Sex Offenses Lawyer in Tucson

Sex cases are the most serious cases in the realm of criminal law, and are in many ways more serious than murder cases. Sex crimes involve accusations of rape, sexual abuse, child molestation, child porn, and are among the most troubling offenses. Sex cases also often involve situations where people are falsely accused of crimes they did not commit. The sentences in Arizona for sex offenses are draconian beyond measure. Many lawyers do not handle sex cases for these reasons. But at the Law Office of Hernandez & Hamilton, PC, we believe that all people are innocent until proven guilty and have the right to experienced, talented criminal defense attorneys. Our criminal defense practice focuses on the most serious cases, including sexual assault, child molestation, and child porn cases.

If you or a loved one has been accused of committing a sex crime or has been charged with rape or other sex crime, contact the Law Office of Hernandez & Hamilton, PC. We have the experience, skill, and resources to fight to protect your rights.

Our office knows the stakes are high in any criminal case. Simply being accused of a sexual offense can have devastating consequences on someone’s personal and professional life, that even a later dismissal or acquittal cannot fix. Being convicted of a sex crime can result in severe consequences, including a lifetime behind bars. A conviction can also carry other penalties such as being required to register as a sex offender or being labeled as a sexually violent predator. Our practice is focused on doing everything possible to successfully defend you against the charges and to ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire process. We handle all types of sex cases, including sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child, child molestation, internet sex crimes (including child pornography and luring), indecent exposure, and other sexual offenses.

FAQ:

What are the most common categories of sex offenses?

Among the most common sex offenses you may find:

• Those committed against adults, which include rape and sexual assault.
• Those committed against children which include exploitative pornography, molestation, abduction, trafficking, and exploitation.
• Those that involve sex for sale such as prostitution, solicitation, and pandering (pimping).
• Those done to relatives and others, such as incest and rape.
• Crimes against nature such as bestiality, sodomy, or indecent exposure.

What do federal laws focus on when it comes to sex offenses?

Federal statutes related to sexual offenses include:

The selling or buying of minors, including certain activities related to their exploitation, such as in magazines, videos, or films, or anything related to child pornography.

Travel across states or to other countries in order to engage in illegal sexual activities with minors. This includes the prohibition to use interstate facilities to transmit sexual information across state lines in order to induce or solicit sexual activities from minors or juveniles.

What are the most common sex crime penalties in Arizona?

Criminal offenses, such as sex crimes, are penalized according to their nature, the circumstances surrounding the act, and the parties who are involved in it. In Arizona, mandatory sentencing laws mark periods of 5 to 15 years for many sex crimes and 13 to 27 years in prison when convicted for certain sex crimes that involve children under the age of fifteen. Additionally, for offenses that are considered “dangerous crimes against children,” i.e., those involving children under the age of fifteen, there is no early release after these convictions. In other words, a person ordered to serve a ten year prison sentence will serve a full ten years in prison without the eligibility of parole, early release, good time credit, halfway house, etc.

In other cases, it may be determined that you pose a real risk to the community and should not be allowed to remain at that location. Or, if it is determined after a diagnostic test that you pose a low risk, you may be considered a good candidate to receive a considerably lower prison sentence and probation, after which you would be allowed to return to the community without being considered a safety risk to those around you.

Sex crimes are treated very, very seriously in Arizona, and the Legislature has crafted a very convoluted patchwork of statutes and regulations. Only an attorney with real experience in handling sex crimes in Arizona should be trusted with representing you or your loved one in such a case.

How is child molestation punished?

Arizona laws regarding child molestation refer to the act of touching a child in an inappropriate way or sexually in a knowing and intentional way. These crimes are categorized as very serious Class 2 Felonies associated with long mandatory prison sentences up to and including mandatory life imprisonment. Even a first-time offender can face such a punishment in Arizona for child molestation offenses.

How is indecent exposure penalized?

A person that exposes themselves recklessly and inappropriately when there is another person present, with complete disregard as to how the other person will react by this exposure or whether they will be offended or alarmed can be found guilty of indecent exposure in Arizona.

In cases where the victim who is present is older than 15, charges are brought as Class 1 Misdemeanors and are accompanied by a 6-month jail sentence. In cases where the victim is younger than 15, the cases can be prosecuted a felonies and can include mandatory sex offender registration.

How is sexual assault penalized?

According to Arizona’s sexual assault laws, anyone may be found guilty if they perform sexual acts knowingly and intentionally with someone who has not given their consent. Sexual assault is classified as a Class 2 Felony. If found guilty of sexual assault, the defendant is ineligible to receive a suspended sentence, probation, early release, or a pardon unless specified statutory circumstances are present.

Additionally, if certain specified sedatives are administered to the victim without the victim being informed of this or giving their consent, the defendant will also receive aggravated sentencing.

Are you facing charges for a sexual offense?

If you have been charged, arrested, or are under investigation for a sex crime in Arizona it is crucial that you retain the legal representation offered by the sex crime lawyers at Hernandez & Hamilton, PC. You need a sex offenses lawyer in Tucson to work on your defense. Regardless of the specific crime that you are being accused of, any sex crime in Arizona is considered serious and carries extreme penalties. Your sex crime lawyers will provide you with the strongest defense

You may not only be facing a sexual offense charge, but you may also be facing more than a prison sentence: the total destruction of your reputation, and a lifetime of being judged because of your conviction. Our sex crime lawyers are not out to judge you, they offer you a strong defense and the possibility of putting this nightmare behind you.

There is a real social stigma associated with a sexual offense. Depending on the crime, you may be obligated to register as a sexual offender and anyone can have access to this registry, gaining access to all of your information. Your ability to gain employment, rent housing, and even preserve any social relationships may make it impossible for you to live your life. At Hernandez & Hamilton, PC your sexual offense lawyers in Tucson will mount an aggressive defense in your case. Schedule an initial consultation today to start taking charge of your life and get the legal representation you so desperately need now.