Maricopa County Child Molestation Defense Lawyer
Accused of child molestation in Maricopa County? A conviction under A.R.S. 13-1410 can mean years in prison and sex-offender registration. Our team defends the full range of sex-crime cases across Maricopa County and Arizona. Do not speak with a detective before you call us.
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Is Child Molestation a Felony in Maricopa County?
Quick answer: Yes. Child Molestation under A.R.S. 13-1410 is a serious felony, and a Maricopa County conviction can carry prison and sex-offender registration. But an accusation is not proof. A Maricopa County child molestation defense lawyer protects your rights from the first contact with police, challenges the evidence and the State’s theory of intent, and fights for a dismissal or reduction. Call 623-321-4699, 24/7.
What Is Child Molestation in Arizona?
Child molestation under A.R.S. 13-1410 is intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing sexual contact, except sexual contact with the female breast, with a child under fifteen. The State must prove the contact was motivated by a sexual interest, an intent element that is frequently the weakest part of its case.
Child Molestation Penalties & Registration
Child molestation is a Class 2 felony and a dangerous crime against children under A.R.S. 13-705. A conviction involving a child under twelve can carry a prison term of 10 to 24 years (presumptive 17) per count, served as flat time with no early release, and multiple counts can run consecutively. It also requires lifetime sex-offender registration.
Because the stakes are this high, every element, especially intent and the search or interview that produced the evidence, is a place to fight. Charges in Maricopa County are heard in the Arizona Superior Court; see our Arizona court directory.
How We Defend Child Molestation Cases in Maricopa County
When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm with serious experience defending sex-crime allegations throughout Maricopa County and Arizona. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, so we know exactly how the State builds these cases, and where the interview, the forensics, and the intent element fall apart.
At many firms the name on the door is a figurehead and your case goes to a junior associate. When you hire Tamou Law Group, your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou. We are available 24/7 and serve Maricopa County from our Phoenix and Scottsdale offices. Call 623-321-4699.
Related Sex-Crime Defense
We defend the full range of Arizona sex offenses. Select a topic to learn more.
Maricopa County Child Molestation FAQs
Answers to common questions about child molestation charges in Maricopa County.
Can I be charged with molestation with no physical evidence in Maricopa County?
Yes. Many cases are built solely on a child’s statement. That makes how the interview was conducted, and whether it was leading or coached, the heart of the defense.
What is the difference between child molestation and sexual abuse in Arizona?
Molestation (13-1410) is sexual contact with a child under fifteen motivated by sexual interest; sexual abuse (13-1404) covers contact with the female breast of a child under fifteen or non-consensual contact. The class and penalties differ significantly.
Will a child molestation charge show up on a background check?
A conviction appears on background checks and the public sex-offender registry for life, affecting housing, work, and custody. A pending charge can also surface, which is why resolving it favorably is so important.
Can a molestation case be defended if the child recants in Maricopa County?
A recantation can be powerful, but prosecutors often proceed anyway, arguing pressure. We use the recantation, the interview record, and the surrounding facts to fight the charge.
Should I take a plea deal in a child molestation case?
Never without an experienced defense lawyer reviewing the evidence first. Many of these cases are weaker than they appear, and a plea may carry lifetime registration you could otherwise avoid.
Are forensic (CARE/ChildHelp) interviews reliable in Arizona cases?
Not always. Leading questions, repeated interviews, and outside influence can taint a child’s account. We routinely consult experts to challenge how the interview was conducted.
How long does a child molestation case take in Arizona?
Felony sex cases commonly take many months to over a year. That time often favors the defense, allowing full investigation of the accusation rather than rushing to a plea.
Can child molestation charges be dropped in Maricopa County?
Yes. These cases often rest on a single accusation with no physical evidence. Charges can be reduced or dismissed when the interview was suggestive, the accusation is false, or the State cannot prove sexual intent. We investigate every angle.
Key Takeaways
- Child Molestation under A.R.S. 13-1410 is a serious felony, a Maricopa County conviction can mean prison and registration.
- An accusation is not proof, the State must prove every element, including sexual intent.
- Cases are heard in the Arizona Superior Court; early defense protects your rights and your record.
- Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement, we know how these cases are built.
- Your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou, 24/7 at 623-321-4699.
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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.