Sex Crimes Attorney in Tempe, AZ
In Arizona, “sex crimes” is a blanket term for illegal sexual conduct. There are many types of sex crime charges, some of which are punished as misdemeanors and some as different degrees of a felony. When faced with such a serious criminal accusation, you need the support of a dedicated Tempe sex crimes lawyer immediately.
All sex crimes have serious consequences beyond jail or prison. If convicted, you may have to register as a sex offender or report for probation, and you may have trouble finding housing or a job.
If you are charged with any sexually based offense, you need rigorous support from a dedicated Tempe criminal defense lawyer. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our legal team is made up of former prosecutors who know how to protect the rights of those accused. We have worked on numerous criminal cases throughout our decades of legal experience. Let a Tempe sex crimes lawyer assess the circumstances of your case, identify mitigating circumstances, and build a credible defense.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Tempe, call 480-400-5555
Our Legal Team
Our team has experience with the Maricopa County Superior Court, the Tempe Municipal Court, and many other local courts. We fight for you, utilizing our local and legal experience to your advantage. Our goal is to mitigate the charges you face or have the case against you dropped.
Tempe Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
MISDEMEANOR SEX CRIMES
Most sex crimes in Arizona are felonies, and misdemeanors can sometimes become felonies for repeat offenses or if the alleged victims are minors. First-time offenders charged with Class 1 misdemeanors could be sentenced to probation, a maximum of six months in jail, or a $2,500 fine. Penalties escalate with each new offense. Arizona recognizes these Class 1 misdemeanor sex crimes:
- Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 13-1402: Indecent Exposure (exposing genitalia with no regard to who is offended); increases to a Class 6 felony if it’s the third offense or the victim is under 15
- A.R.S. 13-1403: Public sexual indecency (engaging in sex acts in front of others who may be offended); increases to a Class 5 felony if the victim is under 15
- A.R.S. 13-3214: Prostitution (offering to engage in sex acts for money); jail time for first three offenses, escalating to a Class 5 felony at fourth offense
- A.R.S. 13-3201, 13-3202, 13-3203: Procuring or managing prostitutes and sharing in their earnings; penalized like prostitution
These charges come with the stigma of a sex crime on one’s record, as well as potential fines and jail time. As such, it is crucial to consult a Tempe sex crimes attorney and strategize a defense as soon as possible after an arrest.
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FELONY SEX CRIMES
Felony sex crimes in Arizona carry various penalties, including life in prison. Many lesser felonies escalate to Class 2 if a minor younger than 15 is involved. Some Class 2 felonies include A.R.S. 13-1406 sexual assault (rape) and A.R.S. 13-1405 sexual conduct with a minor, known as statutory rape.
A Class 2 dangerous felony is punishable by between 7 and 21 years in prison for a first offense. Administering a date rape drug, repeat offenses, or excessive violence can cause the sentence to be increased.
In Arizona, there were 3,064 sexual assault cases reported in 2024, and 139 of these cases were reported by the Tempe Police Department. 67.7% of the sexual assault cases reported by the Tempe PD were rape cases, compared to 39.9% statewide. In over half of sexual assault cases recorded by the Tempe PD, the victim and offender were acquaintances. In 16.6% of cases, the victim and offender were in an intimate relationship.
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SEX CRIMES INVOLVING MINORS
Statutory rape of someone younger than 15 could be prosecuted under the Dangerous Crimes Against Children, as per Arizona Revised Statutes 13-705. This means the penalties for an offense are much higher, and it’s essential that you hire a sex crimes lawyer.
A first offender could be sentenced to between 13 and 27 years. It is a Class 6 felony for sex with a minor, 15 to 17 years old. Although a minor may consent to have sex—for instance, a 17-year-old minor with her 19-year-old boyfriend—the law does not recognize consenting minors.
However, under A.R.S. 13-1407, it is a defense to a prosecution if the alleged victim is fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen years old and the defendant is under nineteen years of age or attending high school and is no more than twenty-four months older than the victim, and the conduct is consensual.
Crimes Against Minors Continued
Child molestation and child pornography (sexual exploitation of a minor) are also prosecuted as dangerous crimes against children, which are Class 2 felonies under ARS 13-705 if the alleged victim is younger than 15. In 2024, 35 of the 139 sexual assault cases reported by the Tempe PD involved a victim between the ages of 10 and 17.
The penalties upon conviction for these types of charges can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. To minimize the severe consequences, it is crucial for a Tempe resident accused of a serious sex crime to work with a dedicated attorney.
OTHER FELONY SEX CRIMES IN TEMPE, AZ
A.R.S. 13-1404 sexual abuse, or A.R.S. 13-1405 sexual contact with a minor, is a Class 5 felony. If the alleged victim is younger than 15, the crime is a Class 3 felony, considered a dangerous crime against children.
A.R.S. 13-1428 sexual extortion involves coercing someone to engage in sexual conduct. This is a Class 3 felony, or a Class 2 if the alleged victim is younger than 15. A.R.S. 13-3206 and A.R.S. 13-3212 kidnapping a child for prostitution or sex trafficking is a Class 2 felony and is a mandatory prison offense if the person is convicted.
