ARS 13-1420: Sexual offense
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-1420 on sexual offense, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
Recognized By
As Seen On
Recognized By
Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-1420
A.R.S. § 13-1420 is the Arizona statute on sexual offense. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
A. If the defendant is charged with committing a sexual offense, the court may admit evidence that the defendant committed past acts that would constitute a sexual offense and may consider the bearing this evidence has on any matter to which it is relevant.
B. This section does not limit the admission or consideration of evidence under any court rule.
C. For the purposes of this section, “sexual offense” means any of the following:
1. Sexual abuse in violation of section 13-1404.
2. Sexual conduct with a minor in violation of section 13-1405.
3. Sexual assault in violation of section 13-1406.
4. Sexual assault of a spouse if the offense was committed before the effective date of this amendment to this section.
5. Molestation of a child in violation of section 13-1410.
6. Continuous sexual abuse of a child in violation of section 13-1417.
7. Sexual misconduct by a behavioral health professional in violation of section 13-1418.
8. Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor in violation of section 13-3552.
9. Sexual exploitation of a minor in violation of section 13-3553.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1420, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Guides From Our Team
Written by our defense team on how these cases run in Arizona courts.
Related Statutes in Chapter 14 — Sexual Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-1419 — Unlawful sexual conduct
- A.R.S. § 13-1418 — Sexual misconduct
- A.R.S. § 13-1422 — Adult oriented businesses
- A.R.S. § 13-1417 — Continuous sexual abuse of a child
- A.R.S. § 13-1424 — Voyeurism
- A.R.S. § 13-1425 — Unlawful disclosure of images depicting states of nudity or specific sexual activities
- A.R.S. § 13-1412 — Unlawful sexual conduct
- A.R.S. § 13-1428 — Sexual extortion
How § 13-1420 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-1420 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
Call 623-321-4699 for a confidential consultation, 24/7.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix sex crime defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix sex crime lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-1420?
A.R.S. § 13-1420 is the Arizona statute on sexual offense. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-1420?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.