Child Sexual Abuse Attorney in Apache Junction, AZ
Arizona takes child welfare very seriously, so it considers the sexual abuse of a child a major crime. If you’re facing charges, you need to take them seriously and hire an Apache Junction child sexual abuse lawyer right away.
For a free legal consultation with a child sexual abuse lawyer serving Apache Junction, call 480-400-5555
Trust Grand Canyon Law Group
You can trust the team at Grand Canyon Law Group to protect your rights and provide you with a vigorous defense against these egregious charges. We’ve been in practice for years, and in that time, we’ve developed a deep understanding of child sexual abuse laws and successfully defended countless clients against sexual abuse of a child and similar sex crime allegations. We can help with your child sexual abuse case, too.
Apache Junction Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
Why Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
In 2022, 4.2% of all childhood maltreatment cases involved victims of sexual abuse. That may not seem like a large number, but consider the fact that in that year, Arizona had 84,730 total referrals for child abuse and neglect, and it becomes clear that child sexual abuse allegations are relatively common.
If you’ve been accused, you need to hire a child sexual abuse lawyer right away. Your lawyer can assist you every step of the way, providing compassionate advocacy and vigorous legal representation. We can help you with everything from understanding the charges against you to developing an effective defense strategy and providing courtroom representation should your case go to trial.
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Defining Child Sexual Abuse
While the crime of child sexual abuse is very specific, involving only sexual contact with the female breast of a minor under the age of 15, the term is often used in broader contexts. Crimes that fall under the purview of child sexual abuse in Apache Junction include:
- Continuous sexual abuse of a minor. Continuous sexual abuse of a minor involves three or more instances of sexual contact over the course of three or more months. This law applies to children under 14.
- Sexual conduct with a minor. Sexual conduct with a minor occurs when a person engages in intercourse or oral sex with a person under 18.
- Sexual assault. Sexual assault involving victims under the age of 15 is considered a dangerous crime against children.
- Molestation of a child. Molestation of a child involves engaging in sexual contact, excluding contact with the female breast, with a child under 15. The contact does not have to be skin-to-skin; it can occur through clothing.
No matter which of these crimes you’re being accused of committing, our legal team can help you construct an effective defense in Apache Junction.
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Child Sexual Abuse Penalties in Arizona
The penalties for child sexual abuse vary depending on the exact crime you’re facing. Here’s what to expect from each category of crimes:
- Child sexual abuse. Actual child sexual abuse is classified as a Class 5 felony punishable by between six months and 2.5 years in prison.
- Sexual conduct with a minor. Sexual conduct with a minor who’s at least 15 is a Class 6 felony punishable by between four months and two years in prison. If the alleged victim has not yet turned 15, it’s a Class 2 felony that’s also considered a dangerous crime against children.
- Sexual assault of a child. Sexual assault involving victims under 15 is punished as a dangerous crime against children. If the victim is over 15, it’s considered a Class 2 felony punishable by three to 12.5 years in prison.
- Molestation of a child. Molestation of a child is punished as a dangerous crime against children.
No matter what charges you’re facing, working with an Apache Junction child sexual abuse attorney is the most effective way to improve your chances of avoiding these negative outcomes. Whether you go to trial at the Pinal County Superior Court at 971 North Jason Lopez Cir in Florence or opt to take a plea deal, your lawyer will be there for you every step of the way.
FAQs
What Is the Law for Child Sexual Abuse in Arizona?
There are several laws for child sexual abuse in Arizona. Most examples fall under G.S. 13-1417, which outlines the crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child. This crime is defined as engaging in three or more violations against a child under 14 within a three-month period. Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a Class 2 felony.
What Is the Juliet Law in Arizona?
The Juliet Law in Arizona is A.R.S. 13-1407(E). It applies to victims aged 15-17 and defendants under 19 who are still in high school. If they are no more than 24 months older than the victim, that’s considered a valid defense against statutory rape charges in Arizona. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of this law.
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Conduct With a Minor?
Crimes that are considered sexual abuse vs. sexual conduct with a minor involve sexual contact with the female breast of a minor under the age of 15. Child sexual abuse charges also apply if the alleged victim was 15 to 18 years old, if the adult who had inappropriate contact was in a position of trust. Sexual conduct with a minor is a more serious charge that involves oral sex or sexual intercourse with a person under 18.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Sexual Abuse?
The evidence you need to prove sexual abuse can include everything from witness statements to medical records, digital communications, and professional analyses. If direct evidence is unavailable, the alleged victim can provide a combination of supporting documentation and survivor testimony to prove sexual abuse. Survivor testimony can be particularly emotionally compelling in cases of sexual abuse of a child.
Your Apache Junction Child Sex Abuse Lawyer
Facing charges for the abuse of a child can be incredibly stressful, but you don’t have to go it alone. An Apache Junction child sex abuse lawyer can help you construct an effective defense against the charges and protect your rights throughout the legal process. You can trust the team at Grand Canyon Law Group to help. We’re deeply familiar with child sex abuse laws and have defended countless clients against similar allegations. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
