Key Takeaways Stop answering police questions immediately and ask for an attorney before saying anything further. Contact a criminal defense attorney before any interview with detectives takes place. Never contact the accuser directly, since any outreach can look like intimidation or witness tampering. Arizona classifies…
Key Takeaways Indecent exposure in Arizona requires reckless disregard about whether a reasonable person would be offended or alarmed. A first offense against someone 15 or older is a class 1 misdemeanor under Arizona law. Prior convictions or a victim under 15 can elevate the…
Key Takeaways Arizona does not use degree-based classifications; sexual assault is governed under a single felony statute. The law covers non-consensual sexual acts, including coercion, restraint, and incapacitation of the victim. A conviction carries a presumptive sentence of seven years, with higher ranges for prior…
Key Takeaways In Arizona, kissing someone without consent can meet the legal threshold for assault under ARS 13-1203. Consent in Arizona requires a voluntary, conscious agreement — silence or passivity does not qualify. Assault, battery, and sexual assault are distinct charges in Arizona, each carrying…
Key Takeaways Chain of custody is a chronological written record tracking evidence from collection to the courtroom. The record must document every handler transfer location and test performed. Gaps in the record may cause courts to exclude evidence or doubt it. The trial exists to…
Key Takeaways Sexual assault occurs through intercourse or oral sexual contact without consent. Sexual assault is a Class 2 felony under A.R.S. § 13-1406. Molestation of a child involves sexual contact with a child under 15. Molestation of a child is a Class 2 felony…
Key Takeaways False sexual assault allegations occur when someone accuses another person without a factual basis, often in custody disputes, breakups, or misunderstandings. Arizona prosecutors often file charges based mainly on the accuser's statement, even with weak or contradictory physical evidence. Exercise your Fifth Amendment…
Key Takeaways Arizona sets the age of consent at 18 under A.R.S. § 13-1405. Sexual conduct with a minor occurs when someone engages in sexual contact with a person under 18. Arizona’s Romeo and Juliet law provides a limited close-in-age defense to statutory rape. The…
Key Takeaways Arizona defines statutory rape as sexual conduct with a minor under 18. Statutory rape does not require proof of force or coercion. Arizona courts aim to resolve most felony cases within 365 days. Prosecutors may file charges anytime if the alleged victim was…
Pornography addiction has never been more widespread than it is today. Erectile dysfunction caused by pornography use is now being seen even in young, physically healthy men. With the advent of internet pornography—accessible instantly on cell phones—it’s possible to get a quick dopamine hit any…
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Attorney JosephineHallam, who has more than two decades of litigation and family law experience.