In Arizona, luring a minor for sexual exploitation is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. If the minor involved is under the age of 15, the penalties increase in severity. If you are being accused of violating Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3554, the state’s “luring a minor” law, it is critical to contact an Arizona criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Is the Definition of Luring a Minor in Arizona?
Luring a minor is the criminal act of requesting, offering or soliciting sexual contact with an individual known or believed to be a minor. This crime often involves electronic communication with a minor for the purpose of sexual exploitation, such as sending messages online, chat rooms or text messages.
The state’s luring a minor law, Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3554 is as follows:
- 13-3554. Luring a minor for sexual exploitation; classification
- A. A person commits luring a minor for sexual exploitation by offering or soliciting sexual conduct with another person knowing or having reason to know that the other person is a minor.
- B. It is not a defense to a prosecution for a violation of this section that the other person is not a minor.
- C. Luring a minor for sexual exploitation is a class 3 felony, and if the minor is under fifteen years of age it is punishable pursuant to section 13-705. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as specifically authorized by section 31-233, subsection A or B until the sentence imposed by the court has been served or commuted.
Common crimes that are often associated with luring a minor are sexual exploitation of a minor (ARS § 13-3553), sexual conduct with a minor (ARS § 13-1405) and molestation of a child (ARS § 13-1410). Any of these contingent crimes can result in more than one charge and additional sentences upon conviction.
What Are the Penalties for Luring a Minor?
The sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona is a class 3 felony. This crime is punishable by a prison term of three to seven years for a first offense, or a longer sentence for a second or subsequent offense. If there are aggravating factors, the prison term may also increase.
If the minor that was lured is under the age of 15, this crime is punishable pursuant to ARS § 13-705: “dangerous crimes against children.” Under this statute, luring a minor is punishable with up to life imprisonment without parole.
When to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
It is important to note that whether or not the individual involved is actually a minor is not a valid defense against a luring a minor charge. If the person was an undercover police officer, for example, this is not a usable defense. A criminal defense attorney in Arizona can use other strategies to fight this criminal charge on your behalf.
It is essential to hire an attorney to represent you if you are being accused of luring a minor. This is a serious charge. Your attorney will search for ways to mitigate the effects of this criminal charge on your life and future. When your freedom is on the line, you need the best criminal defense possible. Request a free consultation with an attorney at Snader Law Group for more information. Contact us today at (480) 750-7537.