An accusation of sexual assault can turn your life upside down. You’ve been arrested and charged, and you may not ever be sure why. Sometimes, it comes down to one person’s word against yours, and you may feel like the police and prosecution aren’t treating you fairly.
The authorities have a job to do when they believe someone is being harmed, but they must also respect your civil rights. And, unfortunately, the cops sometimes get things wrong. Our East Valley Phoenix sexual assault lawyers will work to make sure your side of the story is heard.
Our team at Suzuki Law Offices has decades of legal experience. We stand up for the rights of those accused of criminal activity in Arizona. Call today to schedule your consultation and learn how our East Valley Phoenix sex crimes lawyers can help with your case.
How Our Team Can Assist With Your Sexual Assault Charges
Law enforcement and prosecutors come down hard on those they believe have committed violent sex crimes. You may cooperate, and your story might make sense, but it can still feel like the deck is stacked against you. It’s never a good idea to handle your case yourself.
You need a law firm that has the empathy to understand what you are going through, and the clout to take on the criminal justice system and win. When you are arrested for a serious crime, you need Suzuki. We will fight for a fair outcome that mitigates the impact of your charges.
Our award-winning East Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers are led by our founding attorney, R.J. Suzuki, who is a former federal prosecutor. We know how the justice system works, and we have a strong track record of success.
Understanding Your Sexual Assault Charges
Sexual assault is usually a class 2 felony, one of the most serious felony levels in Arizona. It involves knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without the other person’s consent.
What qualifies as sexual assault under Arizona law includes situations where:
- The person is coerced by force or threat.
- The person is incapable of consent due to intoxication, drugs, unconsciousness, or mental impairment.
- The person is deceived about the nature of the act.
Our East Valley Phoenix sexual assault attorneys will review your charges and discuss potential options, such as seeking a plea deal or fighting your accusation in court. Our team will examine evidence and push to have it excluded if it was improperly obtained.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in East Valley Phoenix
Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1406 outlines the definition of sexual assault, as well as the penalties you may face if you are convicted. Consequences are usually severe and depend on the circumstances of your case. Even first-time offenders can face mandatory prison time, such as:
- Minimum sentence: 5.25 years
- Presumptive sentence: 7 years
- Maximum sentence: 14 years
Aggravating Factors in Sexual Assault Cases
The presumptive sentence is the standard term a judge will impose unless there are factors that justify a shorter or longer sentence. Certain circumstances can lead to much harsher sentencing.
These aggravating factors may include:
- Use or threatened use of a deadly weapon
- Infliction of serious physical injury
- Involvement of multiple perpetrators
- Prior felony convictions
When one of these factors is present, courts may impose greater penalties that exceed the standard sentencing range, potentially resulting in decades in prison. If the person is under 15, the charge becomes a Dangerous Crime Against Children and can mean life imprisonment.
Potential Defenses for Sexual Assault Charges
With so much on the line, it is obvious that a strong defense is extremely important. Some of the strategies our sexual assault lawyers in East Valley Phoenix may consider could include:
- Consent: The alleged sexual activity was mutually agreed upon, and no force, coercion, or incapacity was involved.
- False allegations: Through evidence, we may attempt to prove that the claim is fabricated.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the person who committed the act.
- Procedural or evidence Issues: Law enforcement obtained evidence improperly.
- Consent misunderstanding: You honestly and reasonably believed the alleged victim consented.
Consult with Our East Valley Phoenix Sexual Assault Attorneys
If you have been charged with sexual assault, you are right to be worried. Arizona has some of the toughest penalties for sex crimes in the country, and a conviction can carry severe consequences. Do not try to take on the criminal justice system on your own.
Our East Valley Phoenix sexual assault attorneys will review available evidence to make sure your rights were not violated and work to counter the prosecution’s story. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate the impact your charges will have on your life so you can put this behind you.
Since 2007, Suzuki Law Offices has helped ensure that those charged with criminal actions such as sexual assault get the fair treatment they are promised under the law. Call today to set up a consultation where we can discuss your case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form