Sex Offenses in Arizona are serious crimes requiring experienced intervention to work to reduce or even dismiss charges when possible. Your sentencing for an Arizona sex offense will depend on the charges you face and a conviction. Whether you are a repeat offender will also affect your sentencing.
Suzuki Law Offices’ past successes in representing clients against various sex offenses are evidence of our willingness to seek the most advantageous outcome for you. Once you sign up to work with a Phoenix sex crimes lawyer with our firm, you will receive a timely email stating who will represent your case, your points of contact, and initial follow-up calls from our team when your case requires additional attention. We will strive to mitigate these life-changing outcomes.
Sex Offense and Sentencing in Arizona
Six primary sexual offenses exist under Arizona law. Sex offenses range from Class 1 misdemeanors to Class 2 felonies, depending on the sex offense and the age of the alleged victim. Primary sexual offenses include:
- Indecent exposure
- Public sexual indecency
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual conduct with a minor
- Sexual assault
- Molestation of a child
The sentences for sex offenses in Arizona increase when the alleged victim is under the age of 15. Sentencing criteria are punishable under laws defining dangerous crimes against children. For example, indecent exposure, which usually carries sentences in line with a Class 1 misdemeanor, carries sentencing guidelines for a Class 6 felony when the alleged victim is under 15 years of age, meaning the time to contact a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer is now.
Jail Time May Be Part of an Arizona Sex Offense Sentence
Even first-time sex offenders face a mandatory minimum jail sentence. A sex crimes lawyer in Phoenix will fight to minimize the length of a sentence in your case. While Class 1 misdemeanors may face recommended sentences with jail time up to six months, other recommended sentences for first-time offenses may require jail time of 13 to 27 years.
Repeat offenses are subject to harsher sentences for sex offenses. Dangerous crimes against children involving minors 12 years of age or younger may face sentences of life for sex offenses in Arizona. Any charge of a sex offense demands immediate legal representation.
The Suzuki Law Offices team cannot guarantee a particular outcome in your case. However, our history of representing and winning sex crime cases is evidence of our commitment to your case. Furthermore, we treat every client with the dignity and respect they deserve, no matter the charges.
Penalty Assessments Are Part of Sentencing
As part of typical sentences for sex offenses in Arizona, you will pay various fees that apply. Waiving many of the assessments is prohibited by law. Costs to you may include:
- Fines and surcharges, depending on a misdemeanor or felony conviction, are assessed up to $500 and reach up to $150,000 per charge, not including surcharges
- Assessment fees for every conviction or delinquency finding for a Dangerous Crime Against Children(DCAC) or sexual assault equaling $500
- Payment of $9 to Victim Funds for every conviction or finding of responsibility
- Payment of $2 to Victim’s Rights Enforcement Funds for every conviction or finding of responsibility
- Monthly probation fees
- Other fees as they apply to your case
A Phoenix sex crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices will seek evidence to pursue a reduction in sentencing when it is possible. However, mandatory fees may be non-negotiable. Contact our firm to discuss typical sentencing fees for sex offenses.
Sex Offenses Require Registering with the Sheriff’s Office
A conviction of a qualified sex offense also requires you to adhere to Arizona registration and notification laws by registering as part of sentencing. As a convicted sex offender, you must give notice within ten days in the county where you live. You will also need to provide the following:
- An electronic fingerprint
- Any names that you are known by
- Online identifying information, such as an email address and screen names
- Recent picture
- Blood sample
- Mailing address
Your level of risk to the community may also require notifying your neighbors of a sex offense conviction. Failure to register may extend probation. In instances where prior felony convictions exist, failing to register may result in up to 15 years in prison.
Residency Restrictions and Sex Offense Sentences in Arizona
Your risk level to the community will also determine where you may live once a jail or prison term is complete. Probation terms may also restrict where you may reside (A.R.S. §13-3727). Residency restrictions may include the prohibited residency within 1,000 feet of the following:
- Public or private schools
- Daycare facilities
- The alleged victim’s residence without the written consent of the victim
Violating residency sentencing guidelines for sex offenses may result in the conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor. In instances where more than one violation exists, a charge of a Class 6 felony may result. Discuss any residency concerns or violations with a sex crimes attorney in Phoenix at our firm.
Other Sex Offense Sentences
The Department of Public Safety possesses the discretion to change your risk level assessment based on information they discover, requiring you to accept their determination of your risk level or undergo an additional risk assessment. Risk level assessment standards are not consistent nationwide. Additional sentencing requirements may include:
- Registering as a sex offender within the county you are vacationing
- Completing a change of address within 72 hours of relocating
- Obtaining a credential from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) identifying you as a sex offender
Failure to follow these sentencing guidelines may result in additional charges and mandatory fees. You need Suzuki for guidance in adhering to sentences in an Arizona sex offense conviction. We also work to help you prevent further charges.
Let Us Answer Your Arizona Sex Offense Sentencing Questions
Suzuki Law Offices recognizes the significant restrictions you face with the conviction of an Arizona sex offense. As your legal representative, an attorney with our team will work diligently to protect your rights and inform you of typical sentences for sex offenses. Schedule a free consultation to discuss an Arizona criminal defense.
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