Internet Sex Crimes
How you defend against an internet sex crime depends on your case. A state or federal crime defense lawyer may help you determine the best way to contest your charge. Legal strategies that may be used in an online sex crime case include:
- The defendant did not know the age of an individual in sexually explicit photos or videos.
- The defendant had a virus on their computer and, as such, had sexually explicit content downloaded onto it without their knowledge.
- The photos or videos in a case were used for artistic gratification.
A sex crime charge may not go away on its own. Without a legal defense, a prosecutor may be able to pursue the maximum penalties. An attorney may help you contest a charge to the point where you may be able to avoid a conviction.
Pretrial Diversion/Plea Agreements
Generally, pretrial diversion may not be an option in an internet sex crime case. This may be available if you have been charged with a drug crime. In lieu of pretrial diversion, you may be able to explore a plea agreement.
A plea bargain represents a settlement between a defendant and a prosecutor. It is not available in every case. If you agree to a plea deal, you accept a lesser charge and may be able to avoid a lengthy prison sentence or other major penalties.
If you hire an attorney, you may be able to move forward with a plea deal. Your lawyer may be able to propose a plea agreement and negotiate its terms with a prosecutor. This may allow you to resolve your case without having to go to trial.
Contact a Goodyear Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorney for Help
The team at Suzuki Law Offices blends compassionate legal guidance with aggressive client advocacy. We may be able to help you with your sex crimes case. To request a free consultation, contact us today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form