Chandler Child Molestation Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a “dangerous crime against children,” it is crucial that you get a knowledgeable and trial-proven Chandler sex crimes lawyer on your side. With allegations this severe, you need to face them head-on if you hope to protect your reputation and escape the harsh criminal penalties that come with a guilty verdict. 

In addition to fines and incarceration, if you are convicted, you could also expect to be ordered to register as a sex offender, which could follow you for the rest of your life. Turn to a top-rated Chandler child molestation defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Group for help considering potential defense options.

Our firm can analyze the specific circumstances of your case, including the state’s evidence against you, to determine how to approach your case in a way that will yield a satisfactory outcome.

Arizona’s Child Molestation Laws Are Intended to Be Severe  

Arizona has comprehensive sex crime laws in place. In fact, Arizona is one of the only states that half designated certain crimes “dangerous crimes against children.” Under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1410, an individual can be charged with child molestation if they intentionally and knowingly engaged in any form of sexual contact with a minor under the age of 15.

However, the statute also specifically states that child molestation does not include any type of sexual contact with a female’s breast. The statute describes sexual contact as any type of indirect or direct manipulation, fondling, or touching of any part of the anus or genitals by any object or part of the body.

This is distinctly different from how the state defines sexual intercourse, which strictly involves masturbatory contact with the vulva or penis or penetration into the anus, vulva, or penis by any object or body.

If oral sex or sexual intercourse occurs between an adult and a minor under the age of 15, additional criminal charges may apply. The prosecutor is tasked with proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by demonstrating that the elements of the offense have been met.

Your child molestation defense lawyer in Chandler with Suzuki Law Group will work tirelessly to gather the evidence we need to introduce that reasonable doubt when presenting your case at trial.

Related Child Sex Offenses 

When you are accused of committing child molestation, there are related charges that may also apply, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. When you are charged with multiple sex crimes involving children, you can expect the penalties of a conviction to be that much more severe. Examples of some of the most common offenses related to child molestation include:

1. Luring a minor under ARS §13-3554 – Luring a minor can apply to any minor under the age of 18. When an adult knows or should have known that the minor was underage and offered or asked for sexual conduct or contact with them, they can be charged with luring a minor. 
2. Sexual exploitation of a minor under ARS §13-3553 – Sexual exploitation of a minor describes the state’s child pornography laws. Anyone accused of being in possession of recording, receiving, purchasing, transmitting, distributing, or selling any visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexual conduct, exploit exhibition or any other sexual activity can be charged with a child pornography offense. 
3. Sexual conduct with a minor under ARS §13-1405 – When an adult knowingly or intentionally engages in oral sex or sexual intercourse with a minor child, they can be convicted of sexual conduct with a minor which is generally considered a felony level offense.

Criminal Penalties of Child Molestation Convictions in Chandler

Your child molestation defense lawyer in Chandler may need to work with private investigators to build the strongest defense possible when you are facing charges of this nature. Child molestation is a Class 2 felony under Arizona law. You could be facing up to 35 years in prison, depending on the age of the victim and whether aggravating factors are present.

It is not uncommon for prosecutors to demand the harshest penalties possible in crime cases involving children. Working with a child molestation defense attorney in Chandler may be your best chance to clear your name of these and get back to your life. Unfortunately, if you are found guilty, once you complete your sentence, the penalties do not stop there.

Those convicted of child molestation charges are often required to register as sex offenders with the Arizona Sex Offender Registry. You must register your status as a sex offender with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office within 10 days of your release. Depending on what level you are classified, not only could community organizations and law enforcement officials be notified that you have moved to the area, but so will your neighbors.

Assert Your Right to Defend Yourself When Facing Terrible Accusations

Your Chandler criminal defense lawyer will ensure you understand the severity of the consequences you are facing and craft powerful legal arguments to get your charges significantly reduced or even dropped altogether. Several potential legal strategies may be available to defend yourself when you are accused of child molestation. Examples of these defenses include:

• You have been falsely accused of child molestation
• There was no sexual contact with the minor under Arizona’s definition of “sexual contact”
• The alleged victim was not under 15 years of age

These are just a few defenses that may apply. If your constitutional rights were violated, you were a victim of unlawful search and seizure, or law enforcement officials are the prosecutor engaged in misconduct, we may have grounds to get these charges tossed out before ever having to go to trial. Have your dedicated criminal defense team intensively review the details of your case to ensure you are making the right decisions to secure an acquittal.

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Reach Out to a Trial-Proven Chandler Criminal Defense Law Firm  

Dangerous crimes against children carry harsh penalties for a reason. When you have been accused of such an offense, it is imperative that you take these charges seriously and do everything in your power to clear your name. When you need help dodging the fallout of a conviction but are unsure of where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced Chandler child molestation defense attorney with Suzuki Law Group.

You may be able to work with a public defender, but they are often burdened by enormous caseloads and unable to give their client’s cases the attention they deserve. When you are facing heinous sex crime charges involving children, you need access to resources, attention to detail, and legal experience that only comes with a skilled private criminal defender.

Schedule your defense strategy session as soon as today by completing our secured contact form or calling our office.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form