Sex offenses carry some of the steepest criminal penalties across the state of Arizona. However, a surprising number of people believe that Internet sex offenses are not as severe. On the contrary, the state prosecutes Internet sex crimes just as seriously as they do other types of sex offenses.
If you hope to clear your name of the charges against you and avoid the harsh penalties of a guilty verdict, working with a dedicated and highly experienced Mesa sex crimes defense lawyer is a necessity, not a luxury.
Your dedicated Mesa criminal defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Group will review the evidence against you and the circumstances of your case to determine how to best approach your defense. Contact our law office to request a 100% free consultation today and start preparing to navigate the criminal justice system with a powerful legal advocate on your side.
Internet Sex Crimes Continue to Plague Arizona
According to Preston Goff, VP of global communications at The Exodus Road, a Colorado Springs anti-human trafficking organization, up to 40% of kids between the ages of nine and 14 have reported chatting with strangers on the Internet. In fact, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2021 and 2023, there was a 320% increase in the number of online sexual exploitation of children cases. These numbers only continue to rise.
According to the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, minors continue to be targeted for Internet sex offenses. More than half of the minors questioned reported revealing their phone numbers to strangers, 11% met strangers in public places, the stranger’s home, or their own homes, and up to 1/5 of minors surveyed spoke with strangers on the Internet. 15% of children admitted to using a WebCam to chat with strangers despite 87% of kids stating that their parents taught them about Internet safety.
Up to 90% of all children between the ages of nine and 14 have access to electronic devices. 63% of these kids are using websites that allow them to play games where they can compete against strangers, while 59% play games where they can assume the identity of any character they choose. As much as 50% of kids surveyed play violent video games, with up to 17% admitting to visiting sites that contain sexually explicit videos or photos on adult websites.
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Get StartedSuzuki Law Group Can Prepare You to Defend Against a Variety of Internet Sex Offenses
Your Internet sex crimes defense lawyer in Mesa should have considerable experience handling cases similar to the charges you are facing. Internet sex crimes can include multiple types of criminal offenses, particularly sex offenses. These types of charges carry harsh criminal penalties upon conviction.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking involves online predators exploiting victims through coercion, fraud, or force. This is generally considered a Class 2 felony under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1307. First-time offenders may be ordered to pay fines of up to $150,000 and spend up to 27 years incarcerated.
Sexting
While consensual sexting between adults is legal, when someone under the age of 18 is Sexting, they can face criminal charges. The age of consent in Arizona is 18, according to Arizona Revised Statute §13-1405. When teens engage in sexting, they can be charged with a petty offense or a Class 3 misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the case.
These charges often go through the Arizona Juvenile Justice system. Penalties could include $300 in fines for a petty offense or up to 30 days in detention, plus a $500 fine for a Class 3 misdemeanor. A juvenile who has a history of sexting charges on their record could be detained for up to four months in a juvenile facility and be ordered to pay fines of up to $750 if convicted of this class misdemeanor.
If an adult is sexting a teenager between the ages of 15 and 17, they can be charged with a Class 2 felony, according to Arizona Revised Statute §13-702. If the teen is under the age of 15, charges will be elevated to “dangerous crimes against children” under Arizona Revised Statute §13-705.
If convicted of sexting a teenager between the ages of 15 and 17, habitual offenders could spend up to 35 years in prison, while those convicted of a dangerous crime against a child will be required to register as a sex offender and could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in jail or up to 24 years for multiple convictions.
Other Internet Sex Crimes
There are several other Internet sex offenses you could also be charged with, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. While Internet sex crimes may initially seem minor, the consequences can be severe. Some examples of these charges could include:
- Cyberstalking – This is often a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by $2,500 in fines and six months in prison according to Arizona Revised Statute §13-2923.
- Child pornography – Under Arizona Revised Statute §13-3553, Child pornography charges are generally considered felony-level offenses, punishable by up to 10 years of incarceration for every depiction of child pornography.
- Online solicitation – According to Arizona Revised Statute §13-1002, online solicitation is generally tried as a class two or three felony. This is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
Safeguard Your Future by Clearing Your Name
In some cases, you may be able to clear your name of the allegations against you by working with the Maricopa County prosecutor to enter a plea agreement. If you qualify, the prosecuting attorney may agree to reduce your Internet sex crime charges to a less serious offense or dismiss them altogether. However, when you are not eligible for a plea bargain, you may need to utilize one or more of the following defenses:
- Being unaware that the alleged victim was underaged
- The statute of limitations deadline passes
- The explicit materials have artistic value or appreciation
- Visual depictions of child pornography were downloaded onto your computer through a virus
These are just a few potential defenses that may apply depending on the type of Internet sex crime you have been charged with. Your Internet sex crimes defense attorney in Mesa may also be able to argue constitutional rights violations or unlawfully obtained evidence should result in the dismissal of your case altogether. You can rely on our Mesa criminal defense law firm to prioritize your needs and do everything possible to secure an acquittal.
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Get a Strategically Aggressive Mesa Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer on Your Side
Internet sex crimes can carry severe consequences, including criminal penalties and collateral fallout. When your entire future rests on the outcome of your case, it is crucial to have a skilled criminal defender working to protect your rights and clear your name. A leading Mesa Internet sex crimes defense attorney with Suzuki Law Group is standing by to help you secure the most favorable outcome possible.
We may even be able to avoid going to trial if we can work out a plea agreement with the prosecuting attorney. This could help you avoid a harsh incarceration term and potential sex offender registration requirements. Schedule your confidential consultation today by calling our office or completing our quick contact form.
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