TYPES OF SEX CRIMES

The fact that you have been charged with a “sex crime” does not begin to explain the classification of the crime or the potential penalties. Sex crimes in Arizona range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and the punishments can extend from probation and fines to years in prison. The following are types of sex crimes commonly charged in Arizona:

• Sexual Assault. Commonly called “rape,” sexual assault consists of engaging in sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent. It is a class 2 felony, and the statute, A.R.S. § 13-1406, contains special sentencing guidelines with a minimum term of incarceration. The minimum could increase based upon your prior criminal history. Read more
• Child Pornography. Child pornography or sexual exploitation of a minor, pursuant to ARS 13 3553 includes the possession, distribution or production of the visual depiction of a minor engaged in exploitive exhibition” or other sexual conduct. Read more
• Statutory Rape. Known in Arizona as sexual conduct with a minor, the offense involves having intercourse with a person under the age of 18. It is a class 6 felony. If the victim is 14 or under, or in the case of persons in certain positions of trust, it is a class 2 felony and may require mandatory prison. Read more
• Child Molestation. Child molestation involves having sexual contact with a person under the age of 15. The term “sexual contact,” means the touching, fondling or manipulating of the genitals or anus. Sexual contact with only the female breast does not constitute child molestation, however, is criminalized by ARS 13 1404 as sexual abuse. Read more
• Sexual Abuse. Sexual abuse pursuant to ARS 13 1404, involves having sexual contact with someone who is either at least 15 years of age but without consent or; under the age of 15 if the contact involves only contact with the female breast. Read more
• Sexual Extortion. Sexual extortion under ARS 13-1428 occurs when a person threatens or coerces another person into engaging in certain sexual activates. Sexual extortion is generally a class 3 felony under Arizona law but can be a class 2 felony and require a mandatory prison sentence pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-705 if the victim is under 15. Read more
• Indecent Exposure. Indecent exposure could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the age of the victim, and whether the defendant has prior convictions under the statute. Read more
• Public Sexual Indecency. This offense involves engaging in sexual conduct of various forms where another person is present, and where the actor(s) are reckless about whether the other person would be offended by the conduct. It is a class 1 misdemeanor, unless the other person is a minor under 15 years of age, in which case it is a class 5 felony. Read more
• Prostitution. Whether offering prostitution services or accepting services, it is a crime under Arizona law. Prostitution is generally a class 1 misdemeanor, however, if convicted there is a minimum jail sentence that must be served under law. Prostitution offenses involves a minor or procuring, pimping and others are felonies, and many require mandatory prison sentences. Read more
• Revenge Porn. Revenge porn in Arizona is defined as the disclosure of an image of a person whose identity can be ascertained either from the image itself or from information that may accompany the image, if: 1) the person shown in the image has a reasonable expectation of privacy; and 2) the person shown in the image has a reasonable expectation of privacy; and 3) the intent of the person in disclosing the image is to injure, threaten, coerce, intimidate, or harass the person shown. Read more
• Child Luring. Child luring pursuant to ARS 13-3554 requires making an offer or solicitation for sexual conduct with a person who you know or have reason to believe, is a minor. Child luring is often charged after an undercover child sex sting. Read more
• Child Prostitution. Child prostitution is a serious crime under Arizona law and requires mandatory prison time, if convicted. Just as is this case with prostitution amongst adults, child prostitution or solicitation of child prostitution involves the act of hiring or offering money in exchange for sexual services from a minor. Read more
• Sexual Extortion. 
• Voyeurism.
• Surreptitious Recording.

There are a number of other types of sex crimes, including sexual misconduct, continuous sexual abuse of a child, certain internet crimes, and others. As is the case with the majority of sexual offenses, most are felonies.

Will I have to Register as a Sex Offender?

One of the great fears of those charged with sex crimes is that they may have to register as a sex offender. In that case, their identity will be available for all to see online, along with the crime of which they have been convicted. In addition, sex registration requires annual updates to law enforcement.

A.R.S. § 13-3821 sets forth the conditions that would require sex offender registration. It includes numerous sex crimes, but not all such offenses are listed. And in some cases, registration is only required after a second or subsequent conviction for a particular offense.

Can You Get a Sex Crime Expunged?

The answer to this question depends on the type of sex crimes offense you of which you were convicted. Arizona doesn’t have pure expungement, only the ability to have the conviction set aside. However, you are not eligible to have a crime set aside if it is:

• A felony offense involving a victim under the age of 15;
• An offense with a finding of sexual motivation under A.R.S. § 13-118;
• A sex offenses requiring registration under A.R.S. § 13-3821.

Because most sex crimes fall into one of those categories, generally having a sex crime expunged or set aside under Arizona law is uncommon. There is one major exception for having a sex crime expunged, however. Under A.R.S. § 13-909, if a person was convicted of a charge of prostitution and it is found that their participation was a direct result of being a victim of sex trafficking, then the conviction can be vacated entirely.

What is the sex crimes Statute of Limitations?

Because the term “sex crimes” has such a broad definition and encompasses so many crimes, there is no one answer to this question. Sex crimes statute of limitations pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-107, can range from 1 year in misdemeanor sex crimes cases to an indefinite time period for a violent sexual assault.

SEX CRIMES LAWYER

Experience is the best indication of whether a particular attorney will be able to provide you with the quality representation you need when facing a sex crime charge. Finding a sex crimes lawyer with the required experience is of the utmost importance when defending charges as serious as many sex crimes. At Feldman & Royle, we have a proven track record of success and have represented hundreds of people charged with all types of sex crimes. We provide a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case details and strategize a defense.