A charge of sexual conduct with a minor is extremely serious. If convicted in Arizona, you face a lengthy sentence, which can include life in prison in the most extreme cases. Your personal and professional lives will be ruined, and you will be forced to register as a sex offender.
Even the accusation means people will form opinions that may not be fair or accurate. You have the right to tell your story, but you’ll need legal help. Our East Valley Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor lawyers can examine the evidence and seek the best possible resolution.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we understand the justice system because our founding attorney, R.J. Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor. Since 2007, our East Valley Phoenix sex crimes lawyers have represented those accused of criminal activity. Call for a consultation.
How Can an Attorney Help With Sexual Conduct With a Minor Charges?
Whatever the future might bring, you give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome to your case when you align yourself with a knowledgeable legal team.
Some of the ways our East Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers may be able to help with your case are described below.
Explain Your Charges
Some people accused of sex crimes aren’t sure what they did wrong. We will help you understand the charges you are facing, including the potential penalties and other consequences, and offer advice on the best way to proceed.
Protect Your Rights
No matter what you have been accused of, you have rights. Our legal team will work to make sure you are treated fairly. We’ll check whether the police violated your civil rights during your arrest or the investigation, and take action if they did.
Review the Evidence Against You
We have several former law enforcement investigators on our staff. We’ll investigate the allegations against you and review all of the prosecution’s evidence. We will push to have any irrelevant or improperly obtained evidence thrown out.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
When the situation permits, we can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal or a reduction in your sentencing. In Arizona, success will depend on the exact charges you are facing, input from the victim, and the overall facts surrounding your case.
Build an Effective Defense
If you decide to fight your charges, we will work to create a defense that counters the prosecution’s evidence and calls their narrative into question. Depending on your case, we may be able to secure a reduction in charges or an acquittal.
Advocate for You in Court
We will stand up for you in all legal proceedings to push back against the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence and make your case in front of a judge and jury.
Our East Valley Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor attorneys may present evidence, call witnesses, and present experts on your behalf.
What Is Sexual Conduct With a Minor in Arizona?
Outlined in ARS § 13-1405, sexual conduct with a minor generally refers to intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with a person under 18 years old. Under Arizona law, minors cannot legally consent to such conduct, regardless of the circumstances.
Penalties are severe and depend largely on the age of the minor involved. If the minor is under 15, the offense is classified as a dangerous crime against children. It carries a mandatory prison sentence, with no eligibility for probation or early release in most cases.
Typical sentences for sex offenses in Arizona can start at over a decade in prison and can increase significantly based on the circumstances. If the alleged victim suffered serious physical injury or if aggravating factors are present, the accused may face the possibility of life imprisonment.
What Are Possible Defenses Against Sexual Conduct With a Minor Charges?
Defenses against sexual conduct with a minor charges depend on the specific facts of the case. Our sexual conduct with a minor lawyers in East Valley Phoenix will consider all available defenses.
We might:
- Demonstrate that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
- Establish that you have been misidentified as the alleged offender
- Present evidence indicating that the allegations are false or fabricated
- Challenge whether the alleged incident occurred as described
- Argue that your conduct in question does not meet the legal elements required for a conviction
There are limited Romeo and Juliet laws in Arizona that apply in certain situations where the alleged victim and alleged assailant are close in age, particularly when both parties are teenagers.
Talk to Our East Valley Phoenix Sexual Conduct With a Minor Attorneys
If you have been accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor, it is understandable if you feel like your life is over. This is an emotional issue, and many people will decide you are guilty without even knowing the real story. Whatever the truth, you need a lawyer on your side.
Law enforcement and the criminal justice system come down hard on those they believe are sex offenders, especially when it involves children. Our East Valley Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor attorneys will work to find the best outcome to your case, which could include an acquittal.
Suzuki Law Offices will handle your case and make sure your voice is heard. Call today for a consultation and tell us what happened.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form