Have you been accused of rape, sexual assault, or another sex crime? If so, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in West Valley Phoenix. Arizona punishes sex crimes harshly, and the consequences of a conviction can destroy your personal and professional life.
Suzuki Law Offices has extensive experience navigating sex crimes cases and is dedicated to serving justice. We can ensure you receive a fair trial and defend you to the best of our ability, helping to preserve your freedoms and privileges to the maximum extent possible.
Contact us online or call by phone for a case consultation with a West Valley Phoenix sex crimes lawyer.
Why You Need a Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crimes investigations can be incredibly fraught, and both the plaintiff and defendant can face invasions into their privacy and personal lives. Given the severe nature of sex crimes, it’s important to have a defense lawyer who can maintain an objective perspective and manage the case in a way that preserves both sides’ dignity.
We are known for our investigation skills and have several former law enforcement investigators on staff. As a former prosecutor, founding attorney Richard J. Suzuki understands how the state approaches sex crimes and how to make an effective defense. We emphasize excellence through passion, compassion, integrity, and experience.
The punishment for a sex crime conviction can impact your personal freedoms and professional life. A West Valley Phoenix sex crimes lawyer can work to mitigate the consequences of a conviction and look for avenues to dismiss the case and your charges.
Sex Crime Laws in West Valley Phoenix
Sex crimes are criminal acts that involve violations of a sexual nature, whether against adults or minors. Arizona’s criminal code defines six primary types of sexual offenses:
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as engaging in nonconsensual sexual contact with an individual aged 15 years or older. Conduct that constitutes sexual abuse in Arizona means touching, fondling, or manipulation of the genitals or other sexual parts of the body. Sexual abuse is a class 5 felony and a class 3 felony if the victim is below the age of 15.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault consists of engaging in nonconsensual sexual or oral intercourse with any individual, regardless of age. Sexual assault is a class 2 felony in Arizona, and perpetrators can face harsher penalties if the victim is below the age of 15.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure involves exposing male or female private parts to another while disregarding the other person’s consent. Indecent exposure is typically a misdemeanor crime, unless the victim is less than 15 years old, in which case, it’s a felony offense.
Public Indecency
ARS 13-1403 prohibits engaging in lewd or sexual acts in public when in the view of others. Acts that could qualify include touching genitals, having sexual intercourse, or engaging in oral intercourse. Public indecency is a misdemeanor crime, but it can be a felony if a minor is present.
Sexual Conduct With a Minor
Sexual conduct with a minor is having sexual or oral intercourse with a minor under the age of 18 years old. If the minor is between 15 and 18 years, the offense is a class 6 felony. If the victim is below the age of 15, the crime is a class 2 felony.
Molestation of a Child
Molestation of a child is a person engaging in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 15 years old. It is a serious sexual offense that can be charged as a class 2 felony and is considered a dangerous crime against children, justifying harsher penalties. Acts that qualify as sexual molestation in Arizona include touching, groping, or causing the child to touch oneself.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Arizona
Most types of sex crimes in Arizona are felonies or can be charged as felonies with aggravating circumstances. Most types of defined sex crimes have explicitly severe punishments if the victim is under the age of 15.
A felony sex crime conviction in Arizona can carry a lengthy prison sentence of several years, and even life imprisonment in some cases. Offenders may also have to pay the victim and their family restitution for their harm.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If I’m Convicted of a Sex Crime?
If convicted of a felony sex crime in Arizona, you will likely have to register as a sex offender. Sex offenders must report their residency, employment, and movements on a state-wide public database that anyone can search. Sex offenders may also be subject to additional monitoring and be banned from holding certain employment, such as positions working with children.
Contact a Sex Crimes Lawyer in West Valley Phoenix Today
Regardless of the specific charge, sex crimes are a serious matter and deserve a similarly serious response. Suzuki Law Offices can be your advocate and work to defend you against sex crime charges. Time is of the essence in sex crime cases, so don’t delay talking to an attorney.
Contact our office online or call 24/7 to speak to a sex crimes lawyer in West Valley Phoenix. The stakes are too high to leave the outcome of your case to chance.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form