Sex Crimes Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ
Sex crimes are violations of state law that involve conduct of a sexual nature. These offenses may include allegations of lack of consent, force, or underage individuals. No matter the specific allegation, you need representation from a relentless Scottsdale defense attorney and an experienced Scottsdale sex crime lawyer to protect against serious consequences.
These types of accusations can greatly harm your reputation, as well as require time behind bars and registration as a sex offender. Let a Scottsdale sex crimes lawyer at our firm handle your case the right way to protect your rights and way of life. The team at the Grand Canyon Law Group is here to fight for your interests and provide support throughout the legal proceedings.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Scottsdale, call 480-400-5555
TYPES OF SEX CRIMES IN SCOTTSDALE
Sex crimes occur when a sexual act violates the law in some way. There are many forms of sex crimes, including but not limited to:
- Indecent exposure. This constitutes reckless exposure of areas of the body that would alarm or offend a reasonable person. It is a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Prostitution or solicitation. This is the offense of providing or requesting sexual conduct for money or something of value. It can be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. It becomes a class 5 felony for three or more violations.
- Sexual abuse. This involves sexual contact without the consent of someone older than 15. This is a class 5 felony. It also involves contact with the female breast involving someone under 15 years old. This is a class 3 felony.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor. This includes recording, developing, duplicating, transporting, exhibiting, or receiving a depiction of child pornography. It is a class 2 felony.
- Child molestation. This is engaging in sexual conduct with a minor who is younger than 15. It is a class 2 felony.
- Sexual conduct with a minor. This is also called statutory rape, and it is the offense of knowingly engaging in intercourse or oral sexual contact with someone under the age of 18. The most serious form is sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 12 who is seriously injured. This is a class 1 felony. Other offenses under this section can be charged as a Class 2, Class 4, or Class 6 felony.
- Child pornography. This is an offense under sexual exploitation of a minor and is a class 2 felony.
- Sexual assault. This is engaging in sex without the consent of someone 15 or older, and is a class 2 felony. There were over 3,000 cases of sexual assault reported in Arizona in 2024, and 84 of those cases were reported by the Scottsdale Police Department.
Prosecutors aggressively pursue these types of cases and may seek harsh penalties. It is critical for those accused of sexual offenses to work with a nearby attorney on a strong defense strategy.
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PENALTIES IN SEX OFFENSE CASES
Sex offenses range from misdemeanors with little to no jail time to serious felonies that could lead to decades in prison. Many will also require a person to register as a sexual offender.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a person may face the loss of certain civil rights upon a felony conviction. This includes the right to vote, own a gun, and serve on a jury. They also face the significant social stigma attached to a sex offense conviction. As such, it is crucial for accused individuals to seek help from a Scottsdale sex crimes attorney and fight the charges.
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SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
The Arizona Department of Public Safety oversees the Public Services Portal and sex offender compliance. This department provides information concerning the location of sex offenders within the state. Many who are convicted of a sex crime must register as sex offenders and publicly list information such as their address, place of work, and more.
A sex offense conviction may also require a person to report to law enforcement and regularly update their information. This can also greatly restrict where a person can live. Violation any of these registration rules could lead to additional charges.
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DEFENDING A SEXUAL OFFENSE CASE
Due to the severity of these charges, a strong defense is essential to avoid serious penalties. An experienced Scottsdale lawyer could customize a defense strategy to the unique situation. Common defenses to sex charges include:
- Consent to the sexual act
- Improper identification
- Suppression of illegally collected evidence
Those facing sex crimes charges in Scottsdale should consult a knowledgeable attorney to determine an effective defense for their situation.
FAQs About Sex Crimes in Scottsdale, AZ
Can Sex Offense Charges Be Dropped or Reduced?
Yes, sex offense charges could be dropped or reduced. However, these offenses are harshly prosecuted, and it is unlikely the charges will be dropped without robust legal defenses. While an alleged victim can recant their statement, this does not always mean the prosecution will drop the case.
When you hire a sex crimes lawyer, they can review your unique case to determine what the right method of defense is. This may include challenging evidence or the credibility of a witness.
What Is the Burden of Proof for a Sex Crime?
The burden of proof for the prosecution to prove a sex crime is beyond a reasonable doubt, as it is in any criminal case. If the prosecution cannot meet this burden of proof, you cannot be convicted of the crime. However, the burden of proof may be different in other cases, such as a petition to establish a protective order or a civil case for damages.
What if Evidence for a Sex Offense Was Collected Illegally?
If evidence for a sex offense was collected illegally, your defense attorney can petition for the evidence to be suppressed and considered inadmissible in court. Evidence may be considered illegal if there was no probable cause or warrant, meaning law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure. When evidence is suppressed, it can prevent the prosecution from meeting its burden of proof.
Can I Still Travel Out of State While Under Investigation for a Sex Offense?
You may be able to travel out of state while under investigation for a sex offense, but doing so improperly can lead to consequences. It’s important to talk with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand the specific restrictions of your case. The court may have issued orders restricting your movement, especially if you were released on bond.
CONSULT A SCOTTSDALE SEX CRIMES ATTORNEY RIGHT AWAY
Every sex crime allegation requires a proper defense to avoid life-altering consequences. You need an experienced attorney at your side who can build a strong defense and protect your civil liberties at every stage of the criminal proceedings.
Speak with a Scottsdale sex crimes lawyer right away to begin building your case. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing the representation you need. Contact us today.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form