PHOENIX, ARIZONA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Being charged with a sex crime in the state of Arizona is nothing to take lightly. The punishments for such an offense in Arizona can have consequences that remain for the rest of your life, not just with money but with prison time, community service, sex offender registration, probation, and much more.

Even a minimum sentence could send you to prison for an incredibly long time. If charged and convicted as an adult, you will have to register as a sex offender, be prohibited from living in certain areas, have difficulties finding a good job, and suffer hardships in your personal life. That’s why these types of crimes are frequently referred to as "life enders."

Don’t suffer those consequences if you can avoid it; contact an experienced sex crimes lawyer to defend you. The Law Office of Michael Alarid in Arizona focuses on criminal defense, DUI defense, and other serious crimes. We have helped defend many others charged with sex crimes and can help you too.

What are the Different Types of Sex Crimes in Arizona?

Sexual Assault – ARS 13-1406

Also known as "rape," sexual assault occurs when a person is forced into having sexual intercourse against their will. According to ARS 13-1406, this is a class 2 felony with a minimum mandatory prison term, depending on any prior convictions, among other penalties.

Statutory Rape – ARS 13-1405

In Arizona, this is known as sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 18. This charge is a class 6 felony unless the person is under the age of 15, then it becomes a class 2 felony that requires significant mandatory prison time and can be brought as a Dangerous Crime Against Children, which makes the case much more severe.

Child Pornography – ARS 13-3553

Also known as "sexual exploitation of a minor," child pornography includes production, distribution, or possession of visual images of a minor engaged in sexual conduct or exploitive exhibition and requires significant mandatory prison time.

Child Molestation – ARS 13-1410

Child molestation involves sexual contact with a child under 15 years old. The "sexual contact" term means fondling, manipulating, or touching the anus or genitals. Sexual contact with the female breast does not constitute as child molestation; however, it is criminalized as sexual abuse under ARS 13-1404.

Sexual Abuse – ARS 13-1404

Sexual abuse involves intentionally or knowingly engage in sexual contact with someone at least 15 years old but without consent or under 15 years of age if the contact only involves a female's breast.

Sexual Extortion – ARS 13-1428

Sexual extortion occurs when someone coerces or threatens another person into engaging in specific sexual activities. Sexual extortion is usually a class 3 felony in Arizona but can also be a class 2 felony, in which a mandatory prison sentence is required if the victim is age 15 years old or younger.

Indecent Exposure – ARS - 13-1402

Indecent exposure may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the victim's age, and if the defendant had prior convictions of the same statute.

Public Sexual Indecency – ARS 13-1403

This charge involves engaging in various forms of sexual conduct where there is another person present, and the accused are reckless of whether the bystander would find the conduct offensive. This charge is a class 1 misdemeanor, or if the other person is under the age of 15 years old, it then becomes a class 5 felony.

Prostitution – ARS 13-3214

The technical definition of prostitution is engaging in, offering to, or agreeing to, engage in sexual conduct while under a disclosed sum of money or anything else of value. Offering or accepting prostitution services is a crime in the state of Arizona. Generally, prostitution is a class 1 misdemeanor, but there is still a mandatory minimum jail sentence if convicted. Prostitution offenses involving procuring, or "pimping," are felonies that may require mandatory prison sentences.

Sexual Misconduct – ARS 13-1418

Only behavioral health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and professionals licensed to practice by the board of behavioral health examiners (ARS 32-3251) can be charged with sexual misconduct. This class 6 felony is specifically used when a behavioral health professional engages in sexual intercourse with a current patient, which is illegal in the state of Arizona.