Accusations of child molestation can be devastating to you, your family, and your community. It can have a ripple effect throughout your life, impacting your future and reputation, potentially for life. You may find yourself needing to start new, locked out of your industry and family because of accusations or charges of child sexual abuse.
At the Suzuki Law Group, we strive to give every client, no matter the charges, a fair trial with an aggressive Tempe sex crimes lawyer who can help you get the charges reduced or dismissed. Facing these charges can be tough, but your Tempe child molestation defense lawyer can help you protect yourself against the devastating effects of a conviction and potentially protect your future.
What Falls Under Child Molestation Charges in Tempe, Arizona?
Sex crimes are a complex series of crimes that can impact people of any age. Generally, these crimes cover a range of offenses that include unwanted sexual contact against another person. When these crimes happen to children, however, the penalties may become much harsher and may come with far lengthier sentences.
So, what counts as child molestation? According to Arizona law, child molestation is the act of intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing a person to engage in sexual contact with a child under 18. Sexual contact refers to a variety of actions, not just penetration, so keep in mind that this charge is broader than that.
Keep in mind that the child’s age will make a big difference. For example, if the child is under age 15, the crime is classified differently and may carry much harsher sentencing for the person accused. You may need your Tempe criminal defense lawyer to evaluate the specifics of your child molestation charges and determine the best path forward for you.
Penalties: What Happens if You Accept a Child Molestation Conviction
One of the biggest concerns about a child molestation conviction you may have is the devastating penalties. Because this is such a serious crime, it can come with penalties that change your life and may impact your ability to see your family, work, or avoid the sex offender registry. Keep in mind that child molestation charges are a Class 2 felony, meaning the penalties may be especially harsh.
Even for a first offense of child sexual abuse, you may face a minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of 24 years. This can leave you in prison for a significant portion of your life, not to mention the fines you may be subject to for the charges. If you are convicted of child molestation and have been convicted of two previous child sexual abuse charges in the past, you face life in prison.
Dangerous Crimes Against Children
Child molestation charges are considered one of the Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC), a special designation of crimes that have enhanced penalties. These crimes carry elevated penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Because child molestation is a DCAC, you may also be required to face the entirety of your sentence, with no opportunity for parole or probation, because of the nature of the crime.
Collateral Consequences: Your Future After Serving Your Sentence
Unfortunately, your consequences do not stop simply because your sentence is over. You may still face ongoing penalties for the crime even after your sentence has been completed because of your criminal record. This record is visible to others and can impact your options for housing, employment, loans, and more.
For example, you may have lost your home due to a lengthy prison sentence or a divorce. You may now need an apartment, but your potential landlord will typically complete a background check. In some cases, people have been rejected in situations like this because of the specific criminal convictions on their record.
If you are convicted of child molestation, you may also be expected to register as a sex offender. This registry keeps you from contacting anyone under 18, which can include your own children, and it requires you to follow strict residency requirements as well. These can impact you for the rest of your life following the charges.
Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges: You Have a Chance to Protect Your Future
When you are facing any criminal charges, a strong defense is the first step toward freedom. Without the right defense, you may have difficulty proving you did not commit the crimes you are being accused of. Below are a few commonly used defenses for child molestation charges:
- The forensics have mistakes
- Your Miranda rights were violated
- You were denied counsel
- You were falsely accused
- You were identified mistakenly
The exact defense your child molestation defense attorney in Tempe will take will depend on the specifics of your case. We can review the evidence gathered in your favor and determine whether you have a chance to have the charges dismissed or whether you need to take action to mitigate the impact of a conviction. Because of this, your child molestation defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Group will need to shape your defense to your needs.
Reach Out to the Suzuki Law Group for a Strong Legal Defense
When you are accused of such a serious crime, your life can be completely upended by these charges. Even the charge alone can leave a lasting mark on your reputation in the future, but avoiding a conviction is crucial to protecting yourself and your chance of freedom following the case. Fortunately, you do not have to handle this without help from a reputable child molestation defense lawyer in Tempe, AZ.
At the Suzuki Law Group, we offer aggressive, dedicated defenses to our clients, tailoring our approach to the specifics of their cases. We work hard to provide solutions that fit your specific needs and the current state of your case. When you reach out to our team, you can expect guidance tailored to your case.
If you have not yet sought out a Tempe child molestation defense attorney, or if you are unhappy with the performance of your current criminal defender, you can reach out and learn more about your options. You have the opportunity for a fair defense and legal representation that can help you protect your future. When you are ready to speak with a legal professional, reach out by calling or completing our online contact form to learn more.
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