Sexual conduct with a minor is one of the most serious criminal charges in Arizona. Being convicted of this type of sex crime can be devastating to your personal and professional lives. It can cost you your marriage, career, community reputation, and future endeavors. If you have been charged with sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona, it is highly advisable to consult our reliable Phoenix criminal defense attorneys to assist you in understanding the charges and achieving the most favorable outcome possible. What you must be going through after getting wrongly accused of sexual exploitation of a minor cannot be understood as much as our attorneys at Snader Law Group. We will ensure we understand your unique case so we can strategize better.
At Snader Law Group, we have extensive knowledge of Arizona law and experience to defend our clients against all types of sex crimes. We have handled cases related to sexual conduct with a minor, child molestation, child pornography, sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, prostitution, and other unlawful sexual acts. We stand by each client’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. We will help you fight false allegations and protect your freedom.
If you have been accused of any type of sex crime, call us now and schedule an initial consultation with our law office.
Why Do I Need a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Attorney in Arizona?
Sexual conduct with a minor has a broad definition and is a specialized area of criminal law. As such, it is crucial to consult a knowledgeable Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney who has training and experience handling this type of criminal charge.
The crimes that fall under the sex offense category demand a vigorous defense. If you are facing allegations of being involved in a sexual act with a minor, it is imperative to get effective legal representation on your side as soon as possible. At Snader Law Group, we can help you understand your rights and prepare a defense against the state’s charges. We will analyze the facts, investigate your case, and explore all available legal options for you and your case.
What is Sexual Conduct with a Minor?
Sexual conduct with a minor is one of the most serious sexual offenses that may be committed against a child. Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-1405 defines sexual conduct with minors as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person under eighteen years old. It is important to understand that sexual intercourse is a broad term and included anything involving penetration. The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) ARS § 13-1401 says Sexual Intercourse means: Penetration into the penis, vulva, or anus by any part of the body or by any object or masturbatory contact with the penis or vulva.
Sexual conduct with a minor is classified as one of the “dangerous crimes against children” (DCAC). This is an extremely serious allegation that carries mandatory sentences, which is why you should immediately seek legal help from a credible Phoenix sex crimes attorney who will work diligently to fight for your rights.
What are the Penalties for Sexual Conduct with a Minor?
Sexual offense committed against children or minors are some of the most heavily prosecuted in the state of Arizona. As such, the penalties for these crimes are severe, often carrying mandatory prison sentences and flat terms. Flat terms prohibit early release and require the offender to serve each day of the imposed sentence.
The severity of penalties for sexual conduct with a minor conviction varies widely depending on the act, any existing prior convictions, and the exact age of the victim involved in the case.
- If the victim’s age is between 15 and 17 years old, you can be charged with a Class 6 felony. For a Class 6 offense, the minimum punishment ranges from probation to a two-year prison sentence. A conviction requires a person to register as a sex offender and may prevent the person from having any contact with minors, including their children.
- If the victim was under the age of 15, you can be charged with a Class 2 felony. This includes a minimum sentence of 13 years and a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison.
- If the victim was under the age of 12, sexual conduct with a minor involving penetration or oral sex carries a life sentence and the person is only eligible for parole after 35 years is served.
- If a person is charged with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, each sentence must run consecutive to one another. This means that an individual charged with 2 separate counts of sexual conduct with a minor faces a mandatory sentence of between 26 years and 54 years in prison.
Regardless of the victim’s age, a conviction for sexual conduct with a minor will always include mandatory sex offender registration which could make your life very difficult for many years. This will prohibit you from making contact with anyone under 18 years old (including your children) without going through the required testing procedures and consent of the probation officer. You will have a permanent criminal record that can restrict your employment opportunities, living situations, and social participation for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to fight these charges with the help of a competent Phoenix sex crimes defense attorney to protect your professional and personal reputation.
What are the Defenses for Sexual Conduct with a Minor?
Arizona does not take sexual conduct with a minor lightly. Many people refer to a conviction of this type of criminal charge as a “life-ender”. The consequences of being convicted of sexual conduct with a minor can permanently affect your life in various ways. However, it may be possible to reduce or avoid criminal charges depending on the type of offense you’ve been charged with. A top-ranking Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help you build a solid and persuasive defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
It is important to note that there are several statutory defenses to a charge of sexual conduct with a minor:
- False allegations
- Mistaken identity
- Conduct was consensual
- False evidence by a witness
- Did not and could not possibly know the victim was a minor
- Faulty forensic tests
- Unfair bias among witnesses, the prosecution, or the police
- Did not involve penetration, masturbatory contact, or oral contact
Call our Experienced Phoenix Sexual Conduct with a Minor Attorney Now!
Being accused of sexual conduct with a minor can be extremely overwhelming and devastating. A sex crime charge can ruin your life, relationships, career, and reputation. Upon conviction, you will have to face lengthy imprisonment, hefty fines, and lifetime sex offender registration. You will also have to deal with the societal stigma attached to anyone accused of committing a sex crime.
If you or a loved one has been charged with any sex crime, seek legal advice from a seasoned Phoenix sex crimes lawyer at Snader Law Group right away. Our criminal defense law firm is prepared to navigate this complex area of law. We have the necessary resources, skills, and experience to fight for your rights. Our legal team can help you explore defenses and negotiate plea bargains in dealing with the sex crime charges you face. We understand the seriousness of your case, therefore, we will help you build a strong defense to achieve the best possible outcome. We will stand in your corner and defend you every step of the way.
If you find yourself facing sex crime allegations, contact us today and schedule an initial consultation with our Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor lawyer.