A charge of sexual conduct with a minor is a serious one that may have lifelong consequences. The penalties are harsh, and the reputational harm that comes from having this felony conviction on your record is permanent.
Legal representation will be crucial to your case, and our Chandler sex crimes lawyer at Suzuki Law Offices is ready to defend your rights with decades of experience. If you or someone close to you is facing this charge, the best thing they can do right now is to contact our Chandler sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer.
What You Can Expect When You Choose Suzuki Law Offices As Your Law Firm
With such a serious charge casting a shadow over your future, you need an experienced lawyer with a strong reputation. The National Trial Lawyers has named Richard Suzuki among the top 100 criminal defense lawyers in Arizona.
- We have earned respect in the legal community thanks to the integrity and diligence we exercise on behalf of our clients.
- Benefit from your right to representation. We are always available, and we will prioritize your crisis. Call us 24/7.
- Our lead attorney, Mr. R.J. Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor. He understands prosecution strategies and implements strong defense tactics.
- Our law firm has a skilled investigative team that may uncover facts to strengthen your defense.
We understand that your charge comes as a shock, both to you and your family. Our Chandler criminal defense lawyers are here to answer questions, provide clarity, and offer advice in any way we can. Suzuki is not just another lawyer. Suzuki is your lawyer.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedExamples of Defenses That a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Lawyer in Chandler May Consider
Defense strategies will depend on the circumstances specific to your case. You can help by being absolutely honest about what occurred. Remember, anything you say to us will be handled with utmost confidentiality. Possible defense strategies may include:
- The victim has made false allegations against you. For example, our lawyer may find they have a history of making untruthful claims against others, or you may have evidence that you could not have been present when the alleged crime occurred.
- Under A.R.S. § 13-1407, subsection E, also known as the “Romeo and Juliet Law,” the sexual conduct was a consensual act between young people of a similar age.
- Errors occurred during the investigation, or your rights were violated, and certain evidence is inadmissible.
- You are not a child predator. Your psychiatric evaluation and previous record show that you would not knowingly harm a minor.
Thanks to expert witnesses and careful investigations, we will determine whether there are aspects of the prosecution’s case that should be questioned. Their task is to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We will see whether their case can withstand scrutiny.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Penalties for Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Arizona
Although we will work to alleviate your concerns and advocate for your rights, you should be aware of the potential consequences if you are found guilty. The following penalties for sexual conduct with a minor may apply:
- Sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 15 and 18: This is a Class 6 felony punishable by 4 months to 2 years in prison with a possibility of lifelong probation.
- If the case matches the description above and you were in a position of trust, it is regarded as a Class 2 felony, and you may be sentenced to between 3 and 12.5 years in prison.
- When the alleged victim is younger than 15, the matter is viewed in light of Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-705, and penalties are more stringent. If they are between 12 and 15, a sentence of between 13 and 27 years in prison may be passed.
- When an alleged victim is younger than 12, a sentence of life imprisonment is a real possibility.
As you can see, these penalties are very severe. A single conviction can lead to lengthy imprisonment. However, the consequences can be even more far-reaching, extending beyond the time you spend serving your sentence.
Click to contact our Chandler Sex Crimes Lawyers today
The Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction for Sexual Conduct with a Minor
In all the above instances, a person who is convicted must be registered as a sex offender for the rest of their life, and their criminal record will appear in background checks. This means that you face a slew of additional limitations if you are convicted:
- Career limitations: Prospective employers carry out background checks and may prefer not to hire you. If you worked with minors in your profession, you will no longer be able to practice it.
- Restrictions on where you can live: Landlords may not want to rent homes or apartments out to you, and homeowner associations will not give you the green light.
- Loss of certain rights: For example, you may face restrictions on your freedom of movement and be barred from adopting or fostering children.
- Social stigma: You may be shunned by people in your community, leading to isolation and even harassment.
- Restrictions on internet use that you may find limiting.
With all of this in mind, fighting the charges against you will be crucial to your future. Your sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney in Chandler will do their utmost on your behalf. Our successful track record shows that you are in good hands.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
No Matter What You Believe Happened, Get Strong Representation
Whatever the circumstances surrounding your case, you should never consider facing your charges in court without a Chandler sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney. Your future may depend on effective representation.
For example, Suzuki Law Offices won a sex crime case involving 20 counts. The man who was charged was completely innocent, but he may have faced life imprisonment without our intervention. We used expert witnesses to show that he was telling the truth, and the alleged victim later admitted to lying.
Even when the case for the prosecution is too strong to counter, we often help by providing evidence showing that the most stringent sentences should not apply. The law protects your rights, but it takes a lawyer to make it work for you.
How You Can Affect Outcomes After Being Charged With Sexual Conduct with a Minor
The first thing you should do after being arrested is to exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak with police until you have consulted your Chandler sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer. Call Suzuki Law Offices. We are always available.
Next, be patient while the legal process runs its course. We will keep you updated on any developments. Compassionate representation begins with us, and we treat our clients like you’d treat your family. Call us now. We are here to help.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form