Sexual conduct with a minor is a serious offense in Arizona that carries steep penalties. A conviction requires a person to register as a sex offender, and can carry up to a life sentence in prison. Sexual conduct with a minor has a broad definition and is a specialized area of criminal law. As such, it is important to contact a sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney who has training and experience handling this type of crime.

If you have been charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, your top priority should be to contact a lawyer who can assist you in understanding the charges and achieving the most favorable outcome possible. The sex crime defense lawyers at Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd. have extensive knowledge of Arizona law and experience representing clients accused of sexual conduct with minors.

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Brian Strong (480) 833-2341

Why Hire A Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Attorney?

To protect the innocent
To safeguard important rights
To Challenge police conduct or suppress evidence
To ensure that the punishment is not excessive and fits the behavior
To Locate expert witnesses
To Locate polygraphers; and

How Does Arizona Define Sexual Conduct With a Minor?

Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 12-1405 defines sexual conduct with minors as follows:

A person commits sexual conduct with a minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under eighteen years of age.

 

The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) ARS § 13-1401 says Sexual Intercourse means: Penetration into the penis, vulva or anus by any part of the body or by any object or masturbatory contact with the penis or vulva.

The penalties differ depending upon the circumstances. For example:

• Sexual conduct with a minor who is under fifteen years of age is a class 2 felony and a Dangerous Crime Against Children.
• Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least fifteen years of age is a class 6 felony.
• Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least fifteen years of age is a class 2 felony if the person is or was the minor’s parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian or foster parent or the minor’s teacher or clergyman or priest.

In any case, a person convicted of sexual conduct with a minor is facing very serious criminal charges that can cost him or her their freedom and future reputation.

What if I’m charged with Sexual Conduct with a Minor?

Sexual conduct with a minor is one of the rare offenses in Arizona where a person can be held without a bond. This means a person who is arrested for Sexual Conduct with a Minor may be required to stay in jail until the case is resolved. Given this, it is important to hire a sex crime attorney who is experienced enough to understand the unique issues in this type of a crime and skilled enough to advance the defense to resolve the case quickly.

There are many reasons a person could be falsely accused and a number of ways the case can be managed which can result in a favorable outcome, up to and including dismissal and acquittal. It is also important to hire a sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer who understands the techniques used by law enforcement. Often law enforcement fails to investigate the case thoroughly which results in charges being filed which should not have been. It’s critical to get a qualified sex crime attorney to review your case and the evidence immediately so your rights can be protected.

The criminal defense team at Rowley Chapman & Barney has extensive training and experience in handling sex crimes including sexual conduct with a minor.

What Are the Consequences for Sexual Conduct with a Minor?

The penalties for sexual conduct with a minor are as follows:

For a Class 6 offense, the minimum punishment ranges from probation to a two-year prison sentence. A conviction requires a person to register as a sex offender and may prevent the person from having any contact with minors, including their own children.

For the Class 2 offense involving a child under 15 years old, the minimum sentence is 13 years and a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison.

If a person is charged with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, each sentence must run consecutive to one another. This means that an individual charged with 2 separate counts of sexual conduct with a minor faces a mandatory sentence of between 26 years and 54 years in prison.

If the child is under 12 years of age, sexual conduct with a minor involving penetration or oral sex carries a life sentence and the person is only eligible for parole after 35 years is served.

For the Class 2 offense involving a child between 15 and 18 years old where the accused is the child’s parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian or foster parent or the minor’s teacher or clergyman or priest, the minimum sentence is 3 years to 12.5 years in prison and requires the person to register as a sex offender.

Your Criminal Defense for Sexual Conduct with a Minor – We’re Here!

If you have been accused or charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, an experienced sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney can help you to avoid charges and explore defenses, negotiate plea bargains and other solutions in dealing with the charges you face. The sex crime defense lawyers at Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd. have extensive training and experience helping clients charged with the sexual misconduct of a minor. They also have prior experience as law enforcement and prosecutors specializing in sex crimes and are uniquely qualified to help you with your case.

We are available 24/7. Call us today at (480) 833-2341 to schedule your FREE consultation or use our contact form below to send us an email to make an appointment today.