A.R.S. 13-3554 luring a minor for sexual exploitation, a Class 3 felony, occurs when someone solicits sex with a minor, a common charge after a police sting operation. There are various scenarios that could lead to these types of charges. The accused individual should immediately consult an experienced attorney in their area and begin building a defense for the sex crime charges.
Defense Strategies & Process
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to every sex crime case, ensuring that every aspect of your situation is carefully examined and addressed. Our defense process typically includes:
- Reviewing police reports, gathering evidence, and consulting professionals to build a complete picture of the case
- Questioning the reliability of witnesses and examining inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence
- Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss charges when appropriate
- Addressing issues like mistaken identity, false allegations, lack of intent, consent disputes, and procedural violations under sex crime laws
- Pursuing favorable resolutions whenever possible, either through pleas or negotiations
- Preparing for a full-scale trial with detailed strategies and comprehensive support
- Exploring all legal avenues if an appeal is necessary
Every Tempe sex crimes attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group is dedicated to tailoring these strategies to the specifics of your case. By combining our meticulous preparation with local court knowledge and aggressive advocacy, we work to achieve the most favorable results for our clients.
Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer: Local Representation Makes a Difference
Hiring a local legal team can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we’re proud to serve clients throughout Tempe and the greater Maricopa County area.
We regularly appear before the Tempe City Court, the Maricopa County Superior Court, and the Mesa City Court. That means we know the local prosecutors, the judges, and the procedures that can influence the outcome of your case.
Choosing a local Tempe sex crimes attorney from Grand Canyon Law Group means working with a team that’s deeply rooted in the community. We’re committed to protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and pursuing every possible legal avenue to safeguard your freedom.
FAQs About Sex Crimes in Tempe, AZ
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of a Sex Crime in Tempe?
If you’re accused of a sex crime in Tempe, it’s important to exercise your right to remain silent. Then, immediately contact a Tempe sex crimes attorney from Grand Canyon Law Group. Avoid discussing the case with anyone, including law enforcement, without legal guidance. Early intervention allows us to investigate, preserve evidence, and develop a strategic defense plan tailored to your specific sex crime case.
Can I Negotiate a Plea Deal in a Sex Crime Case?
Yes, you can negotiate a plea deal in a sex crime case depending on the facts, charges, and local court practices. If conditions are right, a plea agreement might be possible. Our team evaluates each case carefully, working with prosecutors in Tempe City Court, Mesa City Court, or Maricopa County Superior Court. Negotiation can help minimize penalties while protecting your rights under Arizona sex crime laws.
Can Social Media Activity Affect My Sex Crime Case?
Yes, social media activity can affect your sex crime case. Posts, messages, or photos can be used as evidence against you. Our Tempe sex crimes attorneys review your online activity, advise on privacy protections, and challenge improperly obtained evidence. Proper guidance ensures your rights are protected under Arizona sex crime laws while minimizing negative impacts.
How Do I Protect Myself During a Police Interview?
To protect yourself during a police interview, it’s important to never speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Our Tempe sex crimes attorneys can attend interviews, ensure your rights are upheld, and prevent self-incriminating statements. Careful preparation is important when building a strong defense in sex crime cases, and our team can protect you every step of the way.
How Long Do Sex Crime Convictions Remain on My Record?
A sex crime conviction in Arizona will generally remain on your criminal record indefinitely, unless action is taken to have the offense expunged. However, this is unlikely to be possible for most sex offenses. If the offense is eligible for expunction, there are several qualifications a person must meet, including paying all fines and serving any sentence, as well as waiting a specified period of time.
Can a Sex Crime Be Sealed or Expunged in Arizona?
No, most sex crimes cannot be sealed or expunged from your criminal record in Arizona. If the offense is a class 2, 3, 4, or 5 felony under the sexual offenses Chapter 14 or the sexual exploitation of children Chapter 35.1, it is ineligible for expungement.
If the offense involved knowingly inflicting an injury on someone, it is also ineligible. So are serious, violent, and aggravated felonies, and dangerous crimes against children. Misdemeanor sex crimes may be eligible.
How Does Arizona Define Consent and Age of Consent?
Arizona’s age of consent is 18 years of age, meaning only individuals 18 and older can legally give consent. “Without consent” is defined in several ways under Arizona law. This includes the use of threats of force or force against a person or property, intentional deception about the act, and intentional deception that the offender is the victim’s spouse.
It also includes when the individual cannot consent because of a mental disorder, substance impairment, sleep, or another reason.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Arizona?
The statute of limitations for charging someone with a sex crime in Arizona depends on the offense committed. For many felony offenses, the statute of limitations is seven years; for misdemeanors, it is one year. However, for many serious felonies, there is no statute of limitations. Certain sex offenses, like sexual assault, child sex trafficking, and violent sexual assault.
WORK WITH A TEMPE SEX CRIMES ATTORNEY
Being charged with a crime by the police does not mean you will be found guilty. You deserve dedicated representation from an experienced attorney who will work to mitigate or refute the charges against you.
Whether you are under investigation or charged, call a Tempe sex crime lawyer right away. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we are here to protect your rights and way of life by tirelessly defending your case.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form