Scottsdale Sexual Misconduct With A Minor Lawyer

All sexual abuse charges are serious, but charges involving minors under the age of 18 can be especially complex and harrowing. Convictions for sexual conduct with a minor can result in significant losses for the accused. If the courts find you guilty of these charges, you can face years in jail and significant struggles in maintaining relationships, finding housing, or holding a job.

If you are facing charges for sexual conduct with a minor, contact a Scottsdale defense lawyer at the Hallam Law Group immediately. We provide legal representation for people facing charges for child molestation, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and more.

Clients choose Hallam Law Group due to our efficiency, effective litigation, and years of experience in criminal defense law.

• Our Scottsdale sexual misconduct with a minor attorneys values open, honest, and direct communication. We will promptly inform you of every change in your case so that you remain aware of its progress. Our attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have about the process.
• Our lawyers are committed to providing objective, unbiased legal services for people accused of crimes such as sexual conduct with a minor. We treat each and every client with respect throughout each stage of the trial process.
• We have significant experience successfully defending clients accused of serious crimes. We have a strong understanding of Arizona sex crime law and the resources necessary to craft a compelling case on your behalf. 

Who is Considered a Minor in Arizona?

Arizona law, as with most states, considers people adults when they reach the age of 18. Therefore, anyone under the age of 18 is a minor under state law. The “age of consent” in Arizona is 18 as well. “Age of consent” refers to the age that a person needs to be in order to engage in lawful sexual contact with another person. Engaging in sexual conduct with anyone under the age of 18 is illegal in Arizona.

This definition poses a number of tricky legal situations. For example, if you are a 21-year-old and your partner is only 17, you cannot engage in sexual contact with your partner. This sexual conduct includes intercourse or oral sexual contact.

How Does Scottsdale Define Misconduct With a Minor?

Under Arizona Laws 13-1405, sexual conduct with a minor is defined as any sexual contact with a person under the age of 18. This charge differs from child molestation, which the state defines as sexual contact with a minor under the age of 15. The law states that a person cannot engage in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18.

What are the Potential Penalties in Scottsdale for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor?

Sexual conduct with a minor is a Class 6 felony in Arizona. These charges can be serious and damaging. If you receive a conviction, these charges will likely follow you for the rest of your life.

Potential consequences for this charge include:

• Probation
• Two years in prison if you are not a person of authority in the minor’s life
• Between three to 12.5 years in prison if you are a parent, teacher, priest, or legal guardian of the minor
• Registration as a sex offender in a public database
• Prohibited contact with minors, including your own children
• Community service and counseling

How Would A Scottsdale Lawyer Defend Sexual Conduct With a Minor Charges?

Under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1407, the state lists a number of acceptable defenses you can use to prevent prosecution in sexual conduct with a minor case.

You can defend yourself from these charges if:

• You performed the alleged act of sexual conduct during lawful medical practice
• You did not know or could not have known that the minor was below the age of consent
• The minor was your legal spouse at the time of the act
• Your motivation for the act was not sexual
• You were under 19 years old or attending high school at the time of the act, no more than two years older than the minor, and the act was consensual

Contact a Scottsdale Sexual Misconduct with a Minor Attorney Today

Sexual conduct against a minor is a serious crime under Arizona law. Without an adequate defense, you could risk your reputation, freedom, and ability to live and work without restrictions. You want a strong sexual misconduct lawyer from Scottsdale on your side.

If you are facing charges for sexual conduct with a minor, contact Hallam Law Group today. Our attorneys will assist you with the investigation and trial process of your case, working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at our Scottsdale offices.