Hiring a Chandler sexual assault defense lawyer is essential if you have been arrested for sexual assault. Without representation, you could face considerable punishments that eliminate or limit your freedoms.
Sexual assault charges can also affect your housing and employment options, as well as your relationships. With more than 20 years of experience and prosecutorial backgrounds, Suzuki Law Offices is equipped to help you fight the charges against you.
If you have been arrested, the most important thing to do is hire a Chandler sex crimes lawyer and let them speak on your behalf. Our team protects your rights and prevents you from saying or doing anything that will jeopardize your case.
How a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chandler Can Help With Your Case
If you have been arrested for sexual assault, you may be overwhelmed by the legal process and what it means for your future. Your Chandler criminal defense lawyer can help you in numerous ways, including by:
- Discussing your options and what to expect
- Helping you prepare for a number of outcomes
- Providing clarity on how to move forward and deal with collateral consequences
- Taking the time to craft a strong defense for your situation, including learning everything we can about the allegations against you
- Reviewing the prosecution’s evidence so we can understand its strengths and weaknesses and respond accordingly
- Filing motions to have evidence dismissed or submitting documentation for consideration on your behalf.
We do more than defend your freedoms. You have Constitutional rights to due process, and we protect them fiercely at every step. We will also ensure that all evidence and processes are appropriately handled and act swiftly on your behalf when violations occur.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is one of several types of sex offenses that you can be charged with, so it is important to understand the legal definition of a sex offense in Arizona.
Each type of offense has its own nuances and must be handled differently. Sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse or oral contact with another adult without their consent (A.R.S. 13-406).
Sexual assault may also be classified as violent if a deadly or dangerous weapon is used to inflict harm while committing sexual assault, according to A.R.S. 13-1423.
This would be one such example of an aggravating factor. An individual who commits a violent sexual offense may be subject to a life sentence without release if convicted.
Given the seriousness of these crimes, legal representation is a must for making sure you get the most favorable outcome possible. You could be facing either a misdemeanor or felony charge, and both can result in a loss of freedom and steep fines.
What to Do When You Are Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault
False accusations are not to be taken lightly and require swift action to ensure you do not take the blame for a crime you did not commit. Do not talk to the police on your own. Hire a lawyer, and work with your lawyer to collect evidence and testimonies for your defense.
A Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Chandler Can Help You Avoid These Common Sentences for Sexual Assault
Arizona takes sex offenses seriously and punishes them accordingly. Any sentence is dependent on the severity of the offense, mitigating and aggravating factors, prior convictions, and a prosecutor’s or judge’s discretion. Additionally, sentences for misdemeanor and felony offenses may vary in length and severity.
Some typical sentences for sex offenses in Arizona include time spent in jail or prison, anywhere from a few months to 28 years. Additionally, offenders may face up to $150,000 in fines and be required to pay other applicable fees as well. Residency restrictions may be placed on you and require you to maintain a distance from educational and child care facilities.
Additionally, given the nature of the offense, individuals may also be required to register as a sex offender with the local county sheriff’s office.
Depending on the severity of the offense, this punishment may be taken a step further and require you to alert your neighbors to your conviction, register with the county on vacation, and/or change your address soon after a move.
Common Defenses an Attorney May Use in Your Sexual Assault Case
A strong defense is key to your case. The burden of proof is on the prosecution in a criminal case, and they must ensure there is no reasonable doubt in order to convict you.
Your defense is designed to rebut those charges and exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, so there is doubt about whether or not you could have committed the crime.
Common defenses used in these types of cases may include:
- You have an alibi for the event in question.
- The other party gave their legal consent.
- The prosecution does not have sufficient or conclusive evidence.
- Inconsistencies in statements provided by victims or witnesses.
- False accusations or misidentification.
- Law enforcement violated your Constitutional rights or due process.
These defenses, along with mitigating factors, can work to reduce or eliminate your charges. Your Chandler sexual assault defense attorney will ensure that your defense is customized to withstand the case against you and avoid losing your freedom. They are equipped to challenge the evidence and arguments against you to get better results.
Contact Suzuki Law Offices Today
Suzuki Law Offices defends you against allegations of sexual assault. With hefty punishments that could threaten your freedom and your future, a sexual assault defense lawyer in Chandler protects your rights and crafts a solid defense.
We are committed to providing you with excellent representation that improves the outcome of your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a team that is always available to help.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form