Phoenix Child Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyer
Defending Child Sex Trafficking Charges Under ARS § 13-3212
A dedicated Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer can make the difference between decades in prison and a far better outcome. Arizona’s child sex trafficking statute, ARS § 13-3212, is one of the toughest in the state and is aggressively prosecuted in Maricopa, Pima, and other counties.
Tamou Law Group represents people accused of recruiting, transporting, harboring, or financially benefiting from alleged trafficking involving minors. Our criminal defense team understands how these cases are built—through online stings, digital evidence, and multi-agency task forces—and how to challenge the State’s theory from the very beginning.
Recent Child Sex Trafficking Defense Results
Every case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes. These examples show how our child sex trafficking defense team has handled high-stakes accusations in Maricopa and Pima counties.
We uncovered major credibility problems involving a cooperating witness and inconsistencies in hotel and rideshare records. After extensive motion practice, prosecutors agreed to dismiss all trafficking counts before trial.
A client initially faced multiple DCAC counts under ARS § 13-3212. Our defense team highlighted weaknesses in the digital evidence and presented mitigation, ultimately securing a non-DCAC resolution with far less prison exposure.
By presenting travel records, phone data, and witness statements early, our Arizona child sex trafficking attorneys persuaded the State not to file charges, even after an initial investigative push by law enforcement.
In a multi-count indictment, we demonstrated that our client did not recruit, control, or profit from the alleged conduct. Trafficking counts were dismissed, and the remaining charges resolved without DCAC exposure.
Pre-Charge Representation in Child Sex Trafficking Investigations
Why You Need a Lawyer Before You Are Charged
Many people first learn they are under investigation when a detective calls, a search warrant is executed, or officers show up at their home or work. At this stage, no formal charges may exist—but everything you say and do can be used to build a child sex trafficking case under ARS § 13-3212.
Having a Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer involved early means you are not navigating those contacts alone. We can step in as a buffer, assert your rights, and prevent casual conversations with law enforcement from becoming the backbone of a future prosecution.
Protecting You During Searches and Seizures
Pre-charge investigations often involve search warrants for phones, computers, vehicles, and homes. Our team reviews the warrant, the way officers executed it, and any devices seized. If law enforcement overstepped, those issues can become powerful arguments later in motions to suppress or in negotiations with the prosecutor.
Influencing Charging Decisions in Maricopa and Pima Counties
In both Maricopa County and Pima County, prosecutors have discretion on whether to file child sex trafficking charges, what level to charge, and whether to include DCAC enhancements. When we are retained early, we can provide context, mitigation, and favorable evidence to the charging attorney before a final decision is made.
Sometimes this early advocacy leads to reduced charges, non-trafficking alternatives, or even a no-file decision. While no result can be guaranteed, giving the State only one side of the story is rarely in your best interest. A seasoned Arizona child sex trafficking attorney can make sure your side is heard at the pre-charge stage.
What You Should Do If a Detective Contacts You
If a detective calls, leaves a card, or asks you to “come down and talk,” your next step should be to contact a lawyer—not to explain yourself directly to law enforcement. We can return the call on your behalf, determine what the investigation is really about, and decide whether any communication is in your best interest.
Before you answer questions, sign releases, or consent to a search, speak with a Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer who can protect your rights from the very beginning of the case.
Child Sex Trafficking Under ARS § 13-3212
How Arizona Defines Child Sex Trafficking
Under ARS § 13-3212, child sex trafficking generally involves recruiting, enticing, transporting, harboring, providing, or obtaining a minor for prostitution or other commercial sexual activity. It can also include receiving money or any other benefit from this type of conduct.
These cases often evolve from online communication, rideshare activity, hotel stays, or social media connections. A Phoenix child sex trafficking lawyer must carefully examine what the law actually requires versus what the police assume based on limited or one-sided evidence.
Key Concepts in the Statute
- Minor victim: The law applies when the person is under 18 years old.
- Commercial sexual activity: Includes prostitution and other sexual services exchanged for money, drugs, shelter, or anything of value.
- Benefit or profit: Even small financial or non-financial benefits can be used to support trafficking charges.
- Multiple roles: Drivers, organizers, friends, or alleged facilitators can all be swept into trafficking allegations.
An Arizona child sex trafficking attorney will go through the State’s theory line by line to see whether your actual conduct satisfies the statutory elements—or whether the prosecution is stretching ARS § 13-3212 too far.
Breaking Down the Subsections of ARS § 13-3212
Subsections Addressing Trafficking Conduct
Different subsections of ARS § 13-3212 target different forms of child sex trafficking. Your defense lawyer will explain which part of the statute you are charged under and what that means for your case:
- Provisions focusing on recruiting, enticing, or obtaining a minor for prostitution or sexual exploitation.
- Sections dealing with transporting, harboring, or providing a minor for commercial sexual activity.
- Subsections aimed at those who receive money or other value from trafficking activity, even if they did not personally engage in sexual conduct.
Because each subsection carries different sentencing structures and potential enhancements, it is crucial to have a lawyer who understands the nuances and can challenge the State’s charging decisions.
Age, Knowledge, and Enhanced Penalties
Arizona law can impose harsher penalties based on the age of the minor and the alleged role of the defendant. In many situations:
- Very young minors can trigger the most severe sentencing ranges.
- In some instances, claiming you did not know the person was under 18 may not be enough to avoid liability.
- Trafficking of minors is often punished more harshly than trafficking involving adults, even without allegations of force.
An experienced Arizona child sex trafficking attorney will examine how the State intends to prove age, knowledge, and your alleged level of involvement—and whether those claims are actually supported by the evidence.
How Arizona Investigates Child Sex Trafficking Cases
Child sex trafficking investigations often involve local police, state task forces, and sometimes federal agencies. These teams rely on online stings, social media monitoring, phone records, and financial data. A strong defense requires understanding how these operations actually work—not just what is summarized in a report.
By the time someone is arrested, investigators may have already gathered hotel receipts, rideshare records, surveillance footage, and screenshots of online activity. Your defense lawyer’s job is to test each piece of evidence instead of accepting the State’s interpretation.
1. Online Stings and Advertisements
Police may pose as buyers or claim to be minors in online chats. A Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer will examine the messages, timing, and tactics used to see whether law enforcement crossed the line into improper inducement or entrapment.
2. Phone and Social Media Evidence
Text messages, DMs, and call logs are often treated as the backbone of a trafficking case. Your attorney will research whether conversations are incomplete, out of context, or inconsistent with the State’s narrative.
3. Witnesses and Co-Defendants
Cooperating witnesses may testify in exchange for reduced charges or leniency. A defense lawyer will highlight the deals they received, their motives, and discrepancies in their statements over time.
4. Financial and Travel Records
Bank records, cash app transactions, and rideshare or hotel records might be used to suggest “benefit” or “harboring.” A careful review can reveal legitimate reasons for these transactions that have nothing to do with trafficking.
5. Pre-File Advocacy
In some cases, a lawyer can intervene before charges are filed by presenting favorable evidence, explanations, or alibis. Early advocacy can sometimes reduce charges or prevent a child sex trafficking allegation from becoming a formal indictment.
Penalties for Child Sex Trafficking in Arizona
Class 2 Felony and DCAC Consequences
Child sex trafficking under ARS § 13-3212 is typically treated as a Class 2 felony and can be charged as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC). That can mean:
- Mandatory prison if convicted in many scenarios.
- Sentences measured in lengthy terms rather than months.
- Consecutive sentences when multiple minors or incidents are alleged.
- Limited opportunities for early release on many DCAC sentences.
One of the first things a Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer will do is give you a realistic breakdown of potential sentencing exposure so you can make informed choices about plea negotiations and trial.
Collateral Consequences Beyond Prison
Even after a prison sentence, a trafficking conviction can affect almost every part of your life:
- Sex offender registration and community notification.
- Restrictions on where you live, work, and travel.
- Serious consequences for immigration, licensing, and background checks.
- Permanent stigma that can damage family relationships and reputation.
Because the stakes are so high, it is critical to work with an Arizona child sex trafficking attorney who understands both the legal penalties and the long-term collateral impact of these cases.
What to Expect After You Hire a Phoenix Child Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyer
Immediate Protection and Case Assessment
Once you retain Tamou Law Group, your attorney becomes the primary point of contact for law enforcement and the prosecution. We advise you on what to say, what not to say, and how to avoid decisions that could harm your defense.
Thorough Review of the Allegations
Your lawyer will obtain police reports, digital evidence, witness statements, and any financial or travel records. We analyze what the State is claiming, what proof supports those claims, and where the gaps and contradictions are.
Managing Communication With Detectives
We handle conversations with investigators so that you are not pressured into giving statements or explanations that could be twisted against you later. This is a key role of a defense lawyer in any serious trafficking investigation.
Building a Strategic Defense and Mitigation Plan
A strong defense may involve both challenging the allegations and presenting mitigating factors such as work history, family responsibilities, mental health treatment, or lack of prior criminal record. These details can influence both charging decisions and potential sentencing outcomes.
Preparing for Trial When Necessary
If trial is the best option, we prepare thoroughly—reviewing every witness, examining digital and financial records, and developing cross-examinations aimed at exposing weaknesses in the State’s case. The goal is to give the jury a complete and accurate picture, not just the government’s version.
How a Defense Lawyer Fights Child Sex Trafficking Charges
Challenging the Allegation of “Trafficking”
Not every involvement with a minor or every connection to a sex-related situation qualifies as trafficking. A defense attorney may show that you did not recruit, control, or profit from the situation in the manner the statute requires.
Misidentification and Limited Role
Names, numbers, or usernames can appear in someone else’s phone or social media and trigger suspicion. Your lawyer will emphasize when your role was minimal, misinterpreted, or unrelated to the alleged trafficking activity.
Attacking Digital and Financial Evidence
Hotel stays, rideshare trips, and cash transfers can have innocent explanations. Your attorney can present those explanations and highlight missing or ambiguous details in the State’s version of events.
Exposing Witness Bias and Deals
Cooperating witnesses or co-defendants may receive reduced charges or sentencing recommendations in exchange for testimony. A seasoned defense lawyer will cross-examine them about their motives, inconsistent statements, and what they hope to gain.
Common Ways Child Sex Trafficking Charges Arise in Arizona
In practice, ARS § 13-3212 charges can arise in many different ways, including:
- Online operations where officers pose as buyers or claim to be minors.
- Multi-defendant investigations where texts, payment apps, or phone contacts are heavily scrutinized.
- Shared housing or hotel rooms where multiple people are present and roles are not clearly defined.
- Social media and messaging apps used to coordinate rides, parties, or meetings.
- Situations where age is unclear or misrepresented, yet the State still pursues severe trafficking charges.
An Arizona child sex trafficking attorney will look beyond labels and headlines to evaluate what really happened and whether the State can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why Choose Tamou Law Group for Child Sex Trafficking Defense
Tamou Law Group focuses on serious felony defense across Arizona, including child sex trafficking, child prostitution, and other DCAC-level charges. We recognize that accusations alone can be life-changing, and we take each case personally.
When you work with our Phoenix child sex trafficking defense team, you get:
- Extensive Arizona felony trial experience in complex sex crime cases.
- Familiarity with trafficking investigations involving local, state, and sometimes federal agencies.
- Access to investigators and experts who can analyze digital, financial, and phone records.
- Proactive case strategy aimed at influencing charging decisions and sentencing exposure.
- Direct, honest communication about your options, risks, and realistic outcomes.
Our goal is to protect your freedom, your family, and your future—whether that means seeking dismissal, negotiating a carefully structured resolution, or preparing to take your case to trial.
Where We Defend Child Sex Trafficking Charges in Arizona
Tamou Law Group handles child sex trafficking defense throughout Arizona, including:
- Maricopa County Superior Court – Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler
- Pima County Superior Court – Tucson and surrounding communities
- Yavapai County Superior Court – Prescott, Camp Verde, Cottonwood
- Pinal County Superior Court – Casa Grande, Apache Junction
- Other Arizona counties for select felony matters.
If you are being investigated or charged under ARS § 13-3212, our team can step in quickly to protect your rights and begin building a defense.
Phoenix Child Sex Trafficking Defense – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions people most often ask when they contact us about child sex trafficking accusations in Arizona.
1. What does “child sex trafficking” mean under ARS § 13-3212?
Generally, it involves recruiting, transporting, harboring, or obtaining a minor for prostitution or other commercial sexual activity, or benefiting from that activity. The exact definition depends on which subsection of the statute is charged.
2. Do I have to know the person was under 18 to be charged?
In many trafficking cases, ignorance of age is difficult to use as a defense. The specifics depend on the statutory subsection and the facts of your case. An Arizona child sex trafficking attorney can evaluate whether any age-related defenses are available.
3. Can I be charged just for giving someone a ride or letting them stay with me?
Possibly, if the State claims those actions were “harboring” or “transporting” for trafficking purposes. Your lawyer will examine what you knew, what you actually did, and whether those facts truly meet the legal definition of trafficking.
4. What if the alleged victim denies being trafficked?
Prosecutors can still pursue charges if they believe other evidence supports trafficking. However, favorable statements from the alleged victim can play an important role in your defense strategy.
5. How serious are the penalties for child sex trafficking in Phoenix?
Penalties can include mandatory prison, DCAC enhancements, sex offender registration, and extensive collateral consequences. A defense lawyer can give you a detailed breakdown of potential sentencing ranges based on your charges and history.
6. Should I talk to detectives if I’m innocent and want to explain my side?
You should speak with a lawyer first. Even innocent people can unintentionally say things that are misinterpreted or used against them. Your attorney can decide when, how, or if you should share information with law enforcement.
7. Can a lawyer get my child sex trafficking charges reduced?
In some cases, yes—especially when there are weaknesses in the evidence, credibility problems with witnesses, or strong mitigation. Each case is fact-specific, so no result can be guaranteed, but having a skilled defense attorney gives you the best chance at a favorable resolution.
8. What if I’m charged along with several co-defendants?
Large trafficking cases often involve multiple defendants with very different levels of involvement. Your lawyer will work to distinguish your actions from others and argue against one-size-fits-all assumptions by the State.
9. How soon should I contact a defense attorney if I think I’m being investigated?
Immediately. Early representation allows your attorney to protect your rights, preserve helpful evidence, and potentially influence whether and how charges are filed in the first place.
10. Why should I choose Tamou Law Group for child sex trafficking defense?
Tamou Law Group focuses on serious criminal defense and has experience with complex sex crime and trafficking cases across Arizona. We combine thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and trial readiness to protect your rights when everything is on the line.
Talk to a Phoenix Child Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyer Today
If you are under investigation or facing charges under ARS § 13-3212, do not face the State alone. A Phoenix child sex trafficking defense lawyer from Tamou Law Group can step in quickly, explain your options, and begin building a strategy tailored to your situation.
Call 623-321-4699 or contact us online now to schedule a confidential consultation with an Arizona child sex trafficking attorney.