Solicitation of a minor for sex in Arizona is a very serious criminal charge that can carry with it steep and lasting consequence. It is important to understand that an individual can be charged with luring a minor for sexual exploitation if they knowingly and willingly attempt to engage in or coordinate a sexual act with a minor. In some cases, the individual being lured ends up being an undercover police officer, but the charge still carries as the defendent was under the impression that they were communicating with a minor.
Understaning the solicitation of a minor for sex charges
Luring a minor for sex in Arizona is a class three felony charge, even for a person who is facing their first offense. The sentence that a person faces may vary based on their own individual criminal history, but it is important to note that they will likely receive a strict sentence with lasting consequences. Penalties for a first offense can range from a year in jail with probation after the sentence is complete to between 3 and 16 years in prison. A second offender can face between 3 and 16 years in prison, while a third offender can face between 3 and 25 years in prison.
What is a “dangerous crimes against children” conviction?
If an individual is charged with solicitation of a minor for sex in Arizona and the individual being lured was not an undercover law enforcement official, there is another conviction that they will likely face. The Dangerous Crimes Against Children, or DACA, conviction carries with it additional penalties that will more than likely be included as part of the sentencing. Every person who is convicted of a DACA charge will face between 5 and 15 years in prison. If an individual is a repeat offender and has received a DACA conviction in the past, they will face between 8 and 22 years in prison. In addition, anyone who is charged and convicted with a DACA crime must fulfill the entirety of their prison sentence before they can be released. They are not eligible for parole.
What to do if you have been charged with luring a minor for sexual exploitation in Arizona
Given the serious nature of this charge and the significant prison sentences that are associated with it, anyone who is charged with luring a minor for sexual exploitation in Arizona should contact an experienced, local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to defend themselves in the Arizona legal system.
Anyone who is charged with luring a minor for sexual exploitation in Arizona or solicitation of a minor for sex in Arizona will be facing a challenging criminal battle, as crimes against children are taken very seriously by the state courts. For more information about possible defense strategies that can be employed for an individual facing this type of charge, contact our Tempe criminal defense law firm 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.
