Sexual abuse charges can result in a felony conviction, but you have a right to due process. A Goodyear sex crimes lawyer can investigate your case and represent you in court. There are two sides to every story, but it is no use trying to protest an arrest, and discussions with police can harm your defense.
Talk to your Goodyear sexual abuse defense lawyer instead. If there are gaps in the evidence or some of it is false or inadmissible, we may be able to help you clear your name. Our lead attorney at Suzuki Law Offices is a former federal prosecutor, and this gives him a unique insight into the charges against you and the evidence on which they are based.
Why Suzuki is Your Lawyer
When you are facing serious charges, you need a lawyer who will approach your case with diligence and an eye for detail. With us, you will have a team with a track record of success fighting for your rights:
- Our Goodyear criminal defense lawyers have deep experience in examining the circumstances surrounding alleged crimes. They often uncover facts that call the validity of criminal charges into question.
- Your sexual abuse defense lawyer in Goodyear will keep you updated on our progress with your case. They understand the burden of proof that the prosecution faces and will identify any weaknesses in the case they present.
- We will treat you with compassion and respect. We understand that you are currently under severe stress, but knowing what to do and what to expect will help alleviate the uncertainties that have been troubling you.
- Our former clients are almost unanimous in saying that our attorneys genuinely care. Read their reviews to gain their perspectives.
Our team at Suzuki Law Offices has protected the rights of people charged with serious offenses since 2007. We are respected in the legal community and have a network of expert witnesses who may be able to help us with your case. Reach out to us at any time. We are always available.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedWhat to Do if You Believe You Are Suspected of Sexual Abuse
Often, our clients know that they are being informally accused or are under investigation for sexual abuse before they are charged or arrested. We have advice that may help you if you find yourself in this situation. Specifically:
- Take action if you are aware of any rumors regarding your sexual conduct that are circulating. They could be the precursor to a sexual assault investigation.
- Save any communications from an alleged victim that may indicate they are about to accuse you of sexual assault. Include any messages that may have led up to this point in your relationship.
- Stop communicating with the alleged victim. They may be attempting to trick you into incriminating yourself.
- Contact a sexual assault defense attorney in Goodyear immediately. Do not talk to the police without advice from your attorney.
- Never apologize for anything you did not do. Even saying you are sorry that the alleged victim feels a certain way may appear to be an admission of guilt.
If you can involve a sexual abuse defense lawyer as soon as you become concerned about possible allegations of misconduct, their advice can help prevent you from being charged. If you are still charged, evidence you and your attorney compiled early on may prove helpful.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Understanding the Charges Against You
If you are arrested, you may well be shocked, disoriented, and unable to assimilate the details of the charges laid against you. The offense you have been charged with relates to A.R.S. § 13-1404. This means that you are accused of:
- Having non-consensual sexual contact with a person who is 15 years or older. This is a class 5 felony.
- Having sexual contact with a person who is unable to give consent, for example, they were too drunk to consent, or they were under the influence of strong drugs.
- If the alleged victim was under 15 years old at the time, you may be charged with a Class 3 felony.
The definition of sexual contact includes any form of direct or indirect touching or fondling of private areas of the body that would not be considered normal or reasonable in ordinary circumstances.
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Sexual Abuse Differs From Rape or Statutory Rape
Although both sexual abuse and sexual assault (rape) are sex crimes, sexual abuse does not involve sexual intercourse or oral sex. Instead, it involves touching someone in a sexual way using any part of the body or using an instrument to do so.
This includes masturbatory touching or even touching a female breast, however briefly. Although sexual abuse is a serious charge, it is not as serious as sexual assault. All the same, the consequences for a person who is found guilty can be far-reaching and extremely unpleasant.
Whether or not you have been falsely accused, we encourage you to be honest with your lawyer. People, especially young people or those involved in online dating, sometimes get into situations that can lead to sexual abuse charges, and knowing your version of events can be helpful.
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Examples of Defenses Your Goodyear Sexual Assault Attorney May Use in Court
The precise defense strategy used in your case will be tailored according to its circumstances. However, we do encounter certain forms of questionable evidence that we can target. Examples of defenses include:
- Police extracted forced confessions after intense interrogation.
- Insufficient or fabricated evidence was presented.
- Evidence was improperly collected and may not be authentic.
- You were in a situation in which it is reasonable to suppose that you accidentally touched someone else and had no intention of sexually assaulting them.
- The alleged victim lacks credibility. For example, they threatened to accuse you of sexual assault if you failed to comply with their wishes.
While we understand that sexual assault should be prosecuted, it is important to note that false reports as a percentage of sexual abuse charges are believed to represent anywhere between 2% and 8 %. Besides this, other factors, such as incorrect identification of the perpetrator, must also be considered.
Sentences Imposed After Conviction For Sexual Abuse
As your sexual abuse defense lawyer in Goodyear, our task is to have unfounded charges dismissed or secure a not-guilty verdict. When this is not possible, we work to reduce the risk of a maximum sentence being imposed.
For Class 5 felony charges, you would face probation or between six months and 2.5 years of imprisonment if found guilty. For a Class 3 felony charge, sentences range from 2.5 years in prison to 7.5 years behind bars.
A guilty verdict can have lifelong consequences. Offenders are required to register as sexual offenders, and this reputation can affect many aspects of their lives. For example, employers may hesitate to hire you, and you may have difficulty finding a home to rent or buy. You can find more information on our frequently asked questions page.
If You Are Accused of Sexual Assault, Call Us
If you are accused of sexual assault, contact Suzuki Law Offices immediately. As an experienced professional, your Goodyear sexual abuse defense lawyer has likely encountered situations similar to yours. They will know what to do next.
We are aware that a crisis can happen at any time of the day or night. There will always be someone to answer your call for help. Your attorney will work to protect your rights and will have your best interests at heart at all times. Start now by contacting us.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form