Sexual exploitation of a minor is a serious criminal charge in Arizona, and those who are charged with it may face severe penalties under the law. Any individual who is convicted on this charge will face mandatory sentencing, so it’s imperative that you seek counsel as soon as possible if you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.
Sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona
Sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona is defined as any act in which an individual knowingly exploits material or footage of a minor engaging in a sexual act. A person can be charged with sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona under various circumstances. This crime has been committed when:
- Any individual purposefully and knowingly records, films, photographs or duplicates material in which a minor under the age of 18 is engaged in sexual conduct or is depicted in an exploitive position.
- Any individual purposefully and knowingly distributes, transports, sells, purchases, possesses, receives or transmits electronically, materials of a minor under the age of 18 engaging in sexual activity or conduct.
Given the sensitive nature of this crime, the charge is taken very seriously by the Arizona courts. If you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona, it’s important to get in contact with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor
Any individual who is convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona will face mandatory sentencing, and the penalties are severe. For every individual violation, the convicted individual will receive a minimum of 10 years in prison. It is important to note that one material, such as an individual image that depicts a minor engaged in a sexual act, counts as a violation. A person who has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and who has been in possession of multiple images will receive a separate sentence for each image. Sentences will be combined, which can result in a prison stay that lasts for decades.
What should you do if you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor?
If you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona, is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Phoenix as soon as possible. In order to properly advocate for you and get you the best possible results in this serious situation, your attorney needs to begin your defense strategy immediately. The defense attorney will begin to evaluate the evidence, and talk with you about the role you played in the circumstances. For example, the attorney may ask you if you were aware that the victim was a minor, or if you knowingly or purposefully distributed the material in question.
This serious criminal charge can carry with it lasting consequences that impact your daily life for the months and years to come. For more information about how to form a defense strategy for this charge, contact our criminal defense law firm in Phoenix today.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
