Sexual Abuse Lawyer Phoenix

What is Sexual Abuse?

When sexual contact of any kind is intentionally or knowingly made on another person without their consent, the crime is termed "sexual abuse." This can include any kind of inappropriate touching of another person, and the charge can be based on any accusation made by the other person of such abuse. If the alleged victim is under 15 years old, the penalties are even more extreme.

Sexual abuse is an extremely serious charge that can result in years spent in jail or prison if the accused is convicted of the crime. This creates a serious problem for the individual charged with the crime, as it can be based strictly on the testimony of the person claiming to be a victim of the abuse.

Penalties for Sexual Abuse in AZ

In Arizona, sexual abuse can be charged as either a Class 5 felony or Class 3 felony. The consequences of a conviction are extreme. A Class 3 felony for sexual abuse occurs when it is committed with an individual under 15 years of age.

Class 5 Felony, first-time offender penalties include:

• 0.5 - 2.5 years in prison (unless there are aggravating factors)

Class 3 felony, first-time offender penalties include:

• 13 to 27 years in prison

If an individual has been convicted multiple times, the crime put children in danger, or it was considered "dangerous," Arizona has sentencing standards for these felony convictions.

Defense for Sexual Abuse Charges in AZ

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, the legal team has helped countless individuals defend themselves after being charged with sex crimes, including sexual abuse. As the penalties for the crime are so severe, including becoming a registered sex offender if convicted, it becomes a critical matter to have a powerful defense lawyer fighting for you. In some cases, the charges are completely false. Even when this is the case, you will still have to prove this in court if you hope to avoid jail or prison time. This can be a frightening and upsetting experience, and there are few situations that can damage your personal reputation more thoroughly.