Challenges in “Dangerous Crimes Against Children” Cases in Arizona

By David Lish

  |  

Criminal Defense

  |  

Last Modified on Apr 09, 2026

Any sex crime charge involving a minor should be taken seriously, but there are specific challenges in “dangerous crimes against children” cases in Arizona that need to be addressed. The DCAC designation increases the penalties associated with specific crimes, making it more crucial than ever for those accused of committing them to have a strong legal team on their side.

What Is a Dangerous Crime Against Children?

Dangerous crimes against children are offenses against minors under the age of 15. Most of the offenses that receive this designation are sex crimes, but other violent crimes, such as kidnapping and aggravated assault, can also receive a DCAC designation, as can certain forms of child abuse. Examples of offenses that can be tried as dangerous crimes against children include:

• Child molestation
• Child abuse that leads to serious injury
• Child sex trafficking
• Aggravated assault against a child
• Certain drug offenses
• Child sexual abuse or assault
• Child sexual exploitation
• Kidnapping
• Sexual conduct with a child
• Murder and attempted murder
• Unlawful age misrepresentation
• Luring a minor for sexual exploitation

DCAC offenses are more heavily penalized under A.R.S. 13-705.

Enhanced Penalties for Dangerous Crimes Against Children

The way the DCAC designation works is that if a defendant is convicted of the underlying crime, they can be penalized more heavily if the alleged victim was under the age of 15. Penalties range from just 2.5 years for sexual abuse, which, in Arizona, involves only sexual contact with the female breast of a child, to 111 years for continuous sexual abuse of a child by someone with a previous predicate felony conviction.

Challenges Associated With DCAC Cases

DCAC cases can be uniquely challenging for defendants because of the strong public sentiment that accompanies cases involving child victims. In 2023, 43,865 children were abused or neglected in Arizona, and these cases often generated strong responses. Alleged victims of dangerous crimes against children are even more sympathetic.

While public sentiment can have an impact on how a jury behaves, the prosecution still has the obligation to prove that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Arizona sex crime attorney can look for holes in their case and find ways to overcome the jury’s inherent bias against defendants accused of sex or violent crimes against children.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

Your lawyer starts by explaining the particulars of the charges being levied against you. They can listen to your side of the story and use the information you give them, along with any evidence available, to construct a strong defense. Your defense lawyer can interview witnesses, file motions to suppress evidence or statements, and make arrangements for expert witnesses to testify as needed.

The process of undergoing a criminal trial is always stressful, but having a skilled attorney on your side can make it a little easier. Your lawyer can advocate for your rights and interests throughout your trial and improve your chances of a positive outcome, whether your case goes to court or you opt to negotiate a plea deal.

Effective Defense Strategies

The defense strategy your lawyer chooses can depend on the specific crime you’re being accused of having committed and the particulars of your case. Common defense strategies used in DCAC cases include:

• Alibi: If you have an alibi in the form of witness statements, photographs, videos, or receipts from other locations for items purchased while the crime was committed, you should not be convicted of the crime.
• Mistaken identity: Children make mistakes. Your lawyer may be able to prove that another person may have committed the crime, making it impossible for the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was you.
• False allegations: Children sometimes make false allegations against adults. In that case, your attorney can focus on showing that no crime was actually committed.
• No minor involved: If the alleged victim was over the age of 15 when the crime occurred, it’s not considered a dangerous crime against children and doesn’t carry enhanced penalties, even if you’re convicted.

FAQs About Dangerous Crimes Against Children

Is Arizona Tough on Crimes Against Children?

Arizona is tough on crimes against children. It has an expanded definition of sexual exploitation under local sex crime laws and strict sentencing. The Grand Canyon State also has enhanced penalties for online grooming and a dangerous crimes against children designation that subjects defendants to harsher penalties with minimum sentences.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Child Molestation in Arizona?

There is no statute of limitations on child molestation in Arizona for crimes against children under the age of 15. Criminal charges can be filed at any time. There is, however, a seven-year statute of limitations for molestation of a child between 15 and 17. There is also a 30-year statute of limitations for filing a civil claim against someone for child molestation.

What’s Considered a Dangerous Crime Against a Child in Arizona?

Offenses that are considered dangerous crimes against a child in Arizona under A.R.S. 13-705 are committed against minors under the age of 18 and include sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, and trafficking of a minor. Severe violent crimes, such as kidnapping or aggravated assault, can also be considered dangerous crimes against a minor, as can severe child abuse.

What Is the Age of Consent in Arizona?

The age of consent in Arizona is 18. You could face charges for sexual conduct with a minor if you engage in any form of sexual intercourse with someone under the age of consent, and you could face elevated charges for sex crimes against a minor under the age of 15, which are often considered dangerous crimes against children.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer Today

If you’re facing charges that are classified as a dangerous crime against children, you need to hire a sex crime lawyer immediately. The team here at Grand Canyon Law Group can help. We have years of experience in defending clients against serious allegations, including those classified as dangerous crimes against children. We can help with your sex crime case, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.