Tucson Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Sexual assault is an extremely serious allegation that can impact you for the rest of your life. If you have been accused of or arrested for sexual assault in Tucson, Arizona, there is no time to waste. Contact a criminal defense lawyer at AZ Defenders right away to begin building your defense. 

We are aggressive criminal defense attorneys with the experience and skills necessary to preserve your rights, freedom and future during a sexual assault case. Request a free and 100-percent confidential consultation today by calling (480) 908-9321.

Why Choose AZ Defenders?

• Our Tucson criminal defense lawyers have a long history of achieving positive case results for clients. We use personalized defense strategies for optimal outcomes.
• We have more than 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense law. We are recognized as one of the finest criminal defense law firms in Arizona.
• We will fight for you as your sexual assault defense attorneys. We do what is best for each case and client rather than pushing every client to accept a plea deal.

What Is Arizona’s Definition of Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-1406 as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without the other person’s consent. Many different actions can lead to sexual assault charges, including nonconsensual touching of the private parts (including the breasts of a female), sexual contact of any kind with a person under the age of consent, and rape or attempted rape.

What Are the Penalties for a Sexual Assault Conviction in Tucson?

 The penalties for a sexual assault conviction can vary based on the type and severity of the charge and the age of the victim. If the victim is older than 15, sexual assault is classified as a class 5 felony. If convicted, you could face up to 2.5 years in prison, $150,000 in fines and lifetime probation. A sexual assault conviction in Arizona is subject to sentencing without eligibility for probation, suspension of sentence, pardon or release from confinement (except in certain situations).

 In addition, a sexual assault conviction can result in a requirement to register your name on Arizona’s Sex Offender List. As a registered sex offender, you will be subject to consequences for the rest of your life. This includes having to notify the city of your whereabouts if you move or travel, the inability to live within a certain distance of a school or daycare center, and having to obtain a special driver’s license from the Motor Vehicle Department.

Sexual Assault Involving Abuse of a Minor

If the alleged victim in your sexual assault case is under the age of 15, it is referred to as a “dangerous crime against a child” under ARS 13-705. This crime is penalized more harshly than standard sexual assault; it is a class 3 felony. If the defendant is at least 18 years of age and convicted of this crime, the penalties can include life imprisonment. The presumptive prison terms for sex crimes against children range from 5 to 90 years. The sex crime attorneys at AZ Defenders can help if you are being accused of sexual crimes involving a minor, including statutory rape, attempted rape or child molestation.

Potential Defenses Against Sexual Assault Charges in Arizona

The defense strategies that may be available to you during a sexual assault case will depend on the circumstances. Your attorney will carefully review your case, discover what evidence the prosecution has against you, interview witnesses and take other steps to gain an in-depth understanding of your situation. From there, your lawyer should custom-tailor the best possible defense. 

Sex crimes defenses can include:

• Innocence: the argument that you did not commit the crime, such as an alibi that proves you were not with the victim at the time of the alleged offense or a missing criminal element.
• Mistake of identity: the accuser misidentified you as the assailant. Your lawyer may be able to establish an alibi or prove that you were not at the crime scene using DNA evidence.
• Consent: the alleged victim agreed to the sexual contact and was of the age of consent at the time of the event (18 years old in Arizona).
• False accusation: the alleged victim is making up allegations against you as a form of revenge, such as by a former romantic partner.
• Reasonable doubt: the prosecution has not provided enough evidence to meet the burden of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is required for a conviction.

At AZ Defenders, we will personalize your defense strategy to protect you against any type of sex crime charge as much as possible, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, child pornography, sex solicitation, prostitution, indecent exposure, internet sex crimes and sex trafficking. We are highly experienced sex crime defense lawyers in Arizona who know how to preserve our clients’ rights.

What to Do and What Not to Do if You Get Arrested for Sexual Assault in Tucson

If you have been arrested for an alleged sexual assault crime in Tucson, try to remain calm and remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. During your arrest, listen to the Miranda Rights that must be read to you by the police officer. If you did not hear these rights, this is a violation of the law that could lead to a dismissal of anything you might have said to the police thereafter.

The best way to protect yourself is to use your constitutional right to remain silent. Be cooperative with the police during an arrest, but do not answer any questions until you have an attorney present. You have the right to an attorney when you are accused of a crime; if you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed to you. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin crafting your defense strategy.

It is important not to contact the alleged victim if you are being accused of sexual assault. While you might think there has just been a misunderstanding that you can clear up, it is imperative to contact an attorney instead. You may have a restraining order against you that, if broken by contacting the accuser, could result in further charges against you. 

Contact Our Tucson Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing a potentially life-changing charge of sexual assault or abuse in Tucson, contact AZ Defenders as soon as possible for a free and confidential case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We are here to help you understand and protect your rights during this difficult time. Call (480) 908-9321 to learn more.