Phoenix Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Lawyer

Allegations involving sexual conduct with a minor come with serious consequences, but an arrest is not a conviction. RJ Suzuki is a former federal prosecuting attorney, and our team is available 24/7 to start building your defense immediately. 

Call your Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices today to speak with your Phoenix sex crimes lawyer and protect your rights at every stage of the case.

Why These Charges are Treated Differently from Other Felony Offenses

Arizona law considers sexual conduct with a minor to be one of the most serious felony charges prosecuted in Maricopa County. These cases are often assigned to special units, and sentencing laws are designed to limit plea agreements and early release options.

With former federal prosecutor RJ Suzuki leading your defense, your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer is available 24/7 to provide consistent, experienced support during every step of the process.

Mandatory Minimums and Restrictions on Probation

If you are charged under Arizona’s sexual conduct with a minor statute, prison time is often mandatory if convicted. A.R.S. § 13-705 outlines sentencing for dangerous crimes against children and limits a judge’s ability to offer probation, parole, or early release. Even first-time offenders may face decades behind bars, depending on the age of the alleged victim and the nature of the allegations.

Special Conditions for Pretrial Release in Maricopa County

If you are arrested for a sex offense involving a minor, the court may impose strict conditions before allowing your release. These may include no contact with minors, GPS monitoring, curfews, and frequent check-ins with pretrial services. In many cases, you may be ordered to move out of your home or avoid certain locations while your case is pending.

Situations that Can Change the Direction of Your Case

Small details can have a major impact on how prosecutors pursue charges involving sexual conduct with a minor. Timing, gaps in evidence, or issues with witness credibility can shift the course of the entire case. These factors may not be obvious at first, but they matter in how your story is presented and whether the state can meet its burden. Some of the most common issues that affect these cases include:

• Delays in reporting that affect memory and evidence.
• Missing or conflicting medical findings.
• Contradictory statements from the alleged victim or witnesses.
• Inconsistencies in the original report or supplemental interviews.
• Lack of physical or forensic evidence to support the accusation.
• Absence of key witnesses who were present during the alleged incident.
• Suppressed digital evidence due to unlawful collection.
• Phone or location records that support a third-party alibi.
• Misidentification by the alleged victim or witness.
• Prior false accusations by the same individual.
• Gaps in the state’s timeline of events.
• Procedural errors that violate due process under A.R.S. § 13-3987.

Our Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor defense lawyers examines each of these issues with care, looking for the specific facts that can help shift the momentum of the case. Your Phoenix sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney with Suzuki Law Offices will tailor your defense strategy around these critical details and pursue every available opportunity for dismissal or reduced charges.

Misinterpreted Conduct or Online Activity Can Lead to Charges

Arizona law often treats normal behavior, such as texting, dating, or sharing digital content, as criminal if a minor is involved. What begins as a peer relationship or a misunderstood message can result in serious felony accusations. These cases frequently involve miscommunication, mistaken identity, or situations taken entirely out of context.

Allegations Arising from Teen Relationships and Consent Issues

Many sexual conduct with a minor cases involve two teenagers in a consensual relationship. Even when both individuals agree to the contact, Arizona law does not allow consent as a defense if one party is under the age of 18. Under A.R.S. § 13-1405, sexual conduct with a minor is classified as a felony regardless of how close the individuals are in age or whether the relationship was romantic.

These cases are highly sensitive and often involve parents, school personnel, or law enforcement intervening after the fact. Your Phoenix rape & sexual assault defense lawyer will look closely at the timeline, communication records, and other facts to determine whether the charges are supported. 

When appropriate, we request evaluations, seek alternatives to prosecution, or fight the case at trial based on the lack of criminal intent.

Online Interactions that Lead to Sex Trafficking Allegations

Text messages, photos, or money transfers can all be used to support charges under Arizona’s strict trafficking laws. In some cases, prosecutors claim that discussing payment, arranging a meeting, or using a cash-sending and receiving application suggests an intent to traffic or promote prostitution involving a minor. These allegations can escalate quickly, even when there is no in-person contact or clear criminal purpose.

A.R.S. § 13-3212 defines sex trafficking of a minor and allows for serious felony charges based on digital conversations alone. Your Phoenix sex trafficking defense lawyer will evaluate the context of each message, who initiated contact, and whether you were falsely accused or misidentified. 

We also investigate how police obtained your digital records and whether your rights were respected during the investigation.

Accidental Downloads and Child Pornography Misclassification

Sexual exploitation of a minor charges can result from content that was downloaded unknowingly or shared without intent. In some cases, files are automatically saved, mislabeled, or forwarded through group chats without your awareness. Even when you did not seek out illegal content, you may still face felony charges and mandatory sex offender registration.

Under A.R.S. § 13-3553, sexual exploitation of a minor includes knowingly possessing or distributing images of a minor involved in sexual conduct. These cases often involve large data sets, technical errors, or software that misidentifies files. 

A Phoenix child pornography defense lawyer from our team will bring in experts to analyze the digital evidence and demonstrate why the charges do not reflect criminal behavior.

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Contact a Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Lawyer in Phoenix Today

Your sexual conduct with a minor defense attorney in Phoenix with Suzuki Law Offices will move fast to secure evidence, review police conduct, and develop a strong defense strategy. 

These cases require immediate action and experienced representation from a firm that understands the stakes. Fill out our confidential contact form now for the legal guidance and support you need when you need it most.

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