Trusted Child Molestation Attorney in Mesa, AZ
The State of Arizona takes child molestation extremely seriously, as it poses a threat to some of society’s most vulnerable people. If you’ve been arrested for or accused of committing this crime, you need to hire a Mesa child molestation lawyer as soon as possible to help you protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal system and advocate for you at every step.
For a free legal consultation with a child molestation defense lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555
Trust Grand Canyon Law Group
Anyone looking for a Mesa sex crime lawyer to take on their child molestation case can turn to Grand Canyon Law Group. Our team has been practicing criminal defense for years. In that time, we’ve seen a wide variety of sex crime cases, including child molestation cases. We’re familiar with child molestation laws and how they apply to different situations with children of different ages, and we have what it takes to help you seek a successful outcome in your case.
Mesa Child Molestation Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
Why Hire a Mesa Child Molestation Lawyer?
Unfortunately, child maltreatment is a relatively common problem in Arizona. The state saw 84,730 referrals to the Child Welfare League for abuse and neglect in 2022. CPS identified 12,324 victims, 4.2% of whom were exposed to sexual abuse, including molestation.
If you’ve been accused of committing child molestation in Mesa, you deserve a fair chance to set the record straight. That’s what you get when you hire a child molestation lawyer. Your attorney can help you with everything from filing paperwork to coming up with an effective defense strategy. If you decide to plead guilty at any time during the proceedings, your attorney can also negotiate a beneficial plea deal.
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What Constitutes Child Molestation?
Child molestation involves the touching of a minor’s private parts for sexual gratification or the coercion of a minor into touching an adult’s genitals. In Arizona, this law applies to anyone under the age of 15.
To prove child molestation, a prosecutor needs to show that the behavior was intentional. The defense can argue that the touching was accidental or that it was not sexual in nature. This would be the case if a parent or doctor were examining a child’s private parts for the purposes of evaluating their health, for example.
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Penalties for Child Molestation in Arizona
The penalties for child molestation in Arizona vary depending on the age of the child. If someone over the age of 18 molests a child under the age of 12, they could face life imprisonment. If the judge does not impose life imprisonment, the minimum sentence is 13 years, the presumptive sentence is 20 years, and the maximum sentence is 27 years.
If someone over the age of 18 molests a child between the ages of 12 and 15, the sentencing guidelines are slightly different. The judge may impose a life sentence. If they don’t, the minimum sentence is 25 years, the presumptive sentence is 30 years, and the maximum sentence is 35 years. Additional sentencing may apply depending on the specifics of the case.
Potential Defenses to Child Molestation Charges
Defendants have recourse to several common defense strategies. They include:
- Lack of intent. If the defendant touched the child accidentally, in order to administer a medical exam, or for other legitimate purposes, that can be an effective defense against the charges.
- False allegations. Sometimes, children allege child abuse in an effort to get revenge against the adults in their lives. Parents sometimes manipulate children into making false allegations during divorce proceedings and other times when custody comes into question, as well.
- Procedural issues. If the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, failed to inform you of your rights before you made a confession, or coerced you into making a confession, your lawyer may be able to get any evidence obtained thrown out. At this point, the case could be dismissed for lack of evidence.
FAQs
How Common Are Child Molestation Charges?
In 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services recorded 622 examples of child sexual abuse in Mesa. These examples include charges other than child molestation charges, but it’s safe to assume that there are many examples of this crime taking place each year in the Grand Canyon State.
How Serious Are Child Molestation Charges?
Child molestation charges are very serious. This crime is classified as a Class 2 felony and a Dangerous Crime Against Children. There is a mandatory prison sentence associated with child molestation charges, and you have to register with the national sex offender database if you are convicted.
Can You Beat Child Molestation Charges?
It is very difficult to beat child molestation charges because of the emotionally charged nature of this crime. However, you can improve your chances of getting your charges dropped or being acquitted in court by hiring a skilled lawyer with experience taking on similar types of sex crime cases.
What Should Someone Do if They Are Under Investigation or Arrested for Child Molestation in Mesa?
What someone should do if they are under investigation or arrested for child molestation in Mesa is contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. A Mesa child molestation attorney can help you avoid saying anything incriminating to the police while analyzing the prosecution’s case and coming up with an effective defense strategy.
Your Mesa Child Molestation Lawyer
Child molestation charges are extremely serious, but you do not have to face the legal system without support. If you’ve been accused of child molestation or a related criminal offense, you can’t afford to put off hiring a Mesa child molestation lawyer.
The team here at Grand Canyon Law Group can help with your molestation of a minor case. We have been practicing criminal law for years, and in that time, we’ve tackled all kinds of sex crime defenses. We can help with yours, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
