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The term sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual behavior by one person upon another. It is often perpetrated by the use of force, threats or taking advantage of another person. Sexual abuse charges are very serious in nature and carry heavy penalties for convictions.
If you are facing sexual abuse charges, contact Hallam Law Group in Phoenix, Arizona today. Our attorneys will investigate your case and help build a legal strategy to secure the best possible outcome. If under arrest for alleged sexual abuse, don’t say anything to police officers other than to politely ask for a lawyer. Do not answer their questions or resist arrest. Simply maintain that you will not answer their questions until you have an attorney present. Do not try to fight arrest or run from the police, as this could result in additional criminal charges against you. Instead, remain calm, follow instructions, and bide your time until you can speak to an attorney.
Hallam Law Group can provide legal representation if you believe someone has wrongly accused you of sexual abuse. We can help you build an alibi or actual innocence defense with the goal of convincing the court to drop the charges against you. We can still be of significant help if you did commit the crime. Hiring a lawyer to defend you could open your eyes to legal defense strategies in your favor, such as the victim’s consent to sexual contact or your own mental incapacity.
Legally speaking, in Arizona sexual abuse is defined as “knowingly engaging in sexual relations or contact with anyone 15 years old or older without consent, or with anyone under the age of 15 if the sexual contact only involves the female breast”. The state could prosecute for sexual abuse even if you had the victim’s consent if he or she is 15-17 years old and you were in a position of trust, such as a teacher or caretaker.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1404 classifies sexual abuse. The law describes what constitutes sexual abuse in the state of Arizona, as well as the way the courts will charge this crime in the event of a conviction. Under the law, “sexual contact” can refer to any form of direct or indirect sexual touching. This includes fondling, touching, or manipulating the genitals, female breasts, or anus. Sexual abuse of someone 15 or older is a Class 5 felony in Arizona. The crime is a Class 3 felony if the victim is younger than 15.
A sexual abuse conviction could result in one year in jail or longer, as well as thousands of dollars in fines and fees. The sentence increases to eight to 22 years’ incarceration if the defendant has a prior serious felony. Defendants in Arizona must completely serve their prison sentences before being eligible for release in most sexual abuse claims since they are “Dangerous Crimes Against a Child.” Hiring a lawyer can transform your legal experience. Whether you committed the crime or not, a lawyer can serve your best interests and fight to bring down your charges.
Call a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can upon arrest for sexual abuse in Arizona. Prompt action to protect your rights through a lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Hiring a lawyer right from the beginning can make sure you don’t say or do anything that incriminates you during police investigation or interrogation. When you call us from the police station, our firm can immediately go to work on your case, finding out what evidence the prosecution has against you and how to refute sexual abuse allegations in a court of law.
We will advocate on your behalf, build an aggressive legal strategy and defend your rights. Your options will depend upon the specifics of your individual case. You can rest assured, however, that your lawyer will look out for your best interests when you trust Hallam Law Group with your case. Call (602) 237-5373 or arrange your consultation online today.