A sex crime accusation is among the most stigmatized and emotionally draining criminal charges someone can face. Sex crimes in Arizona are treated with harsh penalties that can have severe and long-lasting consequences. Since this is the case, it is extremely important to contact a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a sex crime.

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If you have been charged with a sex crime in Arizona, you must contact an attorney immediately. When you hire our firm, we will provide you with an approachable, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney. Call us to schedule a free consultation to determine your best course of action.

There is a wide range of criminal offenses that fall under "sex crimes," which include but are not limited to: 

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• Public Sexual Indecency
• Indecent Exposure 
• Sexual Abuse 
• Sexual Conduct With a Minor
• Sexual Assault
• Child Molestation
• Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography 
• Solicitation for Prostitution (is considered another type of sex charge because it may involve consent)

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Many sex offenses take place in private and thus have no eyewitnesses. As a result, these cases are typically based on circumstantial evidence or allegations made by individuals who may not be credible. Often, false accusations of molestation or sexual assault arise. These occurrences may stem from motives such as jealousy, revenge, seeking attention, or attempting to conceal other wrongdoing. To effectively defend against these charges, gathering information about the accuser and the circumstances surrounding the allegations is essential.

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It's important to acknowledge that any accusation related to these charges should be treated with the utmost gravity, as the potential consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

Sex crimes in Arizona vary in type and severity of punishment. Some may be charged as misdemeanors, while others, particularly those involving minors, may be charged as "Dangerous Crimes Against Children." It's important to take any accusation of a sex crime seriously, as a conviction can result in long-term incarceration, required registration as a sex offender, and lifetime probation.

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The punishment for sexual offenses can vary depending on the victim's age. Arizona has some of the strictest mandatory sentencing laws for sex offenses involving children. Here are some examples of sex crimes, including their penalties:

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• A conviction for sexual assault or sexual conduct with a minor can result in a sentence ranging from 13 to 27 calendar years if the victim is between 12 and 14 years old or life without release until at least 35 years have been served if the victim is under 12.

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• For victims 15 years old or younger, the offender may be charged under the "dangerous crimes against children" statute, which carries harsher penalties than if the victim is over 15. 

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• Engaging in internet child pornography can result in a federal charge under the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996, leading to a 15-year imprisonment for the first offense.

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Consent can be a defense for an accusation of sexual abuse with a minor, but only if the victim is between 15 and 17 years old, the defendant is less than 19 or attending high school, and no more than 24 months older than the victim.

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It's also important to note that these charges are not limited to adults, as young people can also be accused and face severe consequences in the adult criminal system. Prosecutors can file charges in adult or juvenile court, even for children as young as 14.

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An experienced sex crimes defense lawyer can help ensure that the prosecution has not ignored favorable evidence and gather evidence to support the defense.