There is no denying the fallout that will come if you are accused of committing a sex crime. These allegations are serious, carry harsh criminal penalties, and could destroy your reputation. Clearing your name may be the only way to protect your future.
Now, more than ever, you need to take action if you hope to avoid being branded as a sex offender. A highly experienced and diligent Coolidge sex crimes defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices may be able to help you maintain your composure and secure an acquittal. With 30+ years of trial experience, your Coolidge criminal defense lawyer from our firm has unique insight into how we should approach your defense, so contact our legal team to schedule a confidential consultation today and learn more about the extent of the sex crime charges against you.
Suzuki Law Offices Defends Against Most Sex Crime Allegations
There are multiple types of sex offenses that you could be accused of committing, depending on the circumstances of your case. Sex crimes carry some of the harshest penalties, including the requirement that you register on the Arizona sex offender registry, as most convicted sex offenders have to register. Some of the most common types of sex crime charges we handle include:
- Prostitution under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3211
- Child prostitution under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3212
- Pimping and pandering under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3209
- Sex trafficking under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1307
- Online solicitation under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1002
- Rape under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1406
- Human trafficking under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1307
- Child pornography under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3553
- Indecent exposure under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1402
- Sexual exploitation of a minor under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3553
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Get StartedCoolidge Sex Crimes Defense FAQ
How Long Does the Prosecutor Have to File Sex Crime Charges?
The prosecutor may or may not have an unlimited amount of time to file formal sex crime charges. The type of sex offense you are accused of committing will determine the statute of limitations. Under section A of Arizona Revised Statutes §13-107, there are some violent offenses and offenses against children that have no statute of limitations, including:
- Violent crimes
- Sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation of a child
- Child pornography
- Indication exposure involving a minor
- Child molestation
However, other sex crimes do have a statute of limitations. For instance, if you are accused of a misdemeanor sex offense, such as public sexual indecency under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1403 or indecent exposure under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1402, the statute of limitations would be one year from the date of the alleged crime. However, if you were accused of a felony sex crime, such as stalking under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2923, sex trafficking under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1307, or rape under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1406, the statute of limitations would generally be seven years from the date that law enforcement officials became aware of the alleged offense.
What Are the Requirements for a Sex Crime Expungement?
There are no requirements for a sex crime expungement in Arizona because most sex crimes are not eligible for expunction. According to Arizona Revised Statutes §13-911(O), any crime that involves a victim under the age of 15, a deadly weapon, or intentionally or knowingly inflicting severe bodily injury on another does not qualify for expungement. However, if you were convicted of a sex offense that does not include any of the disqualifications, such as indecent exposure, expungement may be possible, depending on the specific details of your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Coolidge Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a Coolidge sex crimes defense attorney varies widely based on the complexity of your criminal case. We will need to take a look at the state’s evidence against you and your case as a whole to determine an appropriate fee. In some cases, we may require a retainer before we can start working on your case.
We may also be able to work for you on a flat fee. Every person’s case is different, which is why we have flexible payment structures. Even though it may cost more to hire a private criminal defender, doing so may be in your best interest, especially since public defenders may not have access to the resources a case of this caliber needs.
When Does the Romeo and Juliet Defense Apply?
The Romeo and Juliet defense is only applicable to minors and young adults. According to Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1407(E), the Romeo and Juliet defense may be used to protect consenting minors from being charged with serious criminal sex crimes, such as statutory rape, under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1405. Generally, the Romeo and Juliet defense can only be used to avoid criminal charges if:
- The people involved were between the ages of 15 and 19
- The people involved had an age gap of no more than two years
- The people involved engaged in consensual sexual activity
Which Defenses Are Most Common in Sex Crime Cases?
There are several defenses that are frequently used in sex crime cases. Whether both parties consented to the sexual activity in question will often determine whether the prosecutor moves forward or dismisses your sex crime charges. This is because if there was any reason to believe the alleged victim was unable to or did not give their consent, they are more likely to proceed with the charges against you.
Other common defenses could include mistaken identity, presenting an alibi, or mental incapacity. A sex crimes defense lawyer in Coolidge may also be able to challenge your accuser’s motivation, argue that the alleged victim is making false accusations, or get unlawfully obtained evidence suppressed. Alternatively, we can avoid trial altogether if you accept a plea bargain.
Abogado cerca de míGet in Touch with a High-Powered Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Coolidge Today
The sex crime allegations against you may be embarrassing, destroy your reputation, and make it difficult or impossible for you to live your life normally. If you are convicted, you could be looking at time in prison, exorbitant fines, and being labeled a sex offender for the rest of your life. Suzuki Law Offices’ leading sex crimes defense attorney in Coolidge may be able to help you safeguard your future.
After reviewing your criminal charges and the evidence against you, we will have a better idea of how to best approach your defense strategy. In some cases, negotiating a plea agreement may be the best way to avoid some of the harsher criminal penalties. Explore your options extensively when you submit our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form