Arizona Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers
Fighting Sex Crime Charges

Sex crimes always draw out intense emotions from the public, and this issue has been in the spotlight for many years. As a result, those who are charged with the growing list of sex crimes in Arizona face a difficult task in regards to getting a fair trial if the situation proceeds all the way to court. This should tell anyone who faces a sex crime charge in Arizona that their first step should be to secure the help of an experienced Arizona sex crimes defense lawyer.

Below you’ll find information regarding the types of sex crimes that exist in Arizona, the potential consequences that could be faced if a defendant is convicted of any of these charges, the options present for a defendant in this situation and finally how you should proceed if you face any sex crime charge in Arizona.

An Overview of Sex Crimes in Arizona

As stated, there are many different types of sex crimes that exist in Arizona, and the list seems to grow regularly as new forms of conduct are exposed. Below are a few examples of Arizona sex crimes and a brief description of each.

Sexual Assault/Rape

Sexual assault, otherwise known as rape, is basically described as conduct that includes sexual contact with the alleged victim without consent. This sexual contact does not need to occur while the victim is awake and the victim does not need to overtly refuse to engage in such conduct. If the victim is unconscious, it could constitute sexual assault.

Sex Crimes against Children

There are several crimes involving sexual conduct with children, and each of them could carry significant consequences if the defendant is convicted. Examples of these charges include sexual conduct with a minor, molestation of a child that includes consensual sex with a person under the age of 15 and sexual exploitation of a minor which can include possession of child pornography. The advent of the Internet has spurned a spike in these types of charges.

Date or Spousal Rape

A growing number of people are being charged with sexual assault of a person he or she knows, including spouses, significant others and social acquaintances. Generally, these crimes are known as ‘date rape’ or ‘spousal rape,’ and much the same standard exists for these crimes as the other sex crimes in Arizona. If sexual contact or sexual exploitation occurs without the consent of the victim, the person involved with this conduct could face criminal charges.

Of course, there are more than three forms of conduct that could lead to a sex charge in Arizona. There are many variations within each charge listed above, but the bottom line is that anyone who is convicted of any of these crimes faces severe consequences, potentially long prison terms and other sanctions that can follow a convicted defendant for the rest of his or her life.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Arizona

The Arizona legislature and the Arizona criminal justice system have heard the loud voices of the public that demand stiff penalties and harsh action against anyone who is convicted of a sex crime in the jurisdiction. Public policy is always a strong force in terms of criminal prosecutions, and the most basic way in which this public pressure plays out within the system is by way of prison terms handed out to convicted defendants.

The range of years for prison terms associated with a conviction of any of the charges listed above moves from a low of 5 years to a high of at least 27 years. Perhaps the most daunting aspect of these stiff sentences is that Arizona has enacted mandatory minimums for many of these sentences that remove much of the discretion a judge would otherwise have.

In addition, people convicted of sex crimes in Arizona must register as sex offenders. This means that a registered sex offender basically faces a lifetime of probation and he or she must alert neighbors and the public of his or her presence every time he or she moves. Living as a registered sex offender for the rest of one’s life is a difficult situation to face every day.

Considerations for a Defense against Arizona Sex Crime Charges

Fortunately for criminal defendants charged with any crime, he or she has rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. Therefore, every defendant has a right to a fair trial, a right to an attorney and rights against self-incrimination among others. In this sort of situation, these Constitutional rights are of paramount importance.

A defendant facing these charges who has obtained the help of an experienced Phoenix sex crimes defense lawyer will be able to rest assured that his or her guaranteed rights will be enforced. An attorney will also be able to work through the situation with prosecutors to find a solution to the problem. However, you need to take that first step if you face this situation. Contact the experienced Phoenix sex crimes defense lawyers at David Wroblewski & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation.