Sexual Extortion

In the state of Arizona, sexual extortion is viewed as a very serious crime and does not have a chance of being charged as a misdemeanor as a regular extortion charge could be.   Sexual extortion is considered a Class 3 felony, unless the victim is under 15 years of age. Then, the penalties for the crime become inflated, as it is covered under the Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute, and becomes a Class 2 felony.   For a Class 3 felony in the state of Arizona, the presumptive prison sentence is 3.5 years. However, if certain aggravating factors are present, such as excessive force or incest, the penalties may significantly increase. An aggravated prison term for a Class 3 felony is 8 years and 9 months.   For a Class 2 felony in the state of Arizona, the presumptive prison sentence is 5 years. However, aggravated factors may increase the prison sentence to 15 years. Additional penalties for both of these charges can include fines up to $10,000 and potential restitution paid to the victim. In cases of child sexual extortion, these penalties may significantly increase, depending on the circumstances of the case.