Being accused of sexual molestation can seem incredibly unfair and terrifying, especially when you know you do not deserve such charges. What further complicates matters is that the court and the community are already working against you.
With the guidance of Suzuki Law Offices and our Glendale sexual molestation defense lawyers, we can help you navigate your legal options. Schedule a free consultation now.
When you work with our Glendale sex crimes lawyer, you will be represented by a former federal prosecutor. Having someone with decades of experience from the other side of the aisle on your team is invaluable when building a defense to sex crimes charges in Arizona.
Protect Yourself with Legal Advocacy
At Suzuki Law Offices, we have over 20 years of experience defending those who are wrongly accused of incredible crimes like these. Once you contact our sexual molestation defense attorney in Glendale, we will begin working to build a strong case for you.
That means we provide you with several key benefits, such as:
- You can trust us to handle the questions. It is very common for law enforcement to try to coerce a statement out of you that makes you seem responsible. Let us handle the police so you do not jeopardize your future.
- We will build your proof. Our attorneys will work closely with you to build a strong, evidence-backed case that demonstrates you could not do what you are facing or that you do not deserve the worst possible outcome.
- We will aggressively fight for you in court. Our decades of experience will give you some peace of mind when you have to go to court. We will not leave your side but will fight for you.
- We can create a strong defense. Every defense strategy we create is unique to each case. Yet, our extensive experience building strong defenses in very difficult cases makes us the ideal support for your team.
- We listen to you. We know this is a life-changing situation, and we respect you. You can expect us to treat you like family, no matter what you are up against.
Any person being questioned or accused of sexual molestation faces an incredibly challenging legal process requiring a highly trained and dedicated attorney. Do not put your future on the line; instead, schedule some time to speak with our Glendale criminal defense lawyer about your case. Let us dive into what happened, what could occur, and what your rights are.
Sexual Molestation Under Arizona Law
Though sexual molestation can happen to anyone of any age, under ARS §13-1405, it typically refers to sexual conduct not involving sexual intercourse or oral sexual conduct with a minor. Child molestation is a sex crime that carries significant consequences for anyone convicted.
Under the law, sexual molestation is when the defendant knowingly and intentionally engages in sexual conduct with a person under the age of 15. “Sexual conduct” does not include penetration. However, it can include:
- Any type of unwanted sexual action, like direct or indirect touching or fondling
- Manipulating any other part of the body
- Unwanted sexual actions involving a body part or object
If you believe you are being accused of sexual molestation, no matter the innocence, set up a free consultation to discuss your case, evidence, and rights with a Glendale sexual molestation defense attorney. Without legal help, you may say or do something that could put your future on the line. Let our Glendale violent crimes lawyers help you.
Potential Consequences of a Sexual Molestation Conviction
Those convicted of sexual molestation face either a Class 2 or a Class 6 felony charge, punishable with time spent in prison. It is a Class 2 felony charge when it falls under ARS §13-705, which is child molestation specifically.
Arizona law defines this as a dangerous crime against children, which results in stricter consequences and legal outcomes. Potential consequences include:
- Minimum of 10 years in prison
- Presumptive 17-year prison sentence
- Maximum of 24 years in prison
- Second offenses lead to a minimum of 21 years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of 35 years
Other penalties can include lifetime sex offender registration, the loss of your job, and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
In a sexual abuse claim, these charges can be increased when the defendant is in a position of trust with the child, such as a teacher, clergy member, or family member. Because of the potential consequences, it is wise to contact our Glendale sexual molestation attorneys now for immediate guidance. Ask to speak to your attorney, call us, and then say nothing.
The Penalties are Harsher When the Conduct Involves a Child
Those who are accused of child sexual abuse face an intense level of criticism and stigma, even long before they are convicted of such a crime. That is why it is so important for you to understand all of the risks you face if you are convicted. The following are some of the long-term consequences of child molestation convictions in Arizona:
- You must register on the Arizona sexual offender registry. This will be maintained for the rest of your life.
- You cannot have any contact with any children under the age of 18. This includes your own children. There may be situations in which you can seek permission from your probation officer to see your children.
- Getting a loan to go back to school, buy a home, or buy a car becomes much harder.
- You may lose your job, and finding a new job can be very challenging with a felony conviction.
- You could experience bias and humiliation for the rest of your life. Relationships are likely to suffer.
If you are convicted, you may have trouble in every aspect of your life. Because of these risks, anyone accused of these crimes must seek out a sexual molestation defense lawyer in Glendale ready to fight for them.
How Child Molestation Charges are Defended in Arizona
Being charged doesn’t mean being convicted. A skilled defense attorney will look at every detail of the case: the evidence, the timeline, the people involved, and how the accusation came to be. We’ve built defenses in some of the most difficult cases imaginable, and we know where prosecutors are vulnerable.
Depending on the facts of your case, a defense strategy may include:
- Challenging the credibility of the accusation: Accusations are sometimes made during contentious custody disputes, family conflicts, or by children who have been coached or influenced by an adult. We investigate the source and circumstances of the claim carefully.
- Questioning the physical evidence: In many cases, there is little to no physical evidence. We work with forensic experts to scrutinize what the prosecution is relying on and expose weaknesses in their case.
- Establishing an alibi: If you were not present when the alleged incident occurred, we gather witness statements, records, and other documentation to prove it.
- Challenging improper investigative procedures: Law enforcement must follow strict rules when questioning children and collecting evidence. If those rules were violated, the evidence may be inadmissible.
- Demonstrating a lack of intent: The law requires that the act be knowing and intentional. If the contact was accidental or misinterpreted, that matters legally.
No two cases are the same, and your defense will be built around your specific situation. What matters is that you have an attorney who knows how to find those angles. RJ Suzuki, as a former federal prosecutor, knows exactly how the other side builds its case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Glendale Sexual Molestation Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing criminal charges of sexual assault, sexual molestation, or any type of sex crime, a criminal defense attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. There is no cost to speak to our Glendale sexual molestation defense lawyer or supportive staff. We always provide our clients with fair, open, and insightful legal support they need.
When you contact Suzuki Law Offices, you gain a confident, proven, and highly aggressive attorney who has the sole goal of fighting for you. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form