Voyeurism

According to The Voyeurism Epidemic—one of the few studies regarding voyeurism—about 42 percent of college-age men reported engaging in voyeurism, with 61 percent stating they would engage in voyeurism if there were little likelihood of being caught. Invading the privacy of another for the purpose of sexual stimulation is a crime in the state of Arizona. 

Taking a photograph while engaging in voyeurism, then distributing or publishing that photograph, is also punishable under the Arizona statutes that describe the criminal offense of voyeurism (sometimes known as “peeping Tom”). Even though a conviction for the offense of voyeurism in AZ will not result in a sex offender registry, it can nonetheless change your life forever. Voyeurism is a Class 5 felony with a potential sentence of more than two years in prison. In the wake of accusations of voyerurism in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately.

Having a felony on your record can result in many collateral damages to your life in addition to criminal penalties. You could find it difficult to obtain employment, rent an apartment, obtain a federal loan to seek higher education, own a firearm, obtain a professional license, and much, much more. In short, a conviction for voyeurism will change your life in ways you cannot even imagine. Having a highly experienced criminal defense attorney from the Ciccarelli Law Offices can ensure you have the best outcome possible for your charges of voyeurism. 

Why Should You Choose the Ciccarelli Law Offices for Your Chandler, AZ Voyeurism Charges?

If you have been charged with a Chandler, AZ sex crime, such as voyeurism, you are likely feeling helpless—perhaps even hopeless. Our society judges those charged with a sex crime harshly, long before the individual has even gone to trial. You can be arrested and charged with a sex crime with little real evidence to back up those charges, other than another person’s allegations. You need a criminal defense attorney who is highly experienced in defending against sex crimes charges. 

The Ciccarelli Law Offices have a long history of helping those charged with a sex crime. Whether you are facing false allegations, or you made a one-time—albeit serious—mistake, you need an attorney who will fight for your freedom and your future. The attorneys at the Chandler, AZ Ciccarelli Law Offices understand the serious nature of voyeurism charges and will do everything in their power to minimize the consequences you are facing. 

Our legal team has more than 100 combined years of national experience representing those charged with a criminal offense. We continuously strive to make a real difference in the lives of our clients, regardless of who they are, where they are from, or how much money they have. 

With hundreds of Five-Star Reviews from our satisfied clients, Lee Ciccarelli has been recognized as:

• Super Lawyer 
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
• TEN Best Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys 
• Having the highest rating (10.0) by AVVO 
• One of the Top 100 Litigation Attorneys by the American Society of Legal Advocates. 

Attorneys Lee Ciccarelli and Julia Rogers lead a team with extensive national criminal defense experience, both in state and federal courts. We understand you have choices, and we hope you will choose the Ciccarelli Law Offices for your voyeurism defense.  

How is Voyeurism Defined Under Arizona Law? 

Under A.R.S. 13-1424, it is unlawful to knowingly invade the privacy of another for the purpose of sexual stimulation without the knowledge of the other person.  Further, you may not disclose, display, distribute, or publish a digital recording, film, videotape, or photograph made without the knowledge of the other person. An example of voyeurism would include secretly watching a person in the shower without that person’s knowledge or looking into a neighbor’s window through a telescope or similar device, watching a couple engage in sex. 

All of us have a reasonable expectation that we will not be photographed or recorded when we are in our own homes, or when we are in a public gym showering.  To that end, it is illegal to photograph, videotape, etc. a person while that person is in a state of undress, engaged in sexual intercourse, urinating, or in any manner that shows a person’s genitalia which otherwise would not be publicly visible.  

What Are the Penalties for Voyeurism?

As an Arizona Class 5 felony offense, a conviction for the crime of voyeurism can result in a state prison term of up to two years and six months and/or fines as large as $150,000. If your voyeurism charges are classified as a dangerous crime, the penalties will increase to up to four years in prison. 

A dangerous crime in the state of AZ involves the use or threatening display of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury on another person. If you are charged with voyeurism in the state of Arizona, you could also be charged with related crimes, such as A.R.S. 13-1425, the unlawful disclosure of explicit images, A.R.S. 13-1804, extortion, or A.R.S. 13-3019, surreptitious disclosure of explicit images. 

What Defenses Are Used in Arizona Voyeurism Cases?

While your particular defense will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your Arizona voyeurism charges, there are some common defenses to this particular offense, including:

• There was no reasonable expectation of privacy where the observation or recording took place. In other words, if you were looking at people on a nude beach, then you would likely not be guilty of voyeurism, however, whether it would be illegal to videotape those on the nude beach would be specific to the rules of the particular beach. Generally speaking, the people on a nude beach are in a public setting where they can expect to be viewed by others. To qualify as a criminal offense, there must be a violation of the reasonable expectation of privacy. 
• The viewing or recording was not done for sexual purposes. This would mean that the recording was possibly made for security or artistic reasons, therefore, the crime would lack the mental intent necessary. 
• The evidence against you was obtained in violation of your rights, i.e, there was no valid warrant to search your phone or computer, you were not properly Mirandized, or you were denied an attorney.  
• There were mistakes made in the processing of evidence related to your charges. The chain of custody could have been broken, or other improper processing of evidence. 

Are You Facing Voyeurism Charges? We Can Help! 

If you are facing charges of voyeurism, you need a lawyer on your side from the very start. Do not attempt to represent yourself when facing these serious charges. You could face a significant time behind bars if convicted. , Don’t trust your future to just anyone. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Arizona Criminal Defense lawyers have the experience and resources you need to fight these charges.

Call a Phoenix Voyeurism Attorney Today

If you or somebody you love is facing accusations or charges of Sex Crimes in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Not any attorney will do, and you likely need a team of Smart, Experienced, Aggressive, determined lawyers that fight back at  sex crimes and discuss you or your loved one’s possible defenses and strategies.   Call now. Now is the time for action and the time for Lee Ciccarelli and his team.

Do not speak to law enforcement officials or prosecutors until you have legal counsel by your side. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our team has a track record of success helping clients get through incredibly complex criminal defense cases. We know that the stakes are high, and we will use all of our resources to ensure you are treated fairly. When you need a Maricopa County sex crimes attorney, reach out to our team today. We are determined to fight for our clients. It’s in our DNA to have your back and your Success is Our Mission.