Child Sexual Abuse Attorney in Glendale, AZ
It is often terrifying to face a criminal charge for child sexual abuse. These offenses are aggressively and harshly prosecuted in Arizona. It’s important to immediately work with a Glendale child sexual abuse lawyer in these cases. The right attorney can begin working immediately to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect your freedom, future, and reputation.
For a free legal consultation with a child sexual abuse lawyer serving Glendale, call 480-400-5555
Grand Canyon Law Group: Your Dedicated Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyer
You need an experienced, compassionate, and fierce Glendale criminal defense lawyer when facing accusations of child sexual abuse. The attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group have handled numerous criminal cases throughout our collective decades of experience. We fight for you and your future, rather than accepting a poor plea deal. We understand the importance of a powerful defense against these serious crimes.
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we bring you understanding and honest legal guidance. Our firm has experience with local courts throughout all the areas we serve, including the Maricopa County Superior Court Criminal Department. These cases can feel like the system has already assumed your guilt. Fight back with a trial-tested team.
Glendale Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
What Is Child Sexual Abuse in Glendale?
In Arizona, there were 11,624 cases of child maltreatment in 2023, 5.8% of which were sexual abuse cases. In 2022, there was a rate of 7.8 per 1,000 children experiencing neglect or abuse, including sexual abuse, in the state. This was a 20.5% decrease from 2018.
The offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child is the offense of committing specific violations against a child younger than 14. The offense lists three violations, which are considered child sexual abuse:
- Sexual conduct with a minor. This is the offense of intentionally engaging in oral sexual contact or sexual intercourse with anyone under 18 years of age. When the victim is under 15, the offense is classified as a Class 2 felony. When the victim is 12 or younger and suffers serious injury, it is a class 1 felony.
- Sexual assault. This is the offense of intentionally engaging in oral sexual conduct or sexual intercourse with a person without their consent. It is charged as a class 2 felony, but is charged differently when the victim of the offense is younger than 15.
- Molestation of a child. This is the offense of engaging in sexual contact or causing an individual to engage in sexual contact with a child under the age of 15. However, it does not include sexual contact with a female breast, as that is sexual abuse. Molestation is charged as a class 2 felony.
When a person commits any of the above violations three or more times in a period of three months, and the victim is under 14, they commit the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
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Penalties for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Continuous sexual abuse of a child is charged as a class 2 felony, penalized under sentencing for dangerous crimes against children. These penalties include a presumptive term of 60 years of imprisonment. The minimum term is 39 years, and the maximum term is 81 years. Additionally, the fines for a felony offense can range up to $150,000.
Additionally, if there has been a prior conviction of a predicate felony, the penalties are higher. A predicate felony is an offense that leads to or is connected to the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child. When this is the case, a presumptive sentence of 90 years of imprisonment applies. The minimum term is 69 years, and the maximum is 111 years.
These consequences can change your entire future. It is incredibly important that you secure the support of a dedicated attorney.
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What Are Possible Defenses?
There are several potential defenses to these severe charges, including:
- Exaggerated accusations
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of DNA and forensic evidence
- Flaws in how interviews of minors were conducted
- Lack of intent
- False accusations
- Coercion of a minor to lie
- Constitutional rights violations
An attorney with years of defense experience is crucial in assessing these options and deciding what can most benefit your case.
FAQs About Child Sexual Abuse in Glendale, AZ
What Is the Law for Sexual Abuse of a Child in Glendale?
There are several laws that encompass sexual abuse of a child in Glendale, including sexual abuse when the victim is under 15, sexual conduct with a minor, child molestation, and sexual assault. Continuous sexual abuse of a child is the crime of committing three or more violations against a child who is younger than 14. All these offenses are charged as felonies in Arizona.
How Is Sexual Abuse of a Child Classified in Arizona Law 13-1417?
Under Arizona law 13-1417, continuous sexual abuse of a child is the offense of three or more sexual acts against a child younger than 14. This is charged as a class 2 felony. Because it is a serious crime against children, the offense can result in a minimum sentence of 39 years and a maximum sentence of 81 years of imprisonment. The imprisonment term can increase to 69 to 111 years if the individual has a prior conviction.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Glendale?
It is essential to hire a child sexual abuse lawyer in Glendale if you have been charged with this crime. The penalties for this offense can significantly impact your life, potentially resulting in imprisonment. There may be options for defense, but they will be reliant on the specifics of your case and the case the prosecution has. An experienced defense attorney knows how to navigate this situation and assess the most effective defense.
What Is the Cost of a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Glendale?
The cost of a child sexual abuse lawyer in Glendale is typically an hourly rate, although the exact range is different from attorney to attorney. On average, the cost of a criminal defense attorney in Arizona is $134 per hour. However, this hourly rate can change significantly, especially for more serious cases like child sexual abuse cases. Always talk with a defense attorney upfront about their fees in your unique circumstances.
Find the Right Glendale Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand the gravity of these cases and the significant harm they can do to your entire life. It’s important to handle these sensitive cases with care while ensuring a complete and effective defense. Contact our firm today to see how we can help you.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form