Phoenix Sex Abuse Attorney

Experienced Sex Abuse Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

When faced with sexual abuse charges in Phoenix, you need a competent and experienced legal defense. These charges can not only lead to jail time and fines, but they can also carry a long-term impact on your personal rights, job and housing opportunities, and your reputation. Whether your charges stem from a misunderstanding happening at your home in Moon Valley or from an incident that occurred near Nuestro Park, a Phoenix sex abuse lawyer is here to protect you.

Phoenix Sexual Abuse Attorney Joshua S. Davidson

Sex Abuse is not as serious of a crime in Phoenix as molestation or sexual conduct with a minor, but you still face consequences if convicted, so it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer who is capable of handling your case. Phoenix attorney Joshua S. Davidson is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who has a great deal of experience when it comes to sexual abuse charges. His time as a prosecutor helped him develop a multifaceted view of criminal cases and his defense strategies are extremely thorough.

Joshua S. Davidson has a strict policy of providing every client with individual and personal attention, creating a strong bond of trust between lawyer and client. Joshua S. Davidson strongly believes that creating an environment of trust makes it easier to work together and mutually contribute to the defense of your sex abuse case. Whatever circumstances or evidence surrounds your Phoenix sexual abuse case, attorney Joshua S. Davidson has the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively defend you.

Defining Sexual Abuse in Arizona

In Arizona, sex abuse is generally charged when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact (excluding penetration) with any adult or child fifteen years or older without the person’s consent. If the victim is under fifteen years of age, the penalties for a sex abuse conviction drastically increase in severity. Sexual abuse of a child under 15 is a Dangerous Crime Against Children, and is charged when the alleged sexual contact is limited to touching of the child’s breast. If the defendant is accused of touching the genitals or anus of a minor under 15, the more serious crime of child molestation will be charged.

Sexual abuse charges in Phoenix tend to be harshly prosecuted and if convicted you could face prison, a lifetime of probation and mandatory registration as a sex offender, depending upon the age of the victim and any previous criminal history.

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Where Do Sexual Abuse Cases Often Arise?

In more cases of sexual abuse than not, the alleged perpetrators are typically individuals in positions of power or someone in whom others place their trust. This can include members of the clergy, school teachers, work supervisors or employers, coaches, doctors, and many others.

If you fall into any of these categories, or even if you do not, it is wise to be aware of how sexual abuse cases arise and the settings they usually stem from, as this understanding can give you an advantage in your case. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, our team has defended individuals whose alleged sex abuse cases stem from the following scenarios:

• Nursing home abuse. Sexual abuse in nursing homes is rare, and only around 9% of nursing home residents report this kind of treatment. Yet, folks are accused of this every day, usually due to a misunderstanding or simple accident. If you are a care provider in Phoenix and you have been accused of nursing home sex abuse by a resident or a resident’s loved one, we are here to defend you against all charges.
• Church or clergy abuse. The church has been a hotspot for sexual abuse allegations for years. If you are a member of the clergy or you are a faithful churchgoer and you have been accused of sexual abuse, either by a parishioner, child, or another member of church leadership, we are here to get to the bottom of the case and defend you against any charges that may arise.
• Teachers, school systems, or coaches abuse. In 2021, nearly 18% of teenage girls reported experiencing some form of sexual abuse or violence in their schools. If you are a teacher, school administrator, coach, or the parent of an accused student, it is not the time to become just another statistic. Instead, it is time to fight. These cases can often stem from a simple misunderstanding, and we can help you argue this standpoint.
• Workplace abuse. When an individual is accused of sex abuse in the workplace, it is only natural for them to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn next. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have handled our fair share of workplace sexual abuse cases and can defend you, whether you are a business owner, employer, manager, supervisor, or have been accused by a fellow co-worker.
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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Even if your sexual abuse charges have arisen due to a scenario not listed here, we are ready to protect you. Sexual abuse allegations are scary, but your defense doesn’t have to be. Instead, you can trust attorney Joshua S. Davidson to review your case, determine the right defense strategy to use on your behalf, and ultimately do whatever is necessary to defend your future and freedom.

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for a Sexual Abuse Conviction Under ARS 13-1404 in Arizona?

Under ARS 13-1404, sexual abuse is a Class 5 felony when the alleged victim is 15 years of age or older, which can carry prison time, fines, and probation. If the victim is under 15 years old, the charge is elevated to a Class 3 felony and is also classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC) under ARS 13-705 — resulting in significantly enhanced mandatory prison sentences. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can trigger lifetime sex offender registration and severely impact your ability to find employment or housing. Attorney Joshua S. Davidson understands what is at stake and will fight to minimize or eliminate these consequences on your behalf.

Can I Be Required to Register as a Sex Offender If Convicted of Sexual Abuse in Phoenix?

Yes. Arizona law under ARS 13-3821 requires individuals convicted of sexual abuse involving a minor to register as a sex offender. Even when the alleged victim is an adult, a judge may impose sex offender registration if the court finds the offense was sexually motivated under ARS 13-118 — a finding that must be specifically alleged by the prosecutor and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Registration carries serious long-term consequences, including your personal information being publicly listed on the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s sex offender registry. A skilled defense attorney can challenge both the conviction and any registration requirement.

What Defenses Are Available Against Sexual Abuse Charges in Arizona?

Several defense strategies may be available depending on the facts of your case. Common defenses include: demonstrating that the alleged contact was consensual (where legally applicable), challenging the credibility of the accuser — particularly when false accusations arise from divorce or custody disputes — introducing evidence of mistaken identity, and exposing flaws in how the investigation was conducted. Additionally, if law enforcement violated your Miranda rights or obtained evidence without a proper search warrant, your attorney may be able to have that evidence suppressed. Because many sexual abuse cases rest solely on witness testimony with no physical evidence, aggressively challenging the accuser’s account is often central to the defense. Attorney Davidson will review every detail of your case to identify the strongest possible defense strategy.

What Is the Difference Between Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault in Arizona?

While both are serious felony sex offenses in Arizona, they are defined and charged differently under state law. Sexual abuse under ARS 13-1404 involves non-consensual sexual contact — such as touching or fondling the genitals, anus, or female breast — without penetration. Sexual assault (commonly referred to as rape) under ARS 13-1406 involves non-consensual oral sex or sexual intercourse and is a Class 2 felony carrying far harsher penalties, including up to 14 years in prison for a first offense. Both offenses can require lifetime sex offender registration. Understanding which charge you are facing — and why — is critical to mounting the right defense. Attorney Joshua S. Davidson can explain exactly what you’re up against and what options are available to you.

Hire a Sex Abuse Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm provides legal representation to people facing a wide variety of sex crime charges, including sex abuse. Founding attorney Joshua S. Davidson provides clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa and Tempe with the superior legal representation it will take to effectively defend against your sex abuse charges. If you or someone you know is facing charges of sexual abuse in Phoenix, you need to contact a lawyer immediately.

Contact Phoenix Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Joshua S. Davidson today for a consultation regarding your sex abuse charges.