The stigma that comes with being charged with any type of sex offense can be difficult to overcome even after being acquitted or getting the charges against you dropped. For this reason, it is crucial to take charge of your defense from the start to protect your reputation and your future. Turning to a top-rated Tempe sex crimes lawyer with Suzuki Law Group could be the solution you have been looking for.
Whether you were a victim of an undercover law enforcement sting operation or have been accused of prostitution, child pornography, or any other type of Internet sex crime, you are entitled to a defense. Make sure you have a powerful and experienced Tempe criminal defense lawyer on your side who can help you dodge the devastating consequences of a conviction.
Contact our criminal defense team to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about the penalties of a guilty verdict, how a conviction could shape your future, and what to expect from the judicial process.
Arizona Criminal Laws Recognize Many Internet Sex Crimes
Your Tempe criminal defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Group has extensive experience handling virtually every type of sex offense. This includes a large number of Internet sex crimes. Examples of such offenses could include:
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3214 – Solicitation or prostitution on the Internet
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3553 – Possession of child pornography
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1428 – Sextortion
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2923 – Cyberstalking
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3554 – Solicitation of a minor in a chat room
Many of these offenses are tried at the felony level. However, in certain circumstances, charges can be further elevated to the federal level. If convicted, federal-level offenses carry far more severe penalties, including incarceration in a federal prison facility.
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Get StartedThe Criminal Sentences for Internet Sex Offenses Could Be Devastating
If you are convicted of an Internet sex offense, the outcome could be devastating. The criminal penalties alone may disrupt your life for the foreseeable future. Some of the most common penalties for Internet sex offenses include:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Restitution paid to the alleged victim
- Being required to register as a sex offender
- Housing restrictions
- Probation requirements
- Community service
It is important to know that the extent of your penalties will be based on the type of Internet sex crime you are convicted of. For example, if you are convicted of a child pornography offense, you could spend up to 24 years to life in prison. However, if you are found guilty of a prostitution or solicitation offense, you might spend up to 180 days in jail.
You May Be Required to Register as a Sex Offender With the Maricopa County Sheriff
Arizona law strictly requires the majority of sex offenders to register as such with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The Arizona Sex Offender Registry displays your photo, name, address, employment address, the crime you were convicted of, and other personal and identifying information. This could result in an uproar from the community, particularly if you are classified as a Tier ll or lll sex offender under ARS §13-3827.
Tier lll sex offenders are the highest designation of sex offenders. They are required to register on the Arizona Sex Offender Registry every three months for the rest of their lives. Failure to register as a sex offender could come with additional criminal charges and penalties.
Internet Sex Crime Collateral Consequences Are a Burden You Could Bear for the Rest of Your Life
The collateral consequences of a guilty verdict are also something to be concerned with. After completing your criminal sentence, you will want to move forward with your life. However, collateral fallout may continue to make life challenging as you attempt to move forward in a post-conviction world.
For example, you may be restricted from living within proximity to a school or a child’s playground, lose child custody or visitation rights, be passed over for job opportunities or housing, and your reputation will likely be destroyed by your sex offender status. Unfortunately, collateral consequences continue to be a major issue for those who have done their time.
For this reason, it is crucial that you clear your name of the allegations against you so you do not have to deal with these consequences for the rest of your life.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Defending Yourself Against Devastating Internet Sex Crimes Allegations
Your Internet sex crimes defense attorney in Tempe will consider the type of sexual conduct and offense you have been charged with when determining which defenses could be used in your favor. Certain individuals may be able to plead down their charges to a less serious offense. However, those who do not qualify for any type of plea agreement may need to defend themselves at trial.
Artistic Value
You should only be convicted of an Internet sex crime if the elements of the offense have been met. Sex crime convictions generally only apply if the explicit material in question is clearly sexual or meant to be provocative. If your criminal defender can show that the images in your case were designed to carry artistic value, the state may be willing to drop the allegations against you.
Computer Viruses
Technology can be complex. Computer viruses have been known to destroy devices and install malware. If evidence of an Internet sex crime, such as software, files, or child pornography, is discovered on your computer, we may be able to argue that a computer virus is responsible for installing such images, residual cookies, or information without your knowledge.
The “Unknown Age” Defense
Certain types of Internet sex crimes, including sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, or sexting with a minor, require that the defendant knew or should have known of the alleged victim’s age. However, if there is a lack of evidence to suggest that you knew the alleged victim’s age and name or had no way of doing so, we may be able to utilize the unknown age defense.
You can expect law enforcement officials to comb through your Internet files, social media posts, and personal messages, searching for evidence to support their case against you.
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Turn to a Tempe Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorney for Help Today
When your life has been turned upside down after being accused of committing a serious sex crime, it has never been more important for you to be proactive with your defense. When you are looking for a legal advocate who will treat you with dignity and respect, look no further than the criminal defense team with Suzuki Law Group.
Your dedicated Internet sex crimes defense lawyer in Tempe with our firm will ensure you are informed about the potential impact of a conviction, what the outcome could be in your case based on the state’s evidence against you, and which defenses are most likely to return a verdict in your favor.
Do not wait to get started on your defense. Your future and liberties are on the line. Schedule your 100% free consultation when you complete our secured and confidential contact form or call our law office to begin crafting your defense strategy as soon as today.
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