Child Molestation Attorney in Tempe, AZ
Arizona takes the protection of all the state’s children seriously, which is why child molestation comes with potentially severe penalties. If you are accused of this crime, you can work with a Tempe child molestation lawyer to achieve a successful outcome in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a child molestation defense lawyer serving Tempe, call 480-400-5555
Trust Grand Canyon Law Group
Grand Canyon Law Group has been providing criminal defense services for clients in Tempe for years. In that time, we’ve taken on countless cases involving child molestation. We don’t shy away from difficult cases and are keenly familiar with child molestation laws, due to our experience in this field. You can trust a Tempe sex crime lawyer from our firm to help you with your case.
Tempe Child Molestation Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
Why Hire a Child Molestation Lawyer?
Despite significant legal protections, children face a good deal of maltreatment in Arizona. In 2022, the state saw 84,730 total referrals for child abuse and neglect. Of those cases, 12,324 were substantiated. The vast majority of these cases involved neglect, but fully 4.2% of them involved sexual abuse.
Child molestation is a form of sexual abuse, and the state takes it seriously. If you’re being accused of this crime, you should hire a child molestation lawyer right away in Tempe, AZ. Your lawyer can help you understand your charges, evaluate the evidence, and come up with an effective strategy for defending you in court. They can also help you decide whether to take or negotiate a plea deal if one is offered by the prosecution.
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What’s Considered Child Molestation?
Child molestation is defined under ARS 13-1410 as intentionally engaging in or causing someone to engage in sexual contact with a child under the age of 15. Sexual contact can be defined as either directly or indirectly touching the child’s genitals or anus. The nature of the contact does not have to be skin-to-skin. You can still be arrested for child molestation if the crime occurred while both people were fully clothed.
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Child Molestation Penalties
First-degree child molestation is a Class 2 felony in Arizona. Second-degree, or attempted child molestation, is a Class 3 felony. Here’s what to expect in terms of penalties:
- A first-time offender who committed first-degree child molestation can be sentenced to 10 to 24 years in prison.
- A second-time offender can be sentenced to 21 to 35 years in prison.
- A third-time offender can be sentenced to 35 years to life imprisonment.
- A first-time offender charged with second-degree child molestation can be sentenced to five to 15 years in prison with the potential for probation.
- If you are convicted of multiple first- or second-degree child molestation charges, the court can sentence you to serve your prison sentences consecutively.
In addition to facing prison time, you’ll also face fines of up to $150,000 and the requirement that you register as a sex offender under ARS 13 3821. The long-term consequences of your conviction can wind up following you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find employment and housing and preventing you from exercising rights like purchasing firearms or voting in elections.
Potential Defenses
Your attorney can help you come up with an effective defense against your charges. Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses can include:
- Accidental contact
- Sexual contact was permissible under the law because it was performed as part of a caretaker’s responsibilities.
- False accusations
- Improper identification
- Violations of your constitutional rights
Your lawyer can analyze the evidence and interview witnesses in your case to help you determine the right way to move forward. In some cases, that might mean taking a plea deal in return for reduced charges. In others, it might mean going to court at the Maricopa County Superior Court to fight the charges.
FAQs
How Long After a Sexual Assault Can a Minor Press Charges in Arizona?
A minor can press charges in Arizona for sexual assault at any point. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offenses against children. That means if you committed this crime several decades ago, you could be charged with it well after the alleged victim has entered into adulthood. Arizona also allows people to file civil claims against perpetrators of sexual molestation of children for 12 years after they reach the age of 18.
Does Arizona Have the 7-Year Rule?
Arizona has the 7-year rule for certain criminal acts. This rule prevents reporting of the act to employers or landlords, preventing these people from considering convictions or arrests older than seven years when deciding on job offers and housing applications. However, the 7-year rule does not apply to serious crimes like the child molestation.
What Is the Difference Between Child Molestation and Sexual Conduct With a Minor?
The difference between child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona is that while child molestation involves sexual contact with private parts of someone under the age of 15 with the goal of sexual gratification, sexual conduct with a minor applies to any sexual act with a person under the age of 18.
What Are Some Legal Defenses Against Child Molestation?
Some legal defenses against child molestation include false allegations, lack of intent, insufficient evidence, and procedural errors or law enforcement misconduct. If you have an alibi that shows you could not have committed the crime, that can significantly bolster a defense of actual innocence. If you’re not sure what the right defense strategy is in your case, you can trust your Tempe child molestation attorney to help.
Your Tempe Child Molestation Lawyer
Molesting a child is a serious crime. If you’re facing charges, you need to hire a Tempe child molestation lawyer who can help you fight them right away. You can trust the team here at Grand Canyon Law Group. We have been defending clients facing sexual assault charges of all sorts for years, including those involving minors. We can help you with your child molestation case, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form