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Tempe
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Lake Havasu City
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Apache Junction
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Parker
Sex Crime Charges in Arizona?
Your Future Depends on Your Defense.
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.
A sex crime accusation in Arizona can destroy your life before you ever see the inside of a courtroom. Your name becomes public. Your job is at risk. Your family relationships fracture. Your neighbors, coworkers, and community form opinions based on an allegation — not a conviction.
Arizona sex crime penalties are among the most severe in the country. Sexual assault carries a presumptive 7-year prison sentence with no possibility of probation. Dangerous crimes against children carry mandatory terms of 10 to 24 years — served day for day. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration.
Matthew Lopez Law provides confidential, aggressive defense for every sex offense charged under Arizona law. Our team includes former prosecutors who handled sex crime cases from the other side. They know how investigations are built, how evidence is gathered, and where cases are vulnerable. Call (602) 680-9793 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7.
Arizona’s sex crime statutes are found in Title 13, Chapter 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The charges span a wide range of severity — from Class 1 misdemeanors to offenses carrying life imprisonment. Here are the primary offenses we defend:
The most serious sex offense outside of crimes against children. Sexual assault involves sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without consent. Class 2 felony. Presumptive sentence: 7 years. Range: 5.25 to 14 years for a first offense. No probation. No suspension of sentence. Mandatory prison. If the assault involved drugging the victim, the sentence increases by 3 years. If it involved serious physical injury, life imprisonment is possible with a 25-year minimum before parole eligibility.
Sexual abuse involves sexual contact — touching, fondling, or manipulating the genitals, anus, or female breast — without consent. Class 5 felony if the victim is 15 or older (up to 2.5 years, probation possible). Class 3 felony classified as a dangerous crime against children (DCAC) if the victim is under 15 — carrying 2.5 to 7.5 years with no early release.
Indecent exposure is exposing genitals or the female breast when another person is present and would be offended. Class 1 misdemeanor — unless the victim is under 15, which elevates it to a Class 6 felony. Repeat offenses can also be charged as felonies. This charge frequently arises from urinating in public, skinny dipping, or other conduct that wasn’t sexually motivated — making the defense of lack of sexual intent particularly relevant.
Sexual misconduct with a minor involves sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with anyone under 18. If the victim is under 15, this is a dangerous crime against children with mandatory prison of 13 to 27 years. If the victim is 15-17 and the defendant is in a position of trust, consent is not a defense.
Prostitution and solicitation charges carry misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on circumstances and prior offenses. Arizona aggressively prosecutes both sides of the transaction.
Arizona’s sex offender registration requirements apply to most sex crime convictions involving minors and many involving adults. Registration is lifetime for certain offenses and affects housing, employment, travel, and proximity to schools and parks. Failure to register is a separate felony under ARS 13-3824.
Sex crime prosecutions are different from every other criminal case. The evidence is often a single person’s word against yours. There may be no physical evidence, no witnesses, and no corroboration — yet prosecutors charge anyway because Arizona policy heavily favors filing charges whenever a complaint is made.
False accusations are common. Jealousy, custody disputes, relationship breakdowns, regret, and revenge motivate false reports. An experienced defense attorney knows how to investigate the accuser’s credibility, identify inconsistencies, and uncover motives to fabricate.
Forensic evidence is complex. DNA, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) reports, toxicology, and digital evidence all require expert analysis. We retain independent forensic experts to challenge the state’s interpretation of physical evidence.
Interrogations are dangerous. Detectives investigating sex crimes are trained to extract statements from suspects — statements that can be taken out of context and used against you at trial. If you’re under investigation, say nothing until you speak with an attorney.
Timing matters. Many sex crime investigations take weeks or months before charges are filed. If you learn you’re under investigation — through a detective’s call, a protective order, or a workplace notification — contact us immediately. Pre-charge intervention can sometimes prevent charges from ever being filed.
A sex crime conviction in Arizona means some or all of the following:
Prison time. Ranging from months to decades depending on the offense and victim’s age. DCAC offenses require serving 100% of the sentence — no early release, no parole.
Sex offender registration. Lifetime registration for many offenses. Your name, photo, address, and offense are published on a public registry accessible by anyone.
Employment destruction. Background checks will reveal the conviction. Many employers, licensing boards, and professional organizations bar individuals with sex crime convictions.
Relationship consequences. Contact with minors — including your own children or grandchildren — may be restricted or prohibited as a condition of probation or registration.
Immigration consequences. Sex crime convictions can trigger deportation for non-citizens and permanent bars on immigration relief.
Pre-charge investigation. If you know you’re under investigation, we intervene before charges are filed — contacting investigators, presenting exculpatory evidence, and building your defense from day one.
Accuser credibility investigation. We investigate the accuser’s background, motives, and statements for inconsistencies. Polygraph evidence (when favorable) can be presented to prosecutors during plea negotiations.
Forensic challenges. We retain independent experts to review DNA evidence, SANE exam results, digital forensics, and toxicology reports. The state’s forensic conclusions are not infallible.
Constitutional challenges. Illegal searches, Miranda violations, coerced confessions, and improper interrogation techniques are all grounds for suppression of evidence.
Trial-ready defense. Sex crime cases often come down to credibility at trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to a jury — because the prosecution’s willingness to negotiate depends on their confidence in winning at trial.
We understand that sex crime charges carry stigma beyond any other criminal accusation. Every interaction with our firm is confidential. We don’t discuss your case with anyone without your permission. Our consultations are private, our communications are protected by attorney-client privilege, and our offices are designed for discretion.
We serve clients in Tempe, Mesa, Lake Havasu, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and statewide. Flat fees. Payment plans. Free consultation.
Call (602) 680-9793 now. 24/7. Confidential.
Every minute counts when you’re facing criminal charges in Arizona. Whether you were just arrested or have court next week, our team is ready to start building your defense right now. We offer free consultations and can start protecting your rights today with flexible payment plans that work for your budget.
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