Getting accused of a sex crime can be life-altering. Your reputation can be permanently damaged, and penalties and sentences can be severe. When so much is on the line, you need the support and advocacy of a Tempe sex crimes lawyer.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in or around the Tempe area, our experienced legal team at Suzuki Law is here to help defend your case. Get help from a Tempe criminal defense lawyer to discuss your legal options and answer any questions you may have. Let us help you assess your case, build a credible defense strategy, and identify any potential mitigating circumstances that could help lessen your culpability.
Sex Crimes as Defined Under the Law
According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, sex crimes are defined as intentionally or knowingly engaging in a sexual act or contact without the consent of the other person involved. We take on all types of sex crime charges and will defend our client’s rights in any situation. Some examples of sexual crimes include:
- Molestation
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual conduct with a minor
- Child pornography (including possession, distribution, or creation)
- Sexual misconduct
- Indecent exposure
- Child abuse
- Prostitution/solicitation
- Failure to register as a sex offender
The charges leveled against you will vary greatly depending on the details of the alleged crime. Sentences can include jail time, fines, and requirements to register as a sexual offender. Meet with an experienced Tempe sex crimes attorney from our offices to discuss your charge and determine the best move forward.
Misdemeanor Sex Crimes in Tempe
The majority of sex crimes are prosecuted as felonies due to the severity of the nature of this type of crime. Misdemeanors can also be tried as felonies if it is a repeat offense or if there was a minor involved. The following sexual offenses are Class 1 misdemeanors in Arizona:
- Indecent exposure – defined as exposing male or female genitalia to another individual without regard to their reaction, including offense or alarm
- Prostitution – engaging in, agreeing to, or offering sexual acts for money
- Public sexual indecency – participating in sexual contact, intercourse, or oral sex in the presence of another individual without regard to their reaction, including offense or alarm
Misdemeanor sentencing can include less than a year of jail time, fines, probation, and damage to reputation. Being convicted can seriously damage relationships as well and can affect a parent’s ability to maintain custody of their child. Obtaining an aggressive legal defense can help you build a strong argument of defense and negotiate fair sentencing if necessary.
Felony Sex Crimes in Tempe
Sex crimes that are tried as felonies are more common and can carry heavier penalties than misdemeanors. Some felonies include sexual assault, rape, and statutory rape, which is defined as sexual conduct with a minor. For a first offense, these crimes are punishable by between 7 and 21 years in prison.
If there is a history of convicted sex crimes, repeat offenders will be tried and sentenced with increased time in prison. Sentencing will be increased as well if a date rape drug was used, there was excessive violence, or if there was a minor under 15 years of age involved. Someone convicted of a felony sex crime is more likely to qualify for required registration as a sex offender.
For the best chance of defense against a felony sex crime accusation, hire a sex crimes attorney in Tempe. It is best to connect with a Tempe sex crimes lawyer as soon as you can after being charged with a sexual crime. This will give your legal team the most time to prepare your defense and research the background and evidence surrounding your case.
Sex Offender Registry and Requirements in Arizona
One of the most public consequences of being convicted of a sex crime is the requirement of registering on the Arizona sex offenders list. Being on this public list can create problems in the future, limiting where you are allowed to live, places that will hire you to work, and more. Here are a few examples of crimes that, if convicted, require you to register:
- Sexual assault (victim of any age)
- Kidnapping of a minor
- Molestation of a minor
- Child prostitution or sex trafficking of a minor
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- A second convicted violation of public sexual indecency to a minor
When someone is convicted as a sex offender, and they have been released from jail, they are assessed for the risk level they pose to the community. These three levels of threat impact the amount of notification that will be given to the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and community in general. A level three offender is believed to be at the greatest risk of repeat offending; the local media and surrounding community will be notified of their presence by the distribution of flyers with personal information, including name, address, phone number, and criminal record.
Types of Evidence in Sex Crime Cases
Physical and digital evidence can be used to prove guilt or innocence in sex crime cases. Your Tempe sex crimes attorney will work to challenge any evidence being used against you. Some common types of evidence used in sex crime cases include:
- DNA
- Clothing, hair, and fibers
- Photos and videos
- Text messages
- Emails and computer data
- Phone records
Forensic evidence is often the strongest support the prosecution has in court, but it does not mean an automatic conviction. It is your legal team’s goal to demonstrate your innocence by questioning the evidence and looking for false negatives and positives. At times, even small discrepancies in evidence can cause the prosecution’s case to fall apart.
Get Started on Your Defense – Speak to a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Tempe Today
Often, people assume that anyone accused of a sex crime is guilty before a trial is even started. Hiring a Tempe sex crimes lawyer will help you know how to deal with the serious charges leveled against you. If you find yourself charged with a sex crime accusation, you need someone on your side to support you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney from Suzuki Law Offices to get started on your honest, aggressive legal defense. With our proven track record, you can trust that we will fight to defend your life and future. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form