What penalties can someone face if convicted of child abuse in Arizona?

Those convicted of child abuse face significant incarceration and may also owe fines up to $150,000 under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-801. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-702 outlines imprisonment periods for Class Two through Six felonies for first-time offenders: Class Two: 3 to 12.5 years (presumptive term of 5 years); Class Three: 2 to 8.75 years (presumptive term of 3.5 years); Class Four: 1 to 3.75 years (presumptive term of 2.5 years); Class Five: 0.5 to 2.5 years (presumptive term of 1.5 years); Class Six: 0.33 years to 2 years (presumptive term of 1 year). Judges may reduce or increase these time frames depending on mitigating or aggravating factors, and repeat defendants face increased sentences under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-703.

Phoenix Child Abuse Lawyer

Q: Is child abuse a felony in Phoenix, Arizona?

Yes. Regardless of the nature of the harm, child abuse is a felony in the state of Arizona.

Phoenix Child Abuse Attorney

Allegations of child abuse can have a significant impact on your life. Beyond potential jail time and fines, your reputation and social connections are also at stake. You need a proactive defense strategy and a local domestic violence attorney who will have your back throughout it all.

At the Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand the complex and sensitive nature of your situation. If you face these types of charges, reach out to a Phoenix child abuse lawyer right away to protect your future.

For a free legal consultation with a child abuse lawyer serving Phoenix, call 480-400-5555

DEFINING CHILD ABUSE

Arizona establishes the crime of child abuse in Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 8-201 and 13-3623. Abuse can result in physical harm, such as broken bones, bruises, or death, or emotional damage that manifests as anxiety, depression, acting out, or withdrawal.

As outlined in Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3623 child abuse involves a person causing, permitting, or placing a child in a situation where harm occurs, or the child is in danger of being harmed.

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CHILD ABUSE IS A FELONY IN PHOENIX

Regardless of the nature of the harm, child abuse is a felony in the state of Arizona. When death or serious physical injury is likely, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3623(A) classifies the behavior as a Class Two, Three, or Four felony. Authorities will charge the defendant with a Class Two offense if the conduct is intentional and a Class Four offense if the action involves criminal negligence.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3623(B) addresses cases in which the alleged harm is not likely to result in serious physical injury or death. In these situations, intentional actions may lead to Class Four charges, while reckless conduct is a Class Five offense, and criminally negligent behavior is Class Six.

Each classification corresponds to a different level of incarceration upon conviction. An experienced local attorney who handles child abuse cases can work to mitigate the charges and decrease the potential penalties.

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COURT IMPOSED PUNISHMENT FOR A CHILD ABUSE

Those convicted of child abuse face significant incarceration. They may also owe fines up to $150,000 under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-801.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-702 outlines the imprisonment periods for Class Two through Six felonies for first-time offenders. The ranges are:

Class Two: 3 to 12.5 years, presumptive term of 5 years
Class Three: 2 to 8.75 years, presumptive term of 3.5 years
Class Four: 1 to 3.75 years, presumptive term of 2.5 years
Class Five: .5 to 2.5 years, presumptive term of 1.5 years
Class Six: .33 years to 2 years, presumptive term of 1 year

Judges may reduce or increase these time frames depending on mitigating or aggravating factors. Repeat defendants face increased sentences according to the guidelines set out in Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-703.

DANGEROUS CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

The law identifies intentional serious bodily harm or death of a minor less than 15 years old as a dangerous crime against children. In these cases, defendants may receive enhanced prison time up to a life sentence under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 8-705. The seasoned child abuse attorneys at our Phoenix office can help build a robust defense strategy to avoid these life-changing sentences.

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COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF A CHILD ABUSE CONVICTION

In addition to fines and a lengthy prison sentence, those accused of child abuse also face other consequences. Their reputations may be permanently tarnished, making it hard to secure and maintain employment. A conviction will also lead to a permanent criminal record that may interfere with employment, housing, and other financial opportunities.

Those convicted may have access to their children restricted or lose their custody rights. Such convictions could also impact immigration proceedings and lead to deportations.

When the stakes are this high, it is critical to work with the right child abuse attorney who can fight to mitigate the consequences of a conviction. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our Phoenix lawyers can create a comprehensive strategy to address every potential impact of child abuse charges.

CALL A PHOENIX LAWYER TO DEFEND AGAINST CHILD ABUSE CHARGES

Facing child abuse allegations can be overwhelming. Let us use our legal knowledge and experience to obtain the best possible result in your case. Our dedicated defense attorneys are former prosecutors who know how to handle your situation and protect your way of life. Call a Phoenix child abuse lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation.