In Arizona, there are numerous potential criminal charges associated with sexual assault. These charges range from indecent exposure to rape to human trafficking. While the factual basis for each of these charges is different, a conviction for any Arizona sex charge can result in not only incarceration and fines but also a requirement to register as a sex offender.
Because the potential consequences of a sexual assault conviction are so severe, it is critical that you consult with a Phoenix sexual assault attorney as soon as possible after learning that you are under investigation – or after being arrested. There are many possible defenses to sex crime charges that your lawyer can explore after a thorough investigation.
At Matthew Lopez Law, we vigorously defend clients who are facing criminal charges related to sexual assault. We work hard to help our clients get the best possible outcome for their case, whether that means a favorable plea deal, a reduction or dismissal of the charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial. Reach out to our law offices today to talk to a member of our legal team about your case.
Everything Is At Stake – Get Help From A Sexual Assault Lawyer In Arizona
Everything is at stake if you are under investigation for a sex offense: your freedom, your rights, your reputation, and your future. You need a criminal defense attorney who can tell your side of the story. The attorney you choose could mean the difference between success and disaster.
You can turn to Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, for the defense you need. With a team of skilled attorneys on our roster, we have earned a reputation as one of Arizona’s premier criminal defense firms. We can build the strongest defense possible against sex crime charges such as:
- Sexual assault and rape: in Arizona, sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without the consent of that person. It is often referred to as rape. Importantly, a person may be unable to consent to sexual contact due to coercion, threats, a mental disorder or defect, drugs, alcohol, and/or sleep. A class 2 felony, sexual assault is punishable by anywhere from a minimum of 5.25 years to a maximum of 28 years in prison.
- Indecent exposure, or public sexual indecency, may be charged when a person knowingly or intentionally engages in a sexual act while another person is present, and is reckless as to whether the other person would be offended or alarmed by the act. It is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor, except if the indecent exposure is done in front of a minor under the age of 15 – in which case, it is charged as a class 5 felony. As a class 1 misdemeanor, it is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines. As a class 5 felony, it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Sexual contact with a minor is a crime that occurs when a person engages in sexual intercourse with a minor under 18 years of age. Sexual conduct with a minor is a class 1 felony if the minor is 12 years of age or younger, a class 2 felony if the minor is under 15 years of age, and a class 6 felony if the minor is at least 15 years of age. In addition, if the minor is 15 or older and the defendant was in a position of trust, the crime will be charged as a class 2 felony.
- Pandering, pimping or trafficking in prostitution: prostitution-related crimes involve placing a person in charge of another person for purposes of selling sex (pandering), engaging in prostitution (prostitution), or trafficking an adult or child for the purposes of commercial sex work (trafficking). All of these crimes carry potential jail or prison sentences.
- Solicitation of prostitution is not specifically barred by Arizona law. However, many cities and towns – including Phoenix – have laws that forbid soliciting an act of prostitution.
- Internet sex crimes, including child pornography and cyber crimes.
All of these sex crimes have different elements that the prosecution must prove in order to secure a conviction. If you are convicted of any sex crime, you will likely be facing jail or prison time. In addition, you will likely be required to register as a sex offender.
Our law firm has a proven record of numerous successes in sex crime cases, including getting charges dismissed, negotiating favorable plea bargains, and winning acquittals. With so much at risk, you cannot accept a defense that is anything less than excellent.
Sex Offender Registration: What To Know
A conviction for a sex offense can result in forced registration as a sex offender. The collateral consequences of being a registered sex offender will haunt you long after you have served your time behind bars and paid your fines. The sex offender label limits your job opportunities, dictates where you can live and makes you a pariah in your own community – even in your own family. We do everything we can to defend you aggressively against sex offender registration so that you can have a brighter future.
Many sex crime charges are based on minimal evidence – such as “he said, she said” situations. Our law firm will fight to defend you against baseless or unwarranted sex crime charges. We understand just how severe the consequences of a conviction are – and will work hard to help you get the best possible outcome.
Get Our Help To Beat Sex Crime Charges
Sex crime charges are incredibly serious and can result in life-changing consequences. Even being accused publicly of sexual assault or a related offense can be devastating. In this situation, you need legal representation sooner rather than later.
The longer you wait to contact a lawyer, the more time the prosecution has to build its case against you. When you contact Matthew Lopez Law, we will drop everything to begin investigating your case and building your defense.
Schedule your completely free consultation with an accomplished Arizona criminal defense lawyer. Call our Phoenix office at 602-926-8902, our Lake Havasu office at 928-714-7032, our Apache Junction office at 480-780-1644 or our Parker office at 480-573-6210 . You can also send us an email.
Some Commonly Asked Questions Around Arizona’s Sex Crime Laws
It is likely that you feel overwhelmed by the charges against you. It is normal to have many questions in such a situation. Fortunately, our knowledgeable attorneys can answer anything you wish to know. Below are some common questions that we hear from prospective clients.
Are all sex crimes a felony?
Not all sex crimes qualify as felonies. Quite a few are considered misdemeanors — for example, public sexual indecency, indecent exposure and prostitution. However, the severe nature of many sex offenses means that the majority fall into the category of felonies. As a result, the penalty is at least one year of incarceration. In some cases, such as sexual conduct with a minor, the potential sentence is up to life in prison.
What are the different levels of sex offenders in Arizona?
Arizona has three levels of sex offenders:
Level 1, also called tier 1, is for offenders who have a low likelihood of reoffending.
Level 2, or tier 2, is the category for offenders with a moderate likelihood of reoffending.
The most serious category is level 3, or tier 3. These offenders have a high likelihood of reoffending.
The categorization for each offender depends on the unique circumstances of the case, including the victim’s age and any aggravating factors.
Can public urination put you on the Arizona sex offender registry?
Unfortunately, yes. If you are arrested while urinating in public and charged with public exposure, the state could try to put you on the sex offender registry. Our Arizona sex crimes attorney will aggressively push back against any attempt to label you as a sex offender for this offense.
When do you have to register as a public sex offender in Arizona?
In Arizona, you must register as a sex offender within 10 days of your conviction for a sex crime. Failure to register as a sex offender – or failure to update local law enforcement about any changes in your address or name within 72 hours – could result in a separate criminal charge. Failure to register a sex offender may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the underlying case and your criminal history.
Are there statutes of limitations for sexual assault in Arizona?
If law enforcement does not know the identity of the perpetrator, there is no statute of limitations on a sexual assault. However, once they determine the identity of the perpetrator, the statute of limitations is seven years from the date of identification. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time frame, then they won’t be able to pursue charges against you.
If you have more questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We know what you are going through and we are prepared to help. From answering your questions to providing a strong defense, you can rely on us for the guidance you need.