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Tempe Sexual Conduct with a Minor Lawyer

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Sexual Conduct with a Minor Attorney in Tempe, AZ

In Arizona, it’s illegal to have any kind of sexual contact with someone under the age of 18 if you are more than two years older than that person. If you’ve been arrested for this crime, you need to hire a Tempe sexual conduct with a minor lawyer right away.

Trust Grand Canyon Law Group

If you’re looking for a Tempe sex crime lawyer, look no further than Grand Canyon Law Group. Our team has been defending clients against all varieties of sex crimes for years. We can help you understand the charges being brought against you and the potential consequences for them, providing you with experienced legal guidance and high-quality representation throughout the process.

Why Hire a Sexual Conduct With a Minor Lawyer?

From 2019 to 2023, there were 1,477 arrests for sexual assault-related offenses in Arizona, including sexual conduct with a minor. Of those arrested, 316 were accused of a sexual offense involving a minor victim. As of July 2025, 43% of the people arrested for these crimes were convicted.

While it might sound like the odds are in your favor, you have to remember that many of those people had legal representation. If you don’t hire a sexual conduct with a minor lawyer, your chances of being convicted are much higher. Your lawyer can help you understand the charges being brought against you and evaluate the evidence to come up with a solid defense strategy, improving your chances of a successful outcome in your case.

What Is Sexual Conduct With a Minor?

Defined in ARS 13-1405, sexual conduct with a minor occurs when someone over the age of 18 engages in any kind of sexual activity with a minor. Sexual conduct includes more than just penetrative intercourse. Two fully clothed people can still be engaging in sexual conduct if they are rubbing themselves against each other for sexual stimulation, for example.

There are some exceptions to the rule. Arizona’s Romeo and Juliet law, ARS 13-1407E, stipulates that it is not illegal to engage in sexual conduct with someone who is at least 15 years old if you are:

  • Under 19 years old
  • Less than 24 months older than the alleged victim
  • Still attending high school, such as McClintock High School

There are also exceptions made for people who could not reasonably have been expected to know that the other person with whom they engaged in sexual conduct was under the age of 18.

Sexual Conduct With a Minor Penalties

The penalties for sexual conduct with a minor vary depending on the age of the alleged victim in Tempe, AZ. Here’s what to expect:

  • Sexual conduct with someone under 12 who suffers a serious physical injury as a result is a Class 1 felony punishable by life in prison without parole.
  • Sexual conduct with someone under 15 is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to 12.5 years in prison.
  • Sexual conduct with someone who is 15-18 years of age is a Class 6 felony, unless you are more than 60 months older than the alleged victim and were over 21 at the time of the offense.
  • Sexual conduct with someone between 15 and 18 is a Class 4 felony if you were over 21 or more than 60 months older than the alleged victim.
  • Sexual conduct with a minor at least 15 years of age is a Class 2 felony if you are in a position of trust.

If this sounds a bit complicated, it’s because it is. The easiest way to get a clear understanding of what kind of sexual conduct with a minor penalties you may face if convicted is to speak with a Tempe sexual conduct with a minor attorney.

FAQs

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Sexual Conduct With a Minor in Arizona?

There is a statute of limitations for sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona. For sexual conduct with a minor aged 15-18, there is a seven-year window beginning with the discovery of the crime in which the state can file charges. However, there are some exceptions. Lack of identification or finding new DNA evidence can negate the statute of limitations.

Does Sexual Conduct With a Minor Stay on Your Record Forever?

Sexual conduct with a minor does stay on your record forever. In most cases, you are not able to have your record sealed or expunge the conviction. However, if you were arrested but ultimately found not guilty of the crime, you may be able to have your record sealed or expunged. Until then, your arrest still shows up on your record, despite being found not guilty.

Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Sexual Conduct With a Minor?

Yes, you have to register as a sex offender for sexual conduct with a minor. However, if you successfully complete a term of probation, you may be able to petition the court for removal from the sex offender database. You can only petition the court for removal if you were under 22 and the victim was over 15 at the time of the offense.

How Long Do Sexual Conduct With a Minor Cases Take?

How long sexual conduct with a minor cases take varies depending on the specifics of your case. If it’s a straightforward case with strong evidence either for or against you, the case generally requires less time in court. If the evidence in your favor is strong, you could have the charges dropped relatively early in the process. If the case is complex and must go to trial, it can take significantly longer to resolve.

Your Tempe Sexual Conduct With a Minor Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of engaging in any kind of sexual act with a person under 18, you need to hire a Tempe sexual conduct with a minor lawyer right away. The team here at Grand Canyon Law Group is here to help. We’ve been practicing criminal defense law for years, and in that time, we’ve seen it all. No matter the details, we can help you resolve your sexual conduct with a minor case in the most positive way possible. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

Schedule A Consultation With The Grand Canyon Attorney Who Can Help