Chandler Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Not everything you do on the internet is private, and there are broad internet sex laws that can trigger if you are not aware of them. Unfortunately, ignorance of a law is not a defense. You may be charged with an internet sex crime you did not commit. A Chandler sex crimes lawyer may be able to review your case and find ways to contest the charge against you.

At Suzuki Law Offices, we are committed to providing our clients with exceptional legal service. A Chandler internet sex crimes defense lawyer is available to discuss your case. For more information, reach out to us.

Types of Internet Sex Crime Charges in Chandler, Arizona

Many internet sex crimes are felonies. As such, anyone convicted of an online sex crime may face a prison sentence. Here are some of the charges associated with sexual crimes that a Chandler criminal defense lawyer can help you with:

• Child Pornography: Possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography may be considered a Class 2 felony. 
• Sexting a Minor: If an adult is involved in sexting with a minor between the ages of 15 and 17, they may be charged with a Class 2 felony. An adult who is engaged in sexting with a minor under the age of 15 may face a “dangerous crimes against children” charge.
• Online Solicitation: This may be classified as a Class 3 felony. 

An internet sex crimes defense lawyer in Chandler can explain the ramifications of these charges and others. They may help you develop a legal strategy. If your attorney succeeds, they may be able to help you get your charge reduced or dismissed. 

Types of Internet Sex Crime Charges in Chandler, Arizona

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), evidence suggests the number of internet sexual-offending cases is “increasing rapidly.” Laws are in place to deter people from committing online sex crimes. Regardless, internet sexual criminal activities continue to be reported across the United States, and these include:

Child Pornography

In Arizona, a minor is classified as anyone under the age of 18. It is against the law to possess, create, or distribute sexually explicit photos, videos, or other content of a child. If you are found guilty of a child pornography charge, you may get a prison sentence, fine, and other penalties. 

Sexting

If an adult sends sexually explicit content to a minor or to a child via text, they may face serious charges. Any sexting that involves a child may be considered sexual exploitation of a child. As such, someone found guilty of this crime may receive a severe punishment. This includes anyone over the age of 18 who may still be in high school and whose friend groups are still minors.

Cyberstalking

An adult may stalk a child online and use sexually explicit content as part of their efforts to do so. Stalking is illegal, per Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-2923. In some instances, a cyberstalker may sexually harass a child, and this may be considered a sex crime. 

Online Solicitation

An individual may reach out to a minor online and encourage them to engage in sexual activities. This may be deemed online solicitation. Those found guilty of this crime may receive a prison sentence that lasts up to eight years and thousands of dollars in fines. 

Sex Trafficking

There are laws against human trafficking. However, there are times when people try to coerce or force someone else to sell sex. This is sex trafficking, and it is considered a Class 2 felony in Arizona. 

Suzuki Law Offices may be able to help you contest charges for any of these crimes and many others. A Chandler Internet sex crimes defense attorney can evaluate your case. To learn more, contact us today. 

Penalties of a Conviction

Prison time may be required if you are convicted of an online sex crime. The length of a prison sentence varies based on the sexual crime, its severity, and other factors. If you have been found guilty of a sex crime more than once, the penalties you receive may escalate for each recurring offense. 

You may be fined as part of your conviction. A teenager may receive a fine of $300 if they are convicted of sexting another teen. Comparatively, if an adult commits a sex crime against a child, they may be required to pay fines totaling tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

An internet sex crimes defense attorney in Chandler cannot change the penalties associated with a conviction. Conversely, they may answer frequently asked questions you have about sexual crime penalties. They may also explain the collateral consequences that come with a conviction.

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Collateral Consequences

The consequences of being found guilty of a sexual crime may extend beyond a prison sentence and fine. Your conviction may impact your relationships with family members and friends, hurt your chances of landing the job you want, and impact your ability to get housing. Along with these things, the collateral consequences of a sex crime conviction may include:

• Having to register with the County Sheriff in the county where you live
• Having to comply with sex offender regulations
• Being required to notify the authorities any time you move

You may have the option to negotiate a plea deal in your case. To pursue this option, you may want to get help from an attorney. This ensures you can work with a lawyer who advocates for you, protects your legal rights, and helps you defend against an online sex crime charge. 

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Defending Against an Internet Sex Crime

There is no surefire defense against an internet sex crime. It may be helpful to seek help from an experienced legal team. With help from this team, you may be able to explore many possible legal defenses, such as: 

• Showing you did not actually download child pornography onto your computer or mobile device
• Explaining you did not know the individual in pornographic material was a minor
• Proving the alleged victim was over the age of 18 

The legal system does not offer any guarantees. Even if you have a strong defense, you may want to be open to negotiations with a prosecutor. This may allow you to negotiate a plea deal that allows you to avoid a lengthy prison sentence or steep fine. 

Pretrial Diversion/Plea Agreements

Arizona offers diversion programs as alternatives to criminal convictions. These programs are not available in all cases. An attorney may examine your case and help you figure out if this option is available. 

A plea agreement may allow you to forgo a prison sentence. Your lawyer may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor. If the prosecutor agrees to this deal, you may be able to accept a lesser charge than the one that was originally proposed. 

If no plea deal is reached, you may bring your case to trial. Your attorney may argue your case and explain why you should not be convicted. The court will then evaluate all of the information provided by you and the prosecutor and make its decision. 

Contact an Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Chandler for Help

The team at Suzuki Law Offices represents our clients’ best interests. We are here to help you with your internet sex crime case. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

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