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.
• 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.
• Sexual Extortion. Sexual extortion under A.R.S. § 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Other sex Crimes Involving children.There are a number of additional offenses specifically aimed at protecting children. Among them are (a) child molestation (class 2 felony), which is the touching of the private parts of a child under the age of 15; (b) commercial sexual exploitation of a minor (class 2 felony); (c) sexual abuse (sexual contact with a minor under the age of 15), which is a felony, the level of which depends upon the age of the victim; and (d) public sexual indecency to a minor (class 5 felony).

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.