Phoenix Sex Crime Attorney

Arrested for a Sex Crime in Phoenix, AZ?

If you or someone you care about was recently arrested for a sex crime, you need aggressive legal representation and a Phoenix sex crimes attorney you can trust. At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, our goal is to ensure that our clients are treated fairly and with respect. We fight to defend our clients against sex offense allegations because everyone has a right to representation. If you've been accused of a sex crime, you are innocent until proven guilty.

Sex Crime Cases We Handle

Facing allegations for a sex offense requires skilled and trusted defense, our team is here to represent you in in the following:

• Child Pornography (ARS §13-3553) - Charges can include possession, distribution, and manufacture of sexually explicit material that involves a victim under the age of 15.
• Child Molestation (ARS §13-1410) - Engaging a child under the age of 15 in a sexual act can be charged as child molestation.
• Prostitution (ARS §13-3214) - This includes agreeing to or offering to engage in a sexual act with another person in exchange for money or something of value.
• Sexual Abuse (ARS §13-1404) - This is defined as engaging in sexual conduct without the other person's consent.
• Sexual Assault (ARS §13-1406) & Rape - When a person engages in sexual acts without consent from the other person. If a date rape drug is involved, then the punishments may be enhanced.
• Statutory Rape (ARS § 13-1405) - These charges can arise when a person engages in sexual conduct with a minor, including oral sexual contact.
• Sexual Misconduct (ARS §13-1418) - If a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another behavioral health professional engages in sexual relations with a patient, this can be charged as sexual misconduct.
• Voyeurism (ARS §13-1423) - When you invade a person's privacy for the purpose of sexual stimulation and without that person's consent, this can be charged as voyeurism.
• Indecent Exposure (ARS §13-1402) - Occurs when an individual exposes his or her genitals. Charges will depend on the age of the victim and if the charged individual has a previous record.
• Failure to Register (ARS §13-3821 and ARS § 13-3824) - Arizona law requires that those convicted of sexual offenses must register in the state's sex offender database.

What is a Registrable Offense in Arizona?

There are a number of different offenses that will require you to register as an offender. Serious offenses such as child pornography and sexual assault, as well as lesser offenses such as indecent exposure could result in registration requirements. It will depend on the specifics of your case, the possibility of re-offense, and several other factors whether you will be required to register.

Sex Offender Registration

In the state of Arizona, anyone who is convicted of a sexual offense will be required to register and be monitored as a sex offender according to Article 3 of Chapter 38 Arizona Criminal Code. There are three different "tiers" of sex offenses categorized by severity. Each tier requires a different length of registration and frequency of verification.

Sex Crime Penalties & The Arizona Criminal Code

Depending on the specifics of the crime you have been charged with, you could face serious penalties in addition to sex offender registration. You could face the following depending on the specifics of your criminal charge:

• Extensive prison time
• Hefty fines
• Community service
• Probation

The bulk of sex offenses are listed in Chapter 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (criminal code). Sex offenses that overlap with other types of offenses are listed in other chapters. For example, sex trafficking is a sex offense but also a kidnapping offense, so it is listed in Chapter 13 of the statutes.

Public indecency is one of the least severe sex offenses and, according to § 13-1403, this is a class 1 misdemeanor. If the public indecency involved a child though, the charge will be raised to a class 5 felony with the potential for eight years (minimum) imprisonment.

Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Allegations in AZ

Many sex crime allegations rise and fall based on the principle of intent. Because the Arizona criminal codes specify that these crimes are committed with intent, a common defense can be proving that there was no malicious intent behind the act.

For example, a statutory rape charge (sex with a minor) may be dismissed if it can be shown that the defendant did not know or could not have known that the victim was under the age of 18. Enlisting representation from one of our Phoenix sex crime lawyers may also be helpful because we can advise you on plea bargaining which could result in reduced charges or sentence.

Serious Charges Demand Serious Representation

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, we have what it takes to defend you against your sex offense charge. We understand the shock and anxiety that you may be facing in the wake of these serious allegations and can provide the counsel you need for the best possible case results.