Offering Strategic Legal Advice for Sex Offenses
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Arizona, your reputation and your freedom could be on the line. Many criminal charges carry penalties like jail time and hefty fines, but sex crimes also carry a stigma around them that could lead to a damaged reputation. Sex crime convictions can lead to difficulty finding employment and maintaining relationships in your community. If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you contact an experienced lawyer to begin building your defense case.
Our team at Territorial Law has years of experience handling sex crime cases, including internet sex crimes, sexual assault, indecent exposure, child pornography, and more. We understand just how important it is to defend your case in court, and we know how to get plea deals and jury trial wins using personalized legal defense strategies. If you are facing criminal charges, please don’t hesitate to reach out today. For a free consultation, call our office at 928-955-7191.
What is the Definition of a Sexual Offense?
A sexual offense is any sexual crime involving indecent contact, assault, or exposure to or with another person. Rape, sexual assault, prostitution, and solicitation of a minor are all included under the umbrella of sexual offenses. Sexual crimes are taken very seriously in the criminal justice system, and many judges will use convicted criminals as examples, doling out the most extreme punishment they are legally able to. Consulting with our team of sex crime lawyers is the best way to protect yourself when charged with a crime.
What Kind of Sex Crimes Cases Can an Attorney Help With?
At our law office, our team can help you with any criminal defense case you are a part of. With our 60-plus years of combined experience, we are confident that there is no sex crimes case we can’t assist with.
Below are just some of the cases we have experience in:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Possession of child pornography
- Child molestation
If you are facing any criminal charge that has to do with sex or sexual contact, an experienced attorney on our team can help you. We will review the facts of your case and begin building a solid defense strategy to reduce the penalties you are facing. We always aim to get your case dismissed, and if your case goes to trial, we will use our experience and our knowledge to get you the outcome you deserve. If you have questions about your case, please reach out to our office today.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction?
The potential penalties for a sex crime conviction depend on the nature of the crime and the age of the alleged victim. In most cases, if the victim is under 15 years old, the offense is punishable under the “dangerous crimes against children” statute. The statute stipulates that sentences can be longer and fines can be more expensive for a crime with a victim under 15 years old.
In the case of sexual assault or sexual misconduct, if a victim is between 12 and 14 years old, the sentencing can range from 13 to 27 years. If the victim is under the age of 12, the sentencing can be up to life in prison with the chance for release after 35 years. Convicted offenders may also be required to register as a sex offender.
Arizona law allows the prosecution of children as young as 14 years old for crimes committed against other children. Minors who are 14 years old or older can be tried as adults in Arizona court for sexual offenses. Prosecutors can decide if they’d like to pursue charges in adult court or juvenile court.
What Are the Potential Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges?
Your particular defense strategy depends on the nature of the crime and the victim involved. However, some common defense strategies may be relevant to your case.
Below are some of the potential defenses against sex crime charges:
- Mistaken identity: The victim named the wrong perpetrator, and you are being blamed for someone else’s crime. The victim may be confused or unsure. Our Yuma criminal defense attorneys can help a jury see that you are not the right person.
- The act was consensual: In some cases, consent was given before the act, and accusations are used to tarnish a person’s reputation. We can find evidence that you had consent before the sexual act.
- Ulterior motives: In some divorces and breakups, one partner will use accusations of criminal activity to prevent the other partner from getting what they want, like assets or custody. Our team can look for evidence in your communications to prove that false accusations are tarnishing your reputation.
- You were not in your right mind: If you acted in a way that is entirely different from your usual behavior, our team can call witnesses to testify to your good moral character. A strategy like this can often reduce the charges or penalties you are facing.
Should I Hire a Defense Attorney?
Being convicted of a sex crime can prevent you from finding employment, securing housing, and forming relationships in the future. Sexual charges require strategic and aggressive defense strategies from an experienced team of attorneys. At Territorial Law, we understand exactly what is at stake, and we will use our knowledge and experience to represent you before a judge and in negotiations with prosecutors. Don’t leave your future and your freedom up to chance. To talk to one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers, call us today at 928-955-7191.