Sex crime allegations can devastate your life in ways most people never imagine until they face charges themselves. Beyond the criminal penalties, these accusations destroy reputations, end careers, and fracture families—often before you ever set foot in a courtroom.
If you’re facing sex crime charges, you need more than just legal representation; you need a sex crimes lawyer in New River who knows how to fight effectively against a system that often presumes guilt. At Suzuki Law Offices, we’re always available to provide the compassionate support and aggressive defense you need, 24/7, even on weekends.
With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, we know how to challenge evidence, expose weaknesses in the government’s case, and protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. Contact our New River criminal defense lawyers for a confidential and free consultation.
Consent as a Complete Defense to Sex Crime Charges
Consent represents one of the most powerful defenses in sex crime cases. When both parties were adults capable of consent and the encounter was voluntary, consent provides a complete defense for many sex crime charges.
Arizona law defines consent as a voluntary, knowing, and intelligent agreement to participate in sexual activity. The absence of resistance doesn’t automatically establish consent, nor does silence or passivity.
However, when you can demonstrate through evidence that the alleged victim actively participated, initiated contact, or communicated agreement through words or actions, you establish the foundation for a consent defense.
How The Prosecution May Fight Back
The prosecution will attempt to undermine consent defenses by claiming the alleged victim was too intoxicated to consent, was underage, or that consent was obtained through fraud or coercion. These arguments require careful examination:
- Intoxication alone doesn’t negate consent unless the person was so impaired that they couldn’t understand the nature of the act.
- Prior consensual encounters between the parties support the inference that the encounter in question was also consensual.
- The alleged victim’s behavior after the encounter—continuing to communicate normally, expressing affection, or making plans to meet again—contradicts claims of non-consensual contact.
- Delayed reporting, especially when accompanied by a motive to fabricate, undermines the credibility of non-consent claims.
Our team works with forensic psychologists and medical experts who can testify about consent, intoxication levels, and whether the alleged victim’s behavior is consistent with someone who experienced non-consensual contact.
We also employ private investigators who interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and gather evidence that supports your consent defense before that evidence disappears or becomes unavailable.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedMandatory Minimum Sentences and Sentencing Alternatives
Arizona’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws for sex crimes eliminate judicial discretion in many cases, requiring judges to impose specific prison terms regardless of mitigating circumstances. Understanding these mandatory sentences and the limited exceptions that allow for alternatives becomes critical when evaluating plea offers and trial strategies.
Dangerous crimes against children carry some of the harshest mandatory minimums in Arizona law. Sexual conduct with a minor under age 15 requires a minimum 13-year prison sentence, with the possibility of life imprisonment. Sexual assault of a minor carries a 10-year mandatory minimum for first-time offenders and 21 years for those with prior convictions.
These mandatory minimums mean that conviction after trial often results in decades of imprisonment with no possibility of probation, suspended sentences, or early release for good behavior. The severity of these consequences makes it absolutely critical that you have a sex crimes attorney in New River who can effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Lawyer Near Me (602) 682-5270About Suzuki Law Offices and Our Sex Crimes Lawyers in New River
At Suzuki Law Offices, we bring the knowledge and resources necessary to mount an effective defense while treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve during this crisis. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and everyone has the right to representation in a criminal trial.
Our founding attorney, Richard J. Suzuki, served as an Assistant United States Attorney before dedicating his practice to criminal defense. This federal prosecution background provides unique insight into how prosecutors build cases, what evidence they consider strong or weak, and what strategies they’ll use at trial.
We maintain over 20 years of criminal defense experience throughout Arizona. We’ve seen virtually every type of sex crime case and know which defenses work, which evidence to challenge, and how to present your case in the most favorable light possible.
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Taking Immediate Action to Protect Your Future
Contact Suzuki Law Offices immediately for a confidential consultation about your sex crimes case in New River. We’re available 24/7, even on weekends, to discuss your situation and begin building the aggressive defense you need.
Don’t face these life-altering charges alone—let our experienced New River sex crimes attorneys fight to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Your voice matters, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard. Call immediately to get legal advice before it’s too late.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form