Arizona’s sex crimes laws are some of the most intense, and when the charges involve a minor, they carry an even greater risk of lifelong consequences. Being charged with such actions is devastating, and you may feel as though you have been found guilty even before going to court.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer in Peoria has the knowledge, resources, and tools to protect your rights. A Peoria sex crimes defense lawyer from our firm has been in business since 2007.
The Importance of a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
All sex crimes in Arizona carry intense consequences, including jail time, fines, and being added to the sexual predator list. More so, these crimes create personal and professional damage that is challenging to overcome, especially when you believe the charges are not fair or just.
By hiring Suzuki Law Offices, we comprehensively change the outlook and give you several key benefits:
- Our experience matters. Having worked as a prosecutor, we know what is happening on the other side of the courtroom, and we have the tools to protect your rights.
- Compassion and respect also matter. When you hire our Peoria sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney, we become your advocate. We fight for you to the fullest extent of the law.
- Transparency and honesty are always a priority. When you are facing serious charges like these, you need an attorney who is frank, open, and willing to give you the truth about what your legal options are and what limitations you are facing.
Put Suzuki Law Offices to work on your case, gain the insight you need into your rights, and let us work to build a strong defense strategy for you.
We take every case seriously and offer free consultations to help you better understand our services before deciding to work with us. A Peoria criminal defense lawyer can help you.
Understanding the Charge of Sexual Conduct with a Minor
There are several Arizona laws that may be applicable if you are charged with sexual conduct with a minor. The consequences differ for each.
Under A.R.S. 13-1405, a person commits sexual conduct with a minor when they intentionally or knowingly engage in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with a person who is 18 years of age or younger. In situations where the abuse was to a minor under the age of 12, or in situations where the minor suffers serious physical injury, the court can apply a class 1 felony charge, which carries a potential life sentence in prison.
Under this law, special sentencing is applied when the person is below the age of 15. The Dangerous Crime Against Children, or DCAC, allows the court to apply some of the most aggressive aspects of the law.
For example, if you are charged with DCAC and convicted, there is a mandatory prison term even if this is the first offense you have ever been charged with in the state. Additionally, you must serve 100% of your sentence. This law eliminates your ability to request a suspension of the sentence.
Because of these requirements, it’s strongly recommended that you hire an experienced Peoria sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer to provide you with every defense and tool possible to avoid conviction.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are ready to provide you with the legal insight and resources you need to navigate this case to the fullest level allowed under the law. Do not wait to contact us.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Conduct with a Minor Convictions
When you meet with our defense attorney, we will review the specific penalties you could face based on the details of your case. The following are some of the potential convictions the court can levy against you under this law:
- Minor aged 15, 16, or 17 years old: In these situations, a first-time offender faces the risk of four months to two years in prison. If you have a previous conviction, the sentence increases to 0.75 to 2.75 years in prison. With two or more felonies, the maximum sentence is up to 5.75 years. You will be registered on the sex offenders list.
- Minor aged 12, 13, or 14 years old: In these situations, DCAC applies, and a person faces a mandatory term of 13 to 27 years in prison. If you are convicted of more than one count, this means your sentence is stacked, one after the other, to be served on an ongoing basis. The sentence increases to up to 37 years if you are found to be guilty of a predicate felony. Sexual offender registry is also required.
- Minor under the age of 12: In this situation, you face 35 years to life in prison and the sexual offender registry.
With so many potential consequences to focus on, it can seem impossible to move your case forward or to know what your chances are.
Our legal team can offer guidance by building a strong defense for you that provides every opportunity possible to protect your future. We encourage you to take action right now by contacting a defense attorney of your choice, and don’t face this on your own.
You Can Defend Against Sexual Conduct Charges
Our goal is to determine the best defense strategy for your situation, recognizing that every person has opportunities to do so. We may recommend demonstrating that the allegations are false under one or more pretenses or working to show that you didn’t know the person was a minor.
When you meet with our attorney, we will be honest with you about the type of defense that may be best suited for your situation. Be sure to read our frequently asked questions to learn more about how we handle sexual conduct with a minor charges in Peoria.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Attorney in Peoria Now
Suzuki Law Offices is ready to work for you. Schedule a consultation with an attorney, discuss your case openly and honestly with us, and let us start working.
Having experienced sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer in Peoria can change your outcome.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form