When you have been accused of or charged with a sex offense, it is crucial that you take steps to protect your reputation. Even the allegation of committing a sex crime could destroy your future whether you are convicted or ultimately acquitted. Having a strategically aggressive Goodyear criminal defense lawyer on your side could make all the difference in the success of your case.
If you hope to avoid the life-altering penalties associated with a guilty verdict, connect with a highly experienced Goodyear sex crimes lawyer with Suzuki Law Group. You need a criminal defender who will represent your best interests and ensure you understand the severity of a conviction. Contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation today and discuss which defenses may have the best potential outcome for your case.
Sex Crimes in Maricopa County Carry Devastating Penalties
The consequences that follow a sex crime conviction could permanently alter the course of your life. Not only are you subject to criminal penalties, but the collateral fallout once you have completed your sentence will continue to haunt you, even if you are fortunate enough to obtain a plea agreement. The specific penalties you could be facing will vary widely depending on the type of sex crime and question, the age of the alleged victim, whether you have a history of sex crime convictions on your criminal record, and whether there are any aggravating or mitigating factors present.
Sentencing Requirements for Convicted Sex Offenders
Many of the sex crime charges carry mandatory minimum sentences. Usually, this could include fines, potential restitution to the alleged victim, and, of course, jail or prison time. Some examples of potential sentencing requirements based on the type of sex crime conviction include:
- As much as 180 days in jail for a prostitution conviction
- As much as 14 years in prison for a sexual assault or rape con
- Up to 24 years in jail or prison for a child pornography or child molestation conviction
- Life in prison for sexual conduct with a minor or molestation of a child under the age of 12 conviction
Your sex crimes lawyer in Goodyear understands the severity of the allegations against you. It is our job to ensure you understand the consequences you are facing so you can make the best decisions regarding your defense strategy. It is our goal to challenge potentially lengthy terms of incarceration and other consequences or potentially get the charges against you reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed altogether.
Registration as a Sex Offender Upon Release
Most sex offenders are required to register with the Arizona Sex Offender Registry. Many sex crime convictions require mandatory sex offender registration, including convictions for sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse, and child molestation. Your sex offender registration status will be based on your “risk level.”
Law enforcement agencies alone are notified of a convicted sex offender’s Level One offender status. However, law enforcement agencies, community organizations involving children, and even neighbors are notified when a Level Three sex offender registers in the area. After being released from police custody, you will have up to 10 days to register with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Level three sex offender designations are prohibited from residing within 1,000 feet of a daycare center or school. If you are hoping to move out of the county or state, you will need to notify local authorities. Furthermore, even if you are only visiting the state for 10 or more days, you will need to register your status as a sex offender with the Arizona Sex Offender Registry.
Collateral Consequences that Are Seen with Sex Crime Convictions
There are also multiple collateral consequences that could impact your life once you have completed your criminal sentence. You may find it difficult or impossible to find gainful employment, for example. In addition to housing restrictions, you may be prohibited from being alone with your children, your reputation may be tarnished, and you may be treated like a pariah in your community.
Suzuki Law Group Defends Against Most Types of Sex Crime Allegations
You need a sex crimes attorney in Goodyear who has considerable experience defending against cases similar to yours. Our criminal defenders have spent decades building powerful defenses against various types of sex offenses. Some examples of the most common types of sex crimes we handle include:
- Sexual conduct with a minor
- Sexual assault and rape
- Creation, distribution, or possession of child pornography
- Sexual abuse
- Solicitation and prostitution
- Internet sex crimes
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Child prostitution
- Child molestation
Our team of former state and federal prosecutors understand how the criminal justice system operates from the other side. We have in-depth knowledge of the defenses that are most likely to produce a favorable outcome in your case. When you need legal advice you can count on, turn to your Goodyear sex crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Group for an honest case assessment.
You Have a Chance to Defend Your Liberties
Every sex crime case is different. Certain defenses might be a great option for one case but a terrible option for another. However, your sex crime lawyer will be working tirelessly to prove that you are unlikely to re-offend or an unlikely perpetrator.
To do this, we may request you agree to undergo risk assessment testing. This can help us build a powerful case to challenge the accusations against you. When behavioral health specialists perform these risk evaluations, it can help demonstrate to the court that you are not a threat to society.
If the state’s case against you is strong, these risk assessments can be beneficial in considering alternative sentencing options. For example, by having you evaluated by a psychiatrist or doctor, we may be able to develop comprehensive treatment plans that the court may accept in lieu of incarceration. you can find out which defenses are most suitable for your case when you discuss your sex crime charges with your criminal defense law firm.
Get Help from Goodyear’s Top-Rated Criminal Defense Law Firm Today
Being convicted of a sex crime could result in harsh criminal penalties and devastating collateral consequences. With a sex offense conviction haunting you, your entire future is on the line. Do not put your freedom at risk by working with an overworked public defender when you have the resources to prioritize your liberties.
Reach out to a respected Goodyear sex crimes lawyer with Suzuki Law Group when you are ready to take charge of your defense strategy. Our firm is here to help you understand the potential risks, work with the state to obtain a plea agreement where applicable, and advocate for your best interests should your case go to court. Learn more about how the criminal claims process works and start strategizing your defense when you complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form