Sex Crimes

Arizona Sex Crimes Lawyers

A sex crime allegation and conviction carries consequences that few other offenses do. Like other crimes, if a person is found guilty, they can be incarcerated and/or fined. However, unlike other offenses, the individual may also be required to register as a sex offender. Depending on the person’s risk level, their personal information, including their address and photo, is disseminated to members of the community in which they live. Public access to such information can adversely impact relationships with others and can lead to hostile treatment. One of the most effective ways to avoid such a consequence, and other criminal penalties, is to aggressively fight the sex crime charge. If you’ve been accused of an offense, you need the services of a lawyer who is ready to zealously advocate on your behalf. Oliverson & Huss Law PLLC is prepared to provide the legal representation you need.

Our Arizona sex crimes defense attorneys have over 40 years of collective experience. Additionally, two of our team members are former prosecutors, one of whom is a former judge and police officer. Thus, we have a well-rounded understanding of the law and know how the State approaches and handles criminal matters. When you turn to us, we will use our unique insight into all sides of the courtroom to develop a legal strategy for your specific needs. We understand that being accused of a sex crime can be frightening, which is why we will stand by you throughout the legal process and will work toward obtaining a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Arizona Sex Crime Laws

The term “sex crimes” refers to a variety of offenses involving sexual conduct. Such acts range from engaging in unwanted sexual contact with another person to having sexually explicit conversations with minors. Regardless of the type of offense, a conviction can potentially ruin your life for years. You can be sure that the State will do everything in its legal power to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and seek maximum punishment for the crime.

The statutes concerning sex crimes can be found in Chapter 14 of the criminal code.

The types of sex crimes cases we handle include:

• Indecent exposure (A.R.S. 13-1402): This offense is committed when a person exposes their genitals, anus, or breasts (female) in the presence of one or more other people and they recklessly disregard any offense or alarm that could arise from such action.
• Public sexual indecency (A.R.S. 13-1403): A person may be charged with this offense if they engage in oral sex or sexual intercourse in the presence of others and they recklessly disregard offense or alarm those around them may take by witnessing the act.
• Sexual abuse (A.R.S. 13-1404): If a person has nonconsensual sex with someone 15 years of age or older, or if they have sexual contact with the female breasts of a person under 15 years of age, they could be charged with this offense.
• Sexual conduct with a minor (A.R.S. 13-1405): It is unlawful for a person to knowingly have sexual intercourse or contact with a minor under 18 years of age.
• Sexual assault/rape (A.R.S. 13-1406): A person commits this offense when they knowingly have nonconsensual sexual intercourse or contact with another.
• Child molestation (A.R.S. 13-1410): This crime is committed when a person knowingly has sexual contact (unless the contact involves female breasts) with a minor under 15 years of age.
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child (A.R.S. 13-1417): A person may face a charge if they are accused of engaging in three or more sexual acts with a child for three months or more.
• Voyeurism (A.R.S. 13-1424): Charges for this offense arise when a person invades another’s privacy while they are undressed, having sex, or using the restroom, or makes, distributes, or displays an image or video depicting such acts.
• Revenge porn (A.R.S. 13-1425): A person may be accused of this crime if they disseminate images or videos of another who was nude and had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The actor must also have engaged in the conduct to intimidate, harass, or threaten the individual.
• Sextortion (A.R.S. 13-1428): This crime is committed when a person threatens another to make them engage in sexual contact or intercourse, agree to have their private parts photographed or recorded, or show their private parts.
• Child pornography (A.R.S. 13-3553): A person may be charged with this crime for making, possessing, distributing, or duplicating visual materials depicting a minor engaged in a sexual act is a class 2 felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years. However, if the offense was committed against a minor under 15 years of age, it’s considered a dangerous crime against a child, and the maximum term of imprisonment increases substantially.
• Internet sex crimes: Generally, internet sex crimes involve sexually explicit interactions with minors that occur online. The level of charge and punishments depend on the nature of the offense.

At Oliverson & Huss Law PLLC, we know how hard the prosecution works to obtain a conviction. With this understanding, we can focus our resources on building a defense to challenge the other side’s case and cast doubt on the evidence presented. We are intelligent, strategic, and aggressive and will work relentlessly to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation.

Arizona Sex Crime Penalties

The punishments for a sex crime conviction depend on the type of conduct involved in the offense.

Some of the potential penalties include:

• Indecent exposure (class 1 misdemeanor):
  • Up to 6 months in jail and/or
  • Up to $2,500 in fines
• Sexual conduct with a minor 15 years of age or older (class 6 felony):
  • Up to 2 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines
• Sexual abuse (class 5 felony):
  • Up to 2.5 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines
• Revenge porn transmitted through electronic means (class 4 felony):
  • Up to 3.75 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines
• Sextortion (class 3 felony):
  • Up to 8.75 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines
• Sexual conduct with a minor under 15 years of age (class 2 felony/dangerous crime against a child):
  • Up to 27 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines
• Sexual assault (class 2 felony):
  • Up to 12.5 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $150,000 in fines

Get a Skilled Team on Your Side

At Oliverson & Huss Law PLLC, our sex crimes attorneys in Arizona collaborate on every case we handle. This approach allows us to bring together our knowledge, skills, and insights to effectively fight back against accusations.

Sex Crimes