When you are charged with child molestation, it can impact every facet of your life. This is not just a matter of your legal status but your family, career, and social status. Accusations like these can ruin your reputation for good, even if your case is dismissed, which makes getting a dismissal more important than ever.
Because the penalties are so harsh, do not face these child molestation charges alone. Your Glendale sex crimes lawyer at Suzuki Law Group is here to help by providing you with legal representation in the courtroom that can help you succeed. When you are ready, your Glendale child molestation defense lawyer is here to help you get back to your life.
Defining Child Molestation Charges in Glendale
Before you begin the process of fighting back against the child molestation charges you were facing, it is important to know what those charges entail. Child sex abuse charges can cover a broad range of crimes, each with its own particular sentences and penalties. Understanding first what you are being charged with can help you understand the penalties and what you are defending yourself against.
Child molestation charges in Arizona include any intentional or knowing sexual contact with someone who is under 18. Because the person is considered a legal minor, they are not able to consent. Additionally, keep in mind that these charges become much more severe the younger the child is.
If you are facing these specific charges, keep in mind that you may have grounds for a defense, which your Glendale criminal defense lawyer can help you build. You do not have to accept these charges without defending yourself, especially with a legal advocate on your side helping you to build a strong case. Reach out for the help you need throughout this process.
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Get StartedChild Molestation Convictions: What Penalties You Can Expect
When you are charged with child molestation, the penalties can be harsh. This is a Class 2 felony, meaning you are already looking at a prison sentence, not including the many other penalties that may be placed against you if you are convicted. That can upend the rest of your life and your future.
Understanding the scope of the penalties you may face for a child molestation conviction is important to prepare for your case. If you are unsure what to expect or whether fighting back is worthwhile, understanding what happens if you do not can help provide perspective on your case. Fortunately, your attorney can help you pursue a powerful defense that meets your needs.
Sentencing for Child Molestation Charges
When you are facing child molestation charges, keep in mind that you are dealing with a Class 2 felony and a Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) charge, meaning your penalties may be much harsher. Even a first-time offense may lead to a prison sentence of 10 to 24 years. This does not include the harsh fines you may also face.
One of the most serious parts of the DCAC charges is the lack of parole opportunities. That means if you are convicted and sentenced for child molestation, you will have to face the entirety of the sentence before you are released. In some cases, that can be as severe as a lifetime penalty.
Collateral Consequences for Convictions
Sadly, if you are convicted of child molestation, the penalties do not end when you complete your sentence. You may have been released from prison and paid your fines, but you still have a criminal record now. That criminal record can haunt you and impact your reputation for years to come.
When you are charged with a felony like this, that information is available during the background check. That is something that employers, landlords, and banks will all be able to see during a routine background check. Often, this leads to denials for the many resources you need to live comfortably, meaning fighting back is often the best way to protect your future.
This is not to mention the sex offender registry, which can follow you for decades or a lifetime. When convicted of child molestation, it is mandatory to register as a sex offender. That means you will have to follow strict residency requirements to notify people that you are a sex offender, among other penalties.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Top Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges
As you pursue freedom from these devastating charges, you need a strong defense that can help cast doubt on the accusations placed against you. Remember that the criminal justice system must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime, so finding a strong criminal defense that shows that you likely did not commit the crime is crucial. Any of the following, among others, can be strong defenses in these cases:
- False accusations
- Mistaken identity
- Mistake of fact
The specifics of your defense will depend on the specifics of your case. We will identify the key evidence needed to prove your defense and poke holes in the prosecution’s argument. Your child molestation defense attorney in Glendale with Suzuki Law Group will then represent you in the courtroom, pursuing the justice you are seeking.
What About Pretrial Diversion and Plea Agreements?
As clients consider their options to defend themselves against a child molestation case, they may feel they have no other opportunities, and the case is open-and-shut. In these cases, they may seek out a plea agreement or pretrial diversion to avoid much harsher penalties. However, keep in mind that Arizona does not allow pretrial diversion for crimes as serious as child molestation charges.
However, your Glendale child molestation defense attorney may be able to determine whether you are eligible for a plea agreement. In these cases, the prosecution may offer a lesser charge or lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, information, or other reasons. However, if you have a chance to avoid these charges entirely, we are here to build the strongest defense possible for your case.
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Seek Clear, Specific Legal Guidance When Accused of Child Molestation
When you are accused of a crime as serious as child molestation, it can impact your life for the foreseeable future. Your life may be thrown into turmoil by these charges, and it can tear your family apart. Because of this, it is more important than ever to fight back when you are accused of crimes like these.
Your child molestation defense lawyer in Glendale at Suzuki Law Group understands how important your defense is, and we are here to provide a thorough investigation and defense for the charges you are facing. Our team offers the tools needed to seek a reduction in the charges you were facing or potentially a complete dismissal of these charges. To learn more about our resources, team, and options, reach out for a consultation by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form