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Sex Crimes

Sex Crime Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

Put a Former Federal Prosecutor on Your Defense in Maricopa County

If you’ve been charged or accused of any type of sex crime, it’s critical that you contact a Phoenix sex crime attorney immediately. Richard Suzuki has a tremendous amount of experience defending people accused of serious sex crimes. As a former state and federal prosecutor, Mr. Suzuki has the experience necessary to defend his clients against serious charges. He uses his investigators, retired law enforcement, to investigate each case and aggressively defend your rights.

Aggressive, experience, teamwork – these three words describe what you can expect when you work with our firm. At Suzuki Law Offices, two sex crime defense lawyers are assigned to each case, not just one. You get an experienced legal team to fight for your rights. That's the definition of quality service, and that's how you get results. Don’t let a single accusation jeopardize your future; turn to our Phoenix sex crime attorneys for the aggressive, skilled and effective defense you need.

Arrested for a sex crime in Phoenix, Arizona? Call us at (602) 842-6762 to request a free consultation.

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We Handle All Types of Sex Crime Charges

From rape to sexual conduct with a minor, there is no case too serious for Suzuki Law Offices to handle. As former state and federal prosecutors, we know how the other side of the courtroom operates. This could mean the difference between a lifetime in prison and your freedom. For this reason, you shouldn’t wait to get the help that you need.

We defend clients against all types of sex crime charges, including:

Arizona Sex Crime Penalties Are Severe

Sex crimes carry mandatory prison terms and flat time (no early release).

Flat terms may include:

  • Sexual assault / rape: 5 to 14 years
  • Child pornography: 10 to 24 years
  • Child molestation: 10 to 24 years (35 to life if child is under 12)
  • Sexual conduct with a minor: 13 years to life
  • Prostitution: 15 to 180 days

Using Risk Assessment Tests In Defenses

Psychological testing can be an important element in many sex crime cases. Our goal is to show the judge or jury that you are an unlikely perpetrator or that you are not likely to re-offend. In order to so, we may work with doctors and psychiatrists who can perform thorough evaluations and develop treatment plans that we can present to the court. Participating in a risk assessment test doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you; it means that we are building a solid defense.

Speak with a Phoenix Sex Crime Defense Attorney 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Attorney Richard Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor. We know that the prosecution will work hard to convict you, but we will work harder to defend you. Suzuki Law Offices is based in Phoenix, AZ.

Suzuki Law Offices Is Backed by Trial Success

In a recent case that we handled, an innocent man was charged with 20 counts of sexual contact with a minor. He spent 18 months in prison, and faced the possibility of life behind bars. The minor later changed her story, and we worked to get the charges dropped. 

In Maricopa County alone, 166 people were arrested for forcible rape in 2012. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting these crimes. We are responsible for defending the accused.

Request a free consultation at (602) 842-6762. When your future, reputation and freedom are on the line, you have no time to waste!

A HISTORY OF BEING THERE WHEN YOU NEED US MOST

Client Reviews

  • "He answered all my questions free of charge and was very helpful."
    Linda
  • "Richard J Suzuki is an outstanding lawyer, extremely professional and responsive. The absolute best experience, my family and I were beyond content with the overall outcome."
    Rosa
  • "When I got into trouble with the law I didn’t know where to turn.  Mr. O’Sullivan was immediately assigned to my case and I felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders."
    Justine F

Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Arizona

If you are convicted of a sexual offense in Arizona, there is a good chance that you will be required to register as a sex offender. Crimes like sexual abuse, child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor all require mandatory sex offender registration. Once you are released from prison, you will be assigned a “risk level”—with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest.

Depending on your risk factor, different parties may be notified of your status as a sex offender, including:

  • Level 1 Offender: Law enforcement agencies only
  • Level 2 Offender: Community organizations involved with children
  • Level 3 Offender: All of the above, as well as your neighbors

Once you are released from custody, you will have 10 days to register with the county sheriff. Local authorities must be notified if you wish to relocate. If you are visiting Arizona for 10 days or longer, you would be required to register in the state. If you have been designated a Level 3 sex offender, you will also be prohibited from living within 1,000 feet or a school or daycare center.

These are just a few of the consequences that sex offender registration could have on your life.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, call (602) 842-6762 today to protect your rights.

Phoenix Sex Crimes Defense FAQ

What should I do if I have been accused of a sex crime?

If you have been accused of a sex crime, you should contact a defense attorney immediately. Use your right to stay silent unless you have your attorney present. Even if you have only been accused and not formally charged, there is likely an ongoing investigation. By hiring a defense lawyer right away, they can intervene and possibly convince the state to drop the investigation entirely, which would keep your criminal record clean.

What should I expect during the criminal defense process for a sex crime?

When you are formally charged with a sex crime in Arizona, you can expect that the state and its prosecutors will pressure you to admit guilt. If you hire a lawyer to defend you, then they can start by making sure that your rights are respected and upheld during the investigation and early stages of the case. Your attorney will need to sit down with you during confidential discussions about how to build your defense, and whether a plea deal should be considered. At all points, your attorney will be planning on how to defend you in court, too.

What is the role of a criminal defense attorney in a sex crime case?

Your sex crime defense attorney’s primary role will be to make sure that you have the greatest chance at the best possible outcome for your case, which could be a not-guilty verdict, case dismissal, or charge reduction. Your lawyer’s secondary role will be keeping you informed as the case progresses, so you can feel confident that everything is being handled well and that your rights as an accused person are being respected.

What are some common defense strategies for sex crime charges?

One of the most common arguments in defense against sex crime charges is that the victim consented to the sexual acts, or that consent could have been reasonably interpreted by the accused. Another common defense tactic is to challenge the results of any laboratory tests, such as inconclusive DNA tests. Or a sex crime defense attorney might try to prove that the state collected evidence through unlawful means, which would render such evidence inadmissible.

Can sex crime charges be dismissed or reduced?

Sex crime charges can be dismissed if the state determines that there isn’t enough evidence to reasonably secure a conviction. Sex charges can also be reduced if new evidence suggests that the original charges are inaccurate or can’t be proven in court. For example, sexual assault could be reduced to sexual misconduct or a similar sex crime with lower potential penalties. Your defense attorney can be instrumental in getting the charges dismissed or reduced.

What are the differences between state and federal sex crime charges?

State-level sex crime charges are based on Arizona laws. Federal sex crime charges are based on federal laws. If you are charged with a sex crime in Phoenix, then most of the charges will likely be state-level crimes. However, if the alleged sex crimes involved a minor or online communications, then federal charges could be used, too. It changes from case to case, so you should always speak with an attorney if you need more information about the details of your sex crime charges.

Free Consultations Available Contact Our Offices

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (602) 842-6762.

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