If you are charged with rape or facing questions that seem to indicate you could be, now is the most critical time to speak to a rape defense lawyer in Benson who can guide you. At Suzuki Law Offices, we provide our clients with exceptional legal guidance as they face the most challenging battle of their lifetime.
Before you face conviction and unfair consequences, contact our Benson sex crimes lawyer for a free consultation. Our firm was founded in 2007 and is available to you 24/7, even on weekends.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy
Our Benson criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly review every piece of evidence the prosecution has against you and create a comprehensive strategy that identifies weaknesses in their case. We examine all available evidence to challenge allegations and protect your rights.
Some of the evidence we may seek to support your defense includes:
- Witness statements that support your claims or refute the allegations made against you
- Text messages, emails, or other communications that demonstrate consent or contradict the accuser’s timeline
- Video surveillance or photographic evidence from the time period in question
- Medical records or forensic evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s narrative
- Character witnesses and alibi evidence that establish your whereabouts
- Expert testimony regarding forensic evidence, digital communications, or psychological factors
Not every case can be proven innocent, but you can expect us to work diligently to demonstrate that the accusations made against you are inaccurate, misleading, or simply wrong. Our sex crimes defense lawyer approach focuses on thorough investigation and strategic advocacy.
With decades of experience as a former state and federal prosecutor, our attorney will have the resources necessary to pursue legal action on your behalf. Let us fight for you.
Understanding Rape Laws in Benson, Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 13-1406, a person commits sexual assault, also known as rape, by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who does not provide consent or cannot provide consent for these actions.
These types of charges are class 2 felonies, carrying a minimum sentence of 5.25 years in prison for a first-time offense. One core component of this law is demonstrating that the person did not provide consent, which could include the following:
- Coercion: The victim was coerced by the immediate use or threatened use of force against a person or property.
- Lack of ability to provide consent: This may include being unable to provide consent because they have a mental disorder or mental defect. It could also apply if the person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was sleeping at the time, or had some other impairment of cognition.
- Deceit: The victim was intentionally deceived in the nature of the act or was led to believe the person was the victim’s spouse.
Our legal team will work to determine if these elements are applicable in your case as we build your defense. You can expect us to be diligent in pursuing all possible evidence to demonstrate inaccuracies in claims made against you. A skilled sexual assault lawyer in Benson understands how to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of consent and circumstantial evidence.
Potential Penalties for Rape Convictions in Benson
Anyone charged with such a crime needs to understand the serious consequences they face. Sexual assault is a class 2 felony with its own sentencing range under Arizona law.
A person convicted of rape could face the following outcomes:
- First offense: A presumptive sentence of 7 years, with a range of 5.25 to 14 years
- Second offense: A presumptive sentence of 10.5 years, with a range of 7 to 21 years
- Third offense: A presumptive sentence of 15.75 years, with a range of 14 to 28 years
In situations where a person is convicted of more than one sexual assault, they could face additional time. For a single sexual assault conviction with two or more prior felony convictions, the per-count maximum is 28 years. ARS 13-1406(C) requires that sentences for multiple sexual assault convictions be served consecutively, so total exposure would exceed 28 years and could be as high as 56 years or more depending on the number of counts and prior felonies.
Beyond incarceration, a rape conviction carries lifetime sex offender registration requirements, significant restrictions on where you can live and work, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation. These collateral consequences make aggressive defense representation essential from the earliest stages of your case.
How Our Benson Rape Defense Attorney Supports Your Best Outcome
When you meet with our legal team at Suzuki Law Offices, we will provide you with clarity on what you are facing and your rights. We spend the time learning the details of what occurred in your situation and gathering any information that could help us to create a defense strategy for you.
Each situation is unique, and there is no straightforward way to prove innocence. However, with our experience, we have the resources and tools necessary to exhaust all potential avenues. Our criminal defense attorney in Benson will investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial police contact through evidence collection and witness interviews.
You can expect our legal team to be honest with you about what your defense options are and to give you our attention throughout your case. We maintain open communication, keep you informed of developments, and prepare you for each stage of the legal process.
Schedule a meeting with a lawyer dedicated to the client’s best interests. Expect our rape defense legal team to be the resource you need in these difficult cases. Regardless of the evidence, you have rights, and we are committed to fighting for them.
What to Do if You Are Being Questioned About Rape
If you are facing questioning of any type about a sex crime, keep calm and follow the instructions of the police officer. Simply state that you would like to speak to your attorney and give them our information.
We do not recommend answering any questions without an attorney present. It does not show you are guilty by bringing an attorney into this process. In fact, it demonstrates that you are aware of your rights and are prepared to take action.
Allegations like this change the course of a person’s life, no matter whether they are true or not. When it happens to you, your best possible outcome is always our goal. Read our client reviews and testimonials today to learn more.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Rape Defense Attorney in Benson Now
Suzuki Law Offices brings decades of experience to your case and the knowledge of how the prosecution works to build their case against you. Our background as former prosecutors gives us unique insight into prosecution strategies and how to counter them effectively.
Contact our rape defense lawyer in Benson now for an honest conversation about your legal rights and options. We take pride in offering our clients unfailing support in their most challenging cases.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form