Tempe Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense Lawyer
Accused of sexual conduct with a minor in Tempe? A conviction under A.R.S. 13-1405 can mean years in prison and sex-offender registration. Our team defends the full range of sex-crime cases across Tempe and Maricopa County. Do not speak with a detective before you call us.
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Is Sexual Conduct with a Minor a Felony in Tempe?
Yes. Sexual Conduct with a Minor under A.R.S. 13-1405 is a serious felony, and a Tempe conviction can carry prison and sex-offender registration. But an accusation is not proof. A Tempe sexual conduct with a minor 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 Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Arizona?
Sexual conduct with a minor under A.R.S. 13-1405 is intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with anyone under eighteen. Age, the alleged conduct, and any position of trust all change how the offense is charged and punished.
Sexual Conduct with a Minor Penalties & Registration
When the minor is under fifteen it is a Class 2 felony and a dangerous crime against children under A.R.S. 13-705, carrying 13 to 27 years of flat-time prison (presumptive 20) per count. For a minor fifteen to seventeen it is a Class 6 felony, or a Class 2 if the defendant was in a position of trust. Most convictions require 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 Tempe are heard in the Maricopa County Superior Court; see our Tempe court guide.
How We Defend Sexual Conduct with a Minor Cases in Tempe
When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm with serious experience defending sex-crime allegations throughout Tempe and Maricopa County. 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 Tempe 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.
Tempe Sexual Conduct with a Minor FAQs
Answers to common questions about sexual conduct with a minor charges in Tempe.
Is mistake of age a defense in Arizona?
For older teens (15 to 17), a reasonable, good-faith mistake about the victim’s age can be a defense in some cases. For a child under fifteen it generally is not, which makes the facts critical.
What is the sentence for sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona?
For a child under fifteen it is a Class 2 dangerous crime against children with 13 to 27 years of flat-time prison per count. For ages 15 to 17 it is typically a Class 6 felony unless a position of trust applies.
Does sexual conduct with a minor require sex-offender registration in Tempe?
Most convictions require sex-offender registration, and dangerous-crime convictions require it for life. Avoiding that result is often the central goal of the defense.
What is a position of trust under Arizona law?
A parent, teacher, coach, clergy member, or other authority figure occupies a position of trust. It can raise a charge involving a 15-to-17-year-old from a Class 6 to a Class 2 felony.
Can I be charged if the minor lied about their age?
You can be charged, but for a victim 15 to 17 a reasonable mistake of age may be a defense. We gather the messages and circumstances that show what you reasonably believed.
Is there a statute of limitations for these charges in Arizona?
There is no statute of limitations for sexual offenses against minors in Arizona, so charges can be filed years later. An older case is still defensible.
Should I talk to police about a relationship allegation in Tempe?
No. Decline politely and call a lawyer. Statements about the relationship, even innocent ones, are the State’s primary evidence.
Will a conviction affect custody or my career in Arizona?
Yes. A conviction can cost you custody, professional licenses, and employment, on top of prison and registration. Protecting your record is essential.
Key Takeaways
- Sexual Conduct with a Minor under A.R.S. 13-1405 is a serious felony, a Tempe 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 Maricopa County 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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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.