Sexual Abuse/Sexual Misconduct

According to Legal Jobs, more than 40 percent of American women and 20 percent of American males have encountered some form of sexual misconduct or sexual violence. Of those female victims of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual assault, more than three-quarters have experienced their first incident prior to the age of 25. Men and women with disabilities have approximately twice the risk of sexual assault than those who do not have a disability, and there were as many as 20,000 sexual assaults reported in the military just last year. 

Despite these shocking numbers, not every accusation of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, or sexual assault is true, and in some cases, individuals suffer false accusations. If you have been charged with sexual abuse/sexual misconduct in the state of Arizona, do not take the matter lightly. You must seek qualified legal representation as quickly as possible to ensure your rights and your future are fully protected. In the wake of accusations of sexual abuse charges in facing accusations 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.

Why Should You Choose the Legal Team at Ciccarelli Law Offices for Your Sexual Abuse/Sexual Misconduct Charges?

When you choose an attorney for your criminal charges of sexual abuse/sexual misconduct, you may not know exactly what you should be looking for. You need a highly experienced criminal defense attorney whose experience includes sex crimes. