Sexual Abuse Attorney in Glendale, AZ
Intentionally having sexual contact with someone without their consent is considered sexual abuse and a crime with significant consequences. In addition to a potential prison sentence, a person with a conviction for this type of sex crime faces the lifelong stigma of having a record as a sex offender. Anyone facing sexual abuse charges should contact a Glendale sexual abuse lawyer immediately.
A dedicated criminal defense attorney from the Grand Canyon Law Group can protect your rights, work to build a powerful defense, and advocate tenaciously on your behalf. Reach out today to begin reviewing the details of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer serving Glendale, call 480-400-5555
WHAT IS THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF SEXUAL ABUSE?
Arizona Statutes § 13-1404 describes the actions that could lead to sexual abuse charges. A person must make sexual contact with another individual who is at least 15 years old without their consent. Sexual contact in these terms means intentionally touching or manipulating the genitals, anus, or female breasts.
The sexual contact could be between any part of the alleged offender’s body and the private parts of the alleged victim’s body. The acts could be direct or indirect, and skin-to-skin contact is not necessary. For example, snapping a towel against a person’s genitals could constitute sexual abuse.
Because the definition of sexual abuse is so broad, it encompasses many situations where there may have been no intentional attempt to make sexual contact. In such cases, an accused person might believe they can explain what happened from their perspective, and the police will drop the matter. However, doing so is unwise, and anyone facing sexual abuse charges should invoke their right to remain silent and wait until their Glendale attorney is present before answering questions.
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DEFENDING A SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGE
Unfortunately, a person could face a sexual abuse charge for an inadvertent or accidental instance of physical contact. Sometimes a person faces sexual abuse charges when they believed they had the alleged victim’s consent.
If the alleged victim was over 18 at the time of the incident and there is evidence that the two people involved had a romantic relationship, a Glendale defense attorney could raise the consent defense. This could also be an option even if the two parties just met but shared a mutual attraction.
The accused also could assert that they had no sexual intent when making contact and that their actions were accidental or intentional but not sexual. For example, making contact with a woman’s breast while pushing her out of range of danger might be deliberate conduct that was not sexually motivated. Additionally, our advocates could assert that the alleged victim made a false report in certain instances.
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CONSEQUENCES OF A SEXUAL ABUSE CONVICTION
Sexual abuse is a Class 5 dangerous felony if the victim is 15 or older. The presumptive sentence for a first offender convicted of a Class 5 felony is three years in prison, with a possible range of two to four years. If the offender has one prior conviction, the presumptive sentence is five years; with two prior convictions, it is seven years in prison.
Someone convicted of sexual abuse of a person under 15 faces a Class 3 dangerous felony charge and sentencing for a dangerous act involving a child under Arizona Statutes § 13-705. If the alleged victim was under 18 when the incident occurred, the offender must register as a sex offender.
Registration as a sex offender requires a person to provide the sheriff in their county of residence with updated contact information and immediately notify them whenever the information changes. The obligation to maintain information on the sex offender registry is lifelong. Our Glendale attorneys can discuss the specific sentencing implications of a case at length during a private meeting and help you save your way of life after an accusation of sexual abuse.
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What to Expect During Your Criminal Case
After an arrest in Glendale, whether it occurs in Arrowhead Lakes, Sahuaro District, or Downtown Glendale, you will first be taken to the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail, 201 S. 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003, for booking. Officers will collect fingerprints, photographs, and personal information.
This intake process is the same whether your case involves a sex offense, trafficking allegation, or any other felony. Arizona’s criminal system handles these charges aggressively, especially as the state now has over 12,000 convicted sex offenders on its registry and continues to see high-profile prosecutions. One recently prosecuted case involved a former school teacher who had sexual relations with two underage female students. His trial resulted in a 187-year sentence.
Once booked, you will appear before a judge for an initial hearing, during which conditions of release and bail are set. Then, the case moves into the pre-trial phase, where your attorney reviews police reports, analyzes evidence, and challenges weaknesses in the state’s case. With 550 human-trafficking hotline calls in 2024 and thousands of identified victims statewide, prosecutors aggressively pursue sex crime convictions.
Why You Should Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you are facing accusations of sexual abuse in criminal court, your top priority should be to hire a sexual abuse lawyer with years of experience managing complex sexual abuse cases. Arizona’s sexual abuse laws carry harsh penalties, but a Glendale sexual abuse attorney can take decisive steps to balance the scales of justice in your favor.
Your defense lawyer can rely on their years of experience managing complex criminal cases to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as unreliable witnesses, unlawfully obtained evidence, or false accusations. Lawyers are skilled negotiators and seasoned investigators who can focus their efforts on securing a favorable outcome to your criminal case.
FAQs
What Is the Strongest Defense for Sexual Abuse?
The strongest defense for sexual assault is that the acts were consensual and later misconstrued or that you were misidentified. Any steps your attorney takes that prevent prosecutors from proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt can help you protect your freedom. An alibi witness who can corroborate where you were on the day of the crime can also support your defense.
Can Sexual Abuse Charges Be Reduced?
Yes, sexual abuse charges can be reduced. This often happens when the state no longer has the evidence prosecutors need to move forward with a criminal case. Defense lawyers play a crucial role in securing reduced penalties. An attorney can file motions to have evidence suppressed or to question the credibility of a witness. If there are still elements of a crime, the prosecution may seek a more attainable conviction that leads to reduced penalties.
Does the Victim Have to Cooperate With Prosecutors?
Once initial statements are taken and charges are brought, the prosecution can move forward with a case, even when the victim no longer cooperates with the state. Having a victim stop cooperating with prosecutors can greatly weaken the prosecution’s case. Your lawyer can explain the implications of these and other developments so you can make well-informed decisions about how to move forward.
What Must Be Proven for Sexual Assault?
To prove sexual assault in Arizona, the state must show that the accused intentionally engaged in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without the other person’s consent. Prosecutors must establish a lack of consent through evidence such as force, threats, coercion, incapacitation, or situations where the victim was unable to legally consent.
LET A GLENDALE SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
An act that fits within the state’s definition of sexual abuse could happen accidentally or without intent to make sexual contact. Yet, the consequences upon conviction are life-altering, and the stigma attached never disappears.
When you face charges this serious, you should work with our seasoned attorneys. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our Glendale sexual abuse lawyers are former prosecutors who can use their extensive knowledge and experience to help you build the best possible defense. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form