Phoenix Child Molestation Lawyer
Child Molestation Charges in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, a person is guilty of child molestation when he or she intentionally or knowingly engages in, or causes a person to engage in, sexual contact (except sexual contact with the female breast) with a child under 15 years of age. This is law is found under statute A.R.S §13-1410. If you need a child molestation lawyer, it is imperative that you contact the Ryan Garvey Attorneys now. We can assess your case and will do all that we can to have the charges completely dismissed or lowered.
Possible Punishments For Child Molestation In Arizona
In Arizona, if you are convicted of child molestation, this is a class two felony. It also qualifies as a Dangerous Crimes Against Children offense. For each and every conviction that you receive, you face the possibility of:
- 10 years minimum in prison
- 17 years presumptive in prison
- 24 years maximum incarceration
If you have already been convicted of one predicate felony (this can include a prior Dangerous Crimes Against Children conviction or other serious felonies), then the range of punishment can extend to:
- A minimum of 21 years in prison
- 28 years presumptive in prison
- 35 years maximum incarceration
It is very important that you understand that because this is a Dangerous Crimes Against Children conviction, then 100% of your prison time has to be served before you become eligible for release. Also important to understand is that if you are convicted of two counts of child molestation, your prison sentences cannot run concurrently; they have to run consecutively, with a minimum of at least 20 years being served in prison and all other punishments double in their ranges.
Many people refer to child molestation convictions in Arizona as “life enders.” Mostly because if you are convicted, you are likely going to serve a considerable amount of time behind bars. This is why it is so important that you contact a reputable attorney to handle your case. Did you know that the maximum penalty for being convicted of child molestation in Arizona actually has a more severe penalty than a conviction for Second Degree Murder?
In addition to having to serve time behind bars, you will also be mandated to register as a Sex Offender, which can have serious negative impacts on your life, especially in regard to employment. Registering as a Sex Offender also means you will not be allowed to come into contact with anyone under the age of 18. If you have children under the age of 18, you will not be allowed to contact them unless you go through several testing procedures and have it cleared by your Probation Officer to see them.
Defenses We Can Use Against A Child Molestation Charge
There are many times in which a child molestation charge will arise during the proceedings of a pending divorce. In an attempt to get a father or step-father out of the picture, a spouse will make up false allegations. Sometimes, even an angry child (teenager) will create false allegations because they are mad at one or both of the parents for the divorce.
Anytime you are charged with child molestation, it is to your utmost advantage that you have the charges immediately challenged and reviewed. One of the best ways to do this is to assess how the charges were initially received, such as through a Child Protective Service report. Other steps that can be taken to strengthen the defense of your case include:
- Talking with forensic interviewers involved in the case
- Obtain divorce paperwork, including current paperwork as well as paperwork that may have previously been filed
- Obtain a polygraph from the defendant to highlight your innocence
Five-Star Client Reviews In Their Own Words
See the Difference Experience Makes
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He does his job and really cares. If needed hopefully not I would use again and also I HIGHLY recommend them.- Shandri L.
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Excellent at what he does!- Melonie F.
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Ryan has gotten every case we had dismissed, whilst dealing with cases of his other clients, he's even gotten an assault charge caught on camera dismissed. We're not sure how he does it but this man is a winner!- Tsenay G.
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Unlike many others, he didn't just listen to respond; he listened to truly understand, making me feel valued and not just another case number.- Andrew M.
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Ryan Garvey Attorneys is absolutely fantastic, throughout the case they never failed to make sure we knew what was going on and made sure they could get us the best outcome in my case.- Eli A.
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Reduced a 2-year sentence to 30 days on a felony charge.- Anai R.
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He did an over the phone free consult at 2am to help me try to figure things out!- Former Client
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Ryan and his paralegal did an amazing job, got my second chance certificate done when other lawyers said it couldn’t be done.- Logan B.