When you find yourself under investigation or charged with any type of crime, you may be on edge. However, few criminal offenses carry the stigma that comes with a sex crime accusation.
Even if you are ultimately acquitted, being accused of committing a sex crime can destroy your reputation and your career and make it impossible for you to pick up the pieces of your life.
With help from a leading Peoria sex crimes defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you may be able to safeguard your reputation and clear your name of these serious allegations. With the insight and experience of our former prosecutors, you have a chance to gain some perspective regarding how the district attorney might approach your case.
Schedule an initial consultation with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer at our firm to learn more about the possible consequences of a conviction and which defenses could be an option if you go to trial.
There Are Many Potential Sex Offenses You Could Be Facing in Maricopa County
Your Peoria sex crimes defense attorney has considerable experience protecting the rights of the accused. We have spent 15+ years honing our legal knowledge and trial experience.
Some of the most common types of offenses our clients have faced include:
- Child pornography under ARS §13-3553
- Internet sex crimes such as unlawful disclosure of images under ARS §13-1425
- Rape under ARS §13-1406
- Solicitation under ARS §13-1002
- Prostitution under ARS §13-3214
- Sexual exploitation of a minor under ARS §13-3553
- Sexual abuse under ARS §13-1404
- Child molestation under ARS §13-1410
Most sex offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences as described by the Supreme Court State of Arizona Criminal Code Sentencing Provisions if convicted. You can also expect to be ordered to register as a sex offender on the Arizona Sex Offender Registry.
If this happens, some of your most personal and identifying information will be made public, which could put you at risk.
Peoria Sex Crimes FAQ
Is Bail Granted in Sex Crime Cases?
Bail may be less likely to be granted in sex crime cases. This is because many sex offenses are also considered violent crimes, and the judge may not be willing to allow you to re-enter society if they believe you are a threat to the community.
However, not all sex offenses are violent, and even those that are may qualify for bail if we can prove that you are not a risk to yourself or others and that you will appear for your next court date.
Whether the alleged victim was seriously injured, if a deadly weapon was used, and other aggravating factors will all determine whether the judge is willing to grant bail and, if so, how much bail will be set at.
If you cannot bond, you may need to remain incarcerated until your case has been resolved. You may be able to work with a bail bondsman to post bond so you can get home to your family while you wait for your next court date.
What Is the Romeo and Juliet Defense?
Minors who engage in sexual activity may find themselves at risk for criminal charges. However, if minors engage in consensual sexual activity, the law does not believe they should be prosecuted.
Therefore, under the Romeo and Juliet offense, found under ARS §13-1407(E), as long as the activity was consensual, the alleged victim is between the ages of 15 and 17, and there are not more than two years between the minors, the Romeo and Juliet defense may protect them.
The Romeo and Juliet defense may also apply to individuals under the age of 19 if they are still in high school. When considering possible defense options, you may not be sure whether the Romeo and Juliet defense is right for your case.
Having our legal team scrutinize the evidence you can use in your criminal defense case and the state’s case against you can help you get your defense on the right track.
What Happens if I Do Not Register as a Sex Offender?
When you are initially released from prison, you will need to notify the county sheriff’s office where you are living. You must register on the sex offender registry with the sheriff’s office within 72 hours of your release. Be prepared to pay a $250 fee.
Depending on the charge you are convicted of, Arizona law may require sex offender registration for the rest of your life, according to ARS §13-3821.
If you fail to register as a sex offender as required by your sentence, you could face additional criminal charges under ARS §13-3824. If convicted, you could face considerable fines and spend up to 16 additional years in prison.
If I Am Convicted, Can I Apply for Expungement?
It depends on the type of sex crime you were convicted of. Generally, a sex crime conviction will disqualify you from expungement under ARS §13-911. This is because certain criminal offenses are not eligible for expungement, including:
- Aggravated felonies
- Crimes that involve intentional infliction of severe bodily injury
- Dangerous crimes against children
- Murder and other violent felonies
- Offenses that involve a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon
However, since not all sex offenses are necessarily violent or prosecuted at the felony level, it is possible that you could qualify for the sealing of your record.
You will need to file a petition with the court to request your record be sealed. You will need to wait until the waiting period has passed before you can file your petition.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for AZ Sex Crime Charges?
The statute of limitations determines how long the district attorney has to file criminal charges against you. Sex offenses are unique in that the statute of limitations varies depending on the type of sex offense you are accused of committing, with some sex crimes having no statute of limitations at all.
Generally, if you are accused of committing a felony sex offense, the statute of limitations may not expire until seven years from the date of the alleged offense, according to ARS §13-107.
Certain types of sex offenses have no statute of limitations, which means the prosecutor can file criminal charges at any time. Examples of such offenses include class two sexual exploitation of a child, child sex trafficking, violent sexual assault, and any felony offenses. If you are unsure how much longer the DA has to file charges against you, do not hesitate to consult your sex crimes defense lawyer in Peoria with Suzuki Law Offices for answers.
Connect with a Strategic Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Peoria for Help Today
You might have hoped to save money by working with a public defender to dodge a conviction. Unfortunately, far too many public defenders are overworked and lack the resources needed to build a compelling defense following the typical timeline of criminal cases.
When you need a private sex crimes defense attorney in Peoria with exceptional trial experience and a proven track record of acquittals, look no further than our legal representatives at Suzuki Law Offices.
For over 15 years, we have committed our practice to defending the accused and protecting the innocent. When you need to take action after being accused of a sex offense, our firm is here to guide you through the criminal process.
Complete our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form