Scottsdale Child Molestation Lawyer | ARS 13-1410 Defense
Aggressive Child Molestation Defense (ARS 13-1410) defense in Scottsdale, Arizona. Michael Tamou fights for your rights, your freedom, and your future.
623-321-4699 — Free ConsultationScottsdale Child Molestation Lawyer | ARS 13-1410 Defense
If you’re facing child molestation charges in Scottsdale, you need an experienced child molestation lawyer who understands the aggressive enforcement approach of local authorities. Tamou Law Group, PLLC has defended over 1,000 cases and provides aggressive representation for ARS 13-1410 charges in Maricopa County Superior Court.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Child molestation convictions under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1410 carry mandatory prison sentences of 10-24 years with no possibility of probation, early release, or suspended sentencing. Don’t face these charges alone – call (623) 321-4699 immediately for a confidential consultation.
Scottsdale’s Aggressive Human Exploitation Enforcement
Scottsdale has become one of Arizona’s most aggressive jurisdictions for prosecuting sex crimes against children. The Scottsdale Police Department’s Human Exploitation Unit, established in 2021, operates with specialized resources that exceed most Valley departments.
Led by Sergeant Nick Alamshaw with four dedicated detectives, this unit made 354 arrests related to sex trafficking in 2024 alone. In a recent operation from January 22 to February 15, 2025, they arrested 202 people on charges including child sex trafficking and attempted sexual conduct with a minor.
The department received a $370,500 grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety in 2024 specifically for overtime, equipment, and training related to human exploitation operations. This funding demonstrates the city’s commitment to aggressive prosecution of these cases.
The Scottsdale Family Advocacy Center Difference
Unlike many jurisdictions, Scottsdale operates a Family Advocacy Center that co-locates forensic nurses, child safety investigators, crisis intervention specialists, and police investigators. This streamlined approach can accelerate investigations but also means cases move quickly through the system.
The center’s efficiency in processing cases means defendants have less time to build their defense. Early intervention by an experienced Scottsdale child molestation attorney becomes critical to protecting your rights before charges are formally filed.
Award-Winning Child Molestation Defense (ARS 13-1410) Defense in Scottsdale
Recognized by the nation’s top legal organizations
What is the Penalty for Child Molestation in Arizona?
Child molestation under ARS 13-1410 is a Class 2 felony classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children with mandatory prison sentences. First-time convictions carry 10-24 years in state prison with no probation eligibility, while repeat offenses can result in 21-35 years.
Understanding Arizona’s Child Molestation Law
Arizona Revised Statute ARS §13-1410 defines child molestation as intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing sexual contact with a child under 15 years of age. The law excludes contact with the female breast, but covers all other forms of sexual contact.
The prosecution must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant intentionally or knowingly engaged in sexual contact
- The contact was with a person under 15 years of age
- The defendant knew or reasonably should have known the victim’s age
Unlike many states, Arizona law doesn’t require force or coercion for a molestation conviction. The age of the alleged victim automatically makes any sexual contact illegal under ARS §13-1410.
Mandatory Sentencing Under Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children Act
Child molestation charges fall under Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) statute, codified in ARS §13-705. This law eliminates judicial discretion in sentencing and requires:
- First Offense: 10-24 years in state prison (presumptive 17 years)
- Second Offense: 21-35 years in state prison (presumptive 28 years)
- Multiple Counts: Sentences must run consecutively, not concurrently
- No Probation: Prison time cannot be suspended or reduced
- No Early Release: Must serve entire sentence minus good time credits
The consecutive sentencing requirement means multiple charges can result in effective life sentences. A defendant facing three counts could receive 30-72 years in prison on a first offense.
How Scottsdale Investigates Child Molestation Cases
The Scottsdale Police Department follows specialized protocols when investigating ARS 13-1410 allegations. Understanding this process is crucial for mounting an effective defense.
Investigations typically begin with a disclosure by the alleged victim to a parent, teacher, counselor, or other authority figure. The case is then referred to the Human Exploitation Unit, which partners with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for complex cases.
Key investigative steps include:
- Initial disclosure documentation and preservation
- Forensic interview at the Family Advocacy Center
- SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) examination if recent contact alleged
- Digital evidence collection from phones, computers, social media
- Witness interviews including family members, teachers, friends
- Background investigation of the defendant
Defense Strategies for False Allegations
Michael Tamou and the defense team at Tamou Law Group, PLLC have successfully defended numerous clients against false molestation allegations. Our experience includes challenging:
- Custody Disputes: False allegations arising during contentious divorces or custody battles
- Child Coaching: Improper influence by parents, relatives, or others
- Suggestive Questioning: Leading questions that plant false memories
- Timeline Inconsistencies: Allegations that don’t match defendant’s whereabouts
- Delayed Disclosure: Questioning why allegations surfaced years later
In a recent Scottsdale case, Tamou Law Group, PLLC secured a complete dismissal for a client facing multiple molestation charges when we demonstrated the allegations arose from a bitter custody dispute and contained numerous timeline inconsistencies that made the claims impossible.
Challenging Forensic Interview Techniques
Arizona requires forensic interviews to follow specific protocols designed to minimize suggestive questioning. However, even trained interviewers can violate these guidelines. Our defense team scrutinizes every aspect of the forensic interview process:
- Interviewer training and certification
- Use of leading or suggestive questions
- Failure to establish ground rules about truth-telling
- Improper use of anatomical dolls or drawings
- Multiple interviews that risk contaminating statements
The Role of Expert Witnesses
Expert testimony often determines the outcome in child molestation cases. Tamou Law Group works with nationally recognized experts in child psychology, forensic interviewing, and memory formation to challenge prosecution theories.
Our experts can testify about:
- Child suggestibility and false memory formation
- Proper forensic interview protocols and deviations
- Medical evidence interpretation
- Statistical analysis of disclosure patterns
- Alternative explanations for physical findings
Why Choose Tamou Law Group for Scottsdale ARS 13-1410 Defense?
Tamou Law Group, PLLC stands apart from other criminal defense firms through our extensive and aggressive focus on Dangerous Crimes Against Children cases and deep understanding of Scottsdale’s aggressive prosecution approach.
Our credentials include:
- Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorneys
- National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers 2025 Selection
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association Member
- National College for DUI Defense Member
- Elite Lawyers 2025 Recognition
- Former prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement
- Over 1,000 successful case outcomes
Unlike larger firms that hand cases to associates, Michael Tamou personally handles every ARS 13-1410 case from our office at 9375 E Shea Blvd Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. This ensures continuity and the highest level of representation.
Who is the Best Child Molestation Lawyer in Scottsdale?
Tamou Law Group, PLLC is recognized as the leading child molestation defense firm in Scottsdale, with extensive experience in ARS 13-1410 cases and a proven track record of successful outcomes in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Navigating Maricopa County Superior Court
All felony child molestation cases in Scottsdale are prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court, the fourth largest court system in the United States with more than 160 judicial officers serving over 4.7 million residents.
The court’s size and complexity require experienced counsel familiar with individual judges’ tendencies and local procedures. Our team has appeared before virtually every Superior Court judge and understands their approaches to DCAC cases.
Key Superior Court judges handling criminal cases include Mark H. Brain, Dean M. Fink, David W. Garbarino, Jennifer E. Green, and Margaret B. LaBianca, each with distinct perspectives on sentencing and pretrial motions.
Limited Diversion and Treatment Options
Unfortunately, ARS 13-1410 charges are generally ineligible for most diversion programs due to their classification as Dangerous Crimes Against Children. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reserves diversion for non-violent felony offenders.
However, specialized courts may offer alternatives in rare circumstances:
- Mental Health Court: For defendants with serious mental illness
- Veterans Court: For military veterans with service-related issues
- Drug Court: Only if substance abuse was a significant factor
The Arizona Department of Corrections operates a Sex Offender Education and Treatment Program for convicted individuals, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention.
The Booking and Bail Process
Defendants arrested on child molestation charges in Scottsdale are processed through the Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR) facility, which replaced the Central Intake processing center at 4th Avenue Jail in 2019.
The booking process includes:
- Initial processing and fingerprinting at ITR
- Classification assessment for housing assignment
- Initial appearance within 24 hours via video conference
- Bond determination by a Superior Court judge
Bond amounts for ARS 13-1410 charges typically range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the severity of allegations and defendant’s criminal history. The serious nature of these charges often results in higher bonds due to flight risk concerns.
Contact Tamou Law Group Today
Time is critical in child molestation cases. Early intervention can mean the difference between charges being filed or dismissed. Don’t wait – contact Tamou Law Group, PLLC immediately at (623) 321-4699 for a confidential consultation.
Our Scottsdale office provides discreet, professional representation for clients facing the most serious allegations under Arizona law. We understand the stakes and fight aggressively to protect your freedom and reputation.
For more information about our criminal defense services, visit our sex crimes defense page or contact us directly to discuss your case.
Michael Tamou
Founding Attorney, Tamou Law Group, PLLC
Awards & Memberships
Facing Child Molestation Defense (ARS 13-1410) Charges in Scottsdale?
Don’t face the justice system alone. Call Michael Tamou for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Child Molestation Defense (ARS 13-1410) Defense in Scottsdale, Arizona
What if the child molestation allegations are false?
False allegations in child molestation cases often arise during custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or family conflicts. Tamou Law Group, PLLC has successfully defended numerous clients by exposing coaching, timeline inconsistencies, and improper forensic interview techniques. We work with expert witnesses to challenge suggestive questioning and demonstrate alternative motivations for false accusations. Early intervention is critical to preserve evidence and interview witnesses before memories fade.
What is the penalty for child molestation in Arizona?
Child molestation under ARS 13-1410 is a Class 2 felony classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children. First-time convictions carry mandatory 10-24 years in state prison with no probation eligibility. Second offenses result in 21-35 years. Multiple counts must be served consecutively, potentially resulting in life sentences. There is no early release, suspended sentencing, or plea bargaining to lesser charges under Arizona’s DCAC statute.
Can child molestation charges be dismissed in Scottsdale?
Yes, child molestation charges can be dismissed with proper legal representation. Tamou Law Group, PLLC has secured dismissals by challenging illegal searches, demonstrating prosecutorial misconduct, exposing false allegations, and proving timeline impossibilities. Dismissals often occur when we expose problems with forensic interviews, lack of corroborating evidence, or violations of constitutional rights during the investigation process.
Do molestation sentences run consecutively in Arizona?
Yes, multiple child molestation convictions must run consecutively under Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute. This means a defendant facing three counts could receive 30-72 years in prison on a first offense. The consecutive requirement eliminates judicial discretion and makes multiple-count cases extremely serious. Each count is treated as a separate offense requiring individual sentencing ranges that cannot overlap.
What is a forensic interview in child molestation cases?
A forensic interview is a specialized questioning technique used to obtain information from child alleged victims without contamination. Conducted at Scottsdale’s Family Advocacy Center, these interviews must follow strict protocols to avoid leading questions. However, even trained interviewers can violate guidelines. Our defense team scrutinizes every aspect of forensic interviews, challenging improper techniques, leading questions, and failure to establish truth-telling ground rules.
Is there probation for child molestation charges in Arizona?
No, there is no probation available for child molestation convictions under ARS 13-1410. Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute requires mandatory prison time with no possibility of suspended sentences, probation, or early release programs. This makes fighting the charges at trial or securing a dismissal critical, as conviction automatically results in substantial prison time that cannot be avoided through plea negotiations.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Tamou Law Group, PLLC Today
Don’t face the justice system alone. Call Michael Tamou for a free, confidential consultation.