If you’re convicted of sexual conduct with a minor, you will have to deal with the consequences for the rest of your life. Talk with a sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer in Florence if you’ve been charged with this criminal offense. Your attorney can explain your legal options and what to do to protect your rights.
Suzuki Law Offices has former prosecutors on staff to help you with your case. We can use our many years of experience to help you overcome legal challenges before these lead to a conviction. For more information, schedule a case consultation with a sex crimes lawyer in Florence from our team.
Why It Pays to Hire a Lawyer After You Are Arrested for Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Unfortunately, people will judge you in the days after you’ve been charged with sexual conduct with a minor. Regardless, you have the right to build a legal defense that may help you avoid a conviction. contest your criminal charge. Your sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney in Florence will help you exercise this right. Plus, they can
Your Florence criminal defense lawyer gives your case their undivided attention. Initially, they may ask you questions about your arrest. Your lawyer can review a police report and speak with witnesses who may be able to testify in court on your behalf. Doing these things and many others may help your attorney put together a legal strategy that resonates in court.
When you meet with the Suzuki Law Offices legal team, you may quickly discover why our clients trust us to provide exceptional care and support. Our team has insider knowledge of Arizona’s criminal justice system. We will use what we know to help you in the aftermath of your arrest. Contact us today to learn more.
Criminal Penalties if You Are Convicted of a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Offense in Florence
Sexual misconduct with a minor is defined in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-1405. The penalties you may receive if you’re convicted of this crime can depend on the age of the victim. Your Florence sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer can teach you about these penalties relative to your case.
If a victim is between the ages of 15 and 17, sexual conduct with a minor may be treated as a class 6 felony. The first time someone is convicted of this crime, they may receive a prison sentence that lasts up to two years, along with probation and fines. Repeat offenders may face enhanced penalties.
Alternatively, if a victim is under the age of 15, sexual conduct with a minor is considered a dangerous crime against children in alignment with ARS § 13-705. If a victim is under 12, the offense may be a class 2 felony, with penalties for a first-time charge including up to 27 years in prison. Or, if a victim is under 12, an offender may face 35 years to life in prison.
Collateral Consequences of a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Conviction
Per A.R.S. § 13-1405, those convicted of sexual conduct with a minor must register as a sex offender for life. This is the case no matter the victim’s age.
Your inclusion on the sex offender registry can damage your reputation. It can also affect you if you want to land a job, buy a home, or achieve other life milestones.
A sexual conduct with a minor conviction may prevent you from living near schools, parks, or other places where minors are known to frequent. Depending on the circumstances of your conviction, you may not be able to engage with minors, including your children, without permission from a probation officer or court.
There are times when people convicted of sexual conduct with a minor may have their internet use restricted or banned outright. In addition, having a criminal conviction on your record can keep you from traveling outside of Arizona or internationally.
Legal Defenses if You’ve Been Charged with Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Criminal defense lawyers can answer frequently asked questions or any others you have as they relate to your sexual conduct with a minor charge. Your attorney can account for the specifics of your case as they prepare their argument. They may use any of the following legal strategies to help you defend against a conviction:
Raising a Reasonable Doubt About the Prosecution’s Evidence
In your case, the prosecutor may have witness statements, forensic evidence, and other proof. Your attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and gather proof for their argument. They may challenge the prosecutor’s evidence to the point where the court may believe it doesn’t have grounds for convicting you.
Showing That Your Constitutional Rights Were Violated
The police may have chosen not to read your Miranda rights or unlawfully searched and seized your property at the time of your arrest. If either of these things happened, your lawyer may argue that your constitutional rights were breached. This may result in the suppression of evidence that the prosecution had intended to use, weakening their case.
Proving That Someone Falsely Accused You of a Crime
Someone motivated by revenge or jealousy may accuse you of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, leading to your arrest. Your lawyer can describe to the court that the allegation against you is false. To validate this point, your attorney may share your alibi or provide a wide range of evidence to make it clear to the court that you were falsely accused.
It is highly unlikely that you will get a plea deal in your sexual conduct with a minor case. Therefore, your attorney may commit substantial time and resources to get your case ready for trial. On top of that, they can describe what can occur during your trial proceedings and establish realistic expectations for them.
Work with a Florence Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Lawyer That Has a History of Excellence and Integrity
Let a Florence sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney from Suzuki Law Offices serve as your legal representative and advocate. Give us the opportunity to fight for your future. Discuss your case with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form