Few crimes lead to more public outrage than sex crimes in Arizona, and public policy is largely dictated by public opinion that’s prompted the state legislature to enact tough laws that deal with these sex crimes. If you face any sort of sex crime charge in Arizona, you are going to have to fight for your rights.
Below is a brief overview of the relevant sex crimes laws in Arizona, and rather than sit and wait for the prosecution to advance its case, which it will regardless of your actions, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer to schedule an initial consultation.
Arizona Sex Crimes Statutes
13-1402. Indecent exposure; exception; classification
A. A person commits indecent exposure if he or she exposes his or her genitals or anus or she exposes the areola or nipple of her breast or breasts and another person is present, and the defendant is reckless about whether the other person, as a reasonable person, would be offended or alarmed by the act.
If the victim of the crime is 15 years old or older, this charge is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the victim is under 15, it’s a Class 6 felony.
13-1404. Sexual abuse; classification
A. A person commits sexual abuse by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with any person who is fifteen or more years of age without consent of that person or with any person who is under fifteen years of age if the sexual contact involves only the female breast.
B. Sexual abuse is a class 5 felony unless the victim is under fifteen years of age in which case sexual abuse is a class 3 felony.
13-1405. Sexual conduct with a minor; classification; definition
A. A person commits sexual conduct with a minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under eighteen years of age.
B. Sexual conduct with a minor who is under fifteen years of age is a class 2 felony and is punishable pursuant to section 13-705. Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least fifteen years of age is a class 6 felony. Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least fifteen years of age is a class 2 felony if the person is the minor’s parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, foster parent or the minor’s teacher or clergyman or priest and the convicted person is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as specifically authorized by section 31-233, subsection A or B until the sentence imposed has been served or commuted.
13-1410. Molestation of a child; classification
A. A person commits molestation of a child by intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing a person to engage in sexual contact, except sexual contact with the female breast, with a child who is under fifteen years of age.
B. Molestation of a child is a class 2 felony that is punishable pursuant to section 13-705.
Potential Exposure
In terms of prison terms, a convicted defendant could face anywhere from five to 35 years in prison if convicted of a felony, and up to one year in jail if convicted of a misdemeanor. Obviously, the potential term depends on the specifics of the situation and the defendant’s criminal record.