Mesa Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
Sexual assault and sex crimes, in general, are serious crimes with life-changing consequences. Additionally, being accused of sexual assault is probably the most humiliating allegation against a person and can lead to the loss of friends, employment, and social connections. It can be highly stigmatizing. A sexual assault suspect also risks harsh penalties if convicted, including a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, a requirement to register as a sex offender and potential life time probation.
Essentially, a sex assault charge can completely alter the course of your life. Similar to other criminal defense processes, sex assault defense processes can be long, complicated, and exhausting. Unfortunately, the serious nature of the offense has resulted in many people maliciously or wrongfully accusing others of sexual assault or rape.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek the help of a competent sexual assault defense attorney to defend your rights in a sexual assault charge. If you are in Mesa, AZ, our skilled sexual assault defense lawyers at Dodge & Vega PLC are here for you.
Contact us today to discuss your case.
Elements of an Aggravated Assault
Mesa Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
Arizona laws (A.R.S 13-1460) define sexual assault as “intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact” with another without their consent. The act may involve threats, force, coercion, or fraud. The law also considers sexual assault or rape as any sexual intercourse with a person not in the right mental state to consent, including sleep, mentally ill, intoxicated, and unconscious victims.
Where the victim of the sexual assault is a child under 18 years, Arizona’s age of consent, the perpetrator may be guilty of a statutory rape offense. A statutory rape charge will lead to more severe penalties.
Arizona Penalties for Aggravated Assault
While sexual assault in Arizona is primarily a class 2 felony, penalties for a particular sexual assault case will depend on the circumstances of the specific case. Some of the factors that might determine the severity and nature of sexual assault penalties include:
- the victim’s age
- the defendant’s age
- whether the defendant has prior convictions
- whether the defendant intentionally inflicted physical harm
- whether or not the defendant had a dangerous or deadly weapon at the time of committing the offense
Typically, the penalties for any person convicted of sexual assault include a prison sentence of between 5.25 and 28 years. Where the victim is a minor under the age of 12, or there are aggravating factors, including knowingly inflicting physical harm, the defendant risks life imprisonment. Those with previous sex crime convictions also face enhanced penalties. Registering as a sex offender upon conviction for an Arizona sex crime is also mandatory.
Providing Winning Results for Our Clients
Contact an Arizona Aggravated Assault Attorney
Besides the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence and hefty monetary fines, Arizona law requires you to register as a sex offender upon conviction of a sexual assault charge. Sexual assault is a serious crime that will damage your reputation and ruin your relationships and career. Whether the sexual assault accusations are malicious or not, you deserve a fair hearing. If you are in Mesa, AZ, under investigation or facing a sexual assault charge, we are here for you. Contact our well-qualified and experienced Mesa sexual assault defense attorneys at Dodge & Vega PLC. We are committed to helping you navigate the emotional and complicated criminal defense process while defending your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our criminal defense services.