Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Arizona, including sexual conduct with a minor. A conviction for this offense carries a mandatory prison sentence, fines, and probation. In addition to losing your freedom, the damage to your reputation can interfere with employment and housing opportunities. When your future is on the line, it is crucial to have an experienced sex crimes attorney in your corner.

For over 25 years, Arizona Lawyers has been successfully defending clients against all types of sex offenses in Arizona. If you have been charged with sexual conduct with a minor, you face an uphill battle. Prosecutors take a tough on crime stance and will seek the maximum possible prison sentence. When you work with us, we will choose the best line of defense and work to secure your freedom. Above all, we believe that anyone accused of a sex crime is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the aggressive representation we can provide.

What is sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona?

Under Arizona Statute § 13-1405, sexual conduct with a minor involves knowingly or intentionally engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual conduct with a minor:

  • Sexual conduct with a minor at least 15 years of age is a class 6 felony
  • Sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 is a class 2 felony and also charged a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC)
  • Sexual conduct with a minor by a person in a position of authority or trust (e.g. parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, foster parent, teacher, clergyman, priest) is a class 2 felony

Penalties for Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Arizona

The penalties for sexual conduct with a minor depend on factors such as the age of the victim, whether the defendant has prior convictions and the relationship between the defendant and the victim:

  • A first time offender convicted of sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 15 and 18 faces a prison sentence between 4 months and 2 years, as well as fines, up to 3 years probation, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. If the defendant has 1 prior conviction, the prison sentence ranges from a minimum of 9 months to a maximum of 2.75 years. For a defendant with two prior convictions, the minimum prison sentence is 2.25 years and the maximum is 5.75 years.
  • The penalties for a person in a position of authority or trust convicted of sexual conduct with a minor include a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years in prison, fines and 7 years probation. If the defendant is a teacher, his or her credentials will likely be revoked.
  • If the victim is a minor under the age of 15, the defendant faces a prison sentence between 13 and 27 years, fines, and up to 7 years probation.

What are dangerous crimes against children?

Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute imposes mandatory sentencing for sex crimes committed against children under the age of 15, including sexual conduct with a minor. A DCAC also requires lifetime sex offender probation and sex offender registration. In short, a conviction for sexual conduct with a minor will have lasting repercussions and permanently damage your standing in the community.

Defenses Against Sexual Conduct with a Minor

If you have been charged with sexual conduct with a minor, the best decision you can make to protect your rights is to work with the sex crimes attorneys at Arizona Lawyers.

Our legal team routinely collaborates with a network of investigators and forensic experts to challenge the state’s evidence. Through the years, we have seen how false charges of sexual conduct with a minor can be brought, particularly in contentious divorces where an ex-spouse or another plaintiff may be acting out of revenge.

In this situation, we will review any Child Protective Service reports, identify and question any forensic interviewers who may have spoken to the victim, and seek to obtain any relevant court documents from the divorce proceeding. Given penalties and collateral consequences of a conviction for a sex crime in Arizona, it is crucial to refute false charges. Another potential defense to sexual conduct with a minor is that you did not know the victim was under the age of eighteen, which can occur if the minor lied about his or her age.

Contact Our Arizona Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with sexual conduct with a minor, the sooner you call Arizona Lawyers, the sooner we can begin defending your freedom and your reputation. We will take the time to explain all of your rights, provide you with aggressive legal representation and work to win an acquittal. At the same time, we will carefully weigh the strength of the evidence against you and may recommend seeking a reduction in the charges and penalties. Above all, we will always put your best interests first and never stop fighting for you. Please contact our office for an evaluation of your case.