Tempe Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex Crime Attorney in Tempe, AZ

No criminal charge is taken as seriously or is as frowned upon as much as sexual misconduct charges. Working with an experienced Tempe sex crime lawyer can help you understand Arizona’s legal treatment of sex crimes, the court process involved, and the sex crime penalties you could be facing. Charges that involve sex crimes are often complex, sensitive, personal, and carry legal consequences that can haunt an individual for years, sometimes decades.

In Tempe, cases that start as a misdemeanor are usually in the Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281. Felony sex crime charges are typically filed in the Maricopa County Superior Court.

About Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we take criminal defense seriously. Instead of viewing criminal defense as a secondary service, we make it the absolute core of our practice. Criminal defense is the core of who we are. Joshua S. Davidson served as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Division for years before becoming a defense attorney.

As such, he understands firsthand how the government investigates and prosecutes serious felony offenses, including sex crimes. Davidson personally handles each case with great attention to the details of Arizona law and procedures in and around the Tempe Municipal Court.

Sex Crime Laws in Arizona

Sex crime laws are found throughout Arizona’s legal code, as various offenses fall under this broad category. Among the most serious is Arizona’s sexual assault statute, Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1406. Also frequently charged is sexual abuse, under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1404, which occurs when a person intentionally engages in sexual contact with another person without their consent.

Sex crimes often hinge on issues of consent, the age difference between two people, and the type of conduct that was allegedly performed. In many cases, the parties may have engaged in the same exact behavior, but one person may interpret it as criminal conduct, while the other person may not. Arizona Law also requires registered offenders to comply with strict guidelines regarding where they can live, work, and how they live their lives.

Types of Sex Crimes

When discussing sex crimes, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all type of offense. Sex crimes cover a wide range of offenses that carry varying degrees of seriousness. Each charge has different elements that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Sexual abuse
• Sexual assault
• Indecent exposure
• Public sexual indecency
• Various sex crimes with children, such as child pornography

Dangerous Crimes Against Children is another category of offense that the prosecutor may use to charge certain sex crimes. Dangerous crimes have mandatory minimum sentences that take away the judge’s ability to sentence below what the statute requires.

Key Issues That Shape Sex Crime Cases

There were 3,291 sexual assault arrest allegations between 2019 and 2023, with 1,477 arrests involving at least one sexual assault offense in Arizona. Six of the 1,477 arrests included at least one charge that was later changed to a sexual assault charge by the prosecutor. Sex crime cases are unique in that they often come down to a few factors that the court uses to determine how to proceed, including:

• Whether the alleged victim gave consent
• Consistency of statements made by the accused and the alleged victim
• Existence of other evidence to support what the alleged victim says occurred
• Text messages, emails, and other communication between the parties leading up to the incident

They can be subjective and depend heavily on how the issues are presented to the Court.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

Facing any type of criminal allegation, you may ask yourself if you should hire a sex crime lawyer. Sex crime cases are often more severe compared to other types of crimes, and they involve detailed evidence, which can either hurt or further the case’s credibility.

Tempe sex crime attorneys handling these types of cases know how to dig into the details of the allegation. They understand how to apply the law to the specific facts of your case. Your own words are incredibly important when dealing with these kinds of charges. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Being proactive about understanding your rights and the legal process can help you avoid missteps that could harm your defense later on.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a Sex Crime?

A sex crime can be defined as criminal behavior that includes unlawful sexual conduct or activities forbidden by law. Some common sex crimes in Arizona consist of sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and various crimes against minors. Issues of consent, age, and type of contact are typically involved in these types of cases.

Is a Sex Crime a Federal Crime?

Sex crimes are typically prosecuted by the state. This means that Arizona laws would apply if someone committed a sex crime in Arizona. There are some exceptions to this, however. If a sex crime involves interstate travel or federal property, federal law may be used to prosecute the accused. This can also happen if someone commits human trafficking or crosses state lines to exploit a minor. Federal laws typically carry harsher punishments.

What Can Sex Offenders Not Do?

Requirements vary by conviction, but they can include registration with law enforcement. Residency restrictions and restrictions on working at places with children are common. Some offenders have restrictions placed on internet use or travel. All of these are meant to monitor the offender’s actions. Sentences can vary from a few years to a lifetime.

Can a 17-Year-Old Sleep With an 18-Year-Old?

In Arizona, the age of consent is 18 years old, and there are very limited close-in-age exceptions to the law. Legal engagement in sexual activity depends on the facts of each relationship. These cases are fact-specific. Engaging in sexual activity with someone only one year younger can still pose a risk if other elements of the law are not met.          

Contact Davidson Criminal Defense DUI & Law Firm Today

Sex crime allegations are serious accusations. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Temp, it is important to seek legal assistance right away to begin protecting your future. Contact us today for a consultation be a confusing charge. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help you in the legal process. We can help you understand the charges against you, as well as the possible outcomes. We can also advocate for a favorable future for you. Contact us today for more information.for a consultation.