Sexual Abuse in Phoenix
In most situations, Phoenix sexual abuse is treated as a lesser criminal offense than sexual assault or rape. Billar & Donald, P.C. can help you fight a sexual abuse charge in Phoenix and put our years of experience to work for you.
Phoenix sexual abuse law
According to Arizona statute 13-1404, sexual abuse is a class five felony. Knowingly engaging in sexual contact without consent with any person 15 years or older is considered sex abuse. Mitigating or aggravating circumstances can add or reduce time for a sentence. For a first offense, sentencing for a class five felony is as follows:
| Mitigated |
Minimum |
Presumptive |
Maximum |
Aggravated |
| .5 years |
75 years |
1.5 years |
two years |
2.5 years |
Phoenix sex abuse involving children
Any sexual offense that involves children immediately brings heavier charges and sentencing. Sex abuse law in Phoenix and throughout Arizona for dangerous crimes against children is among the most severe.
If the victim of sexual abuse is under 15 years of age, (unless the sexual abuse was touching only the female breast) the offense is a class three felony. Sentencing guidelines under Arizona statute 13-705 Dangerous crimes against children is punishable by life in prison with no eligibility for suspension, probation, pardon, or release until the sentence is commuted or the individual serves 35 years.
Phoenix sex abuse charge for continuous abuse
As with most crimes, repeated criminal actions bring harsher charges and sentencing. If sexual abuse is continuous (three acts of abuse within a three-month period), then the offense becomes subject to charges as a class two felony.
Protection from harsh Phoenix sexual abuse law
The only way to protect your rights in a sexual abuse case is to obtain experienced, highly skilled criminal defense. Too much is at stake not to find the best attorney. At Billar & Donald, P.C. we use experts to testify on your behalf—forensic experts, psychologists, and other professionals who can either help discredit accusations or minimize the influence of the prosecution's case. We make every effort to create a positive disposition toward charges against you and shift attention onto any false testimony brought by the prosecution. We look into Constitutional rights violations and pursue all avenues that could reduce charges, sentencing, or make evidence insubmissible.
Sex Crimes
Contact Billar & Donald, P.C., or call at 1-888-442-3236
Our law firm is dedicated to answering your questions about sex abuse laws in Phoenix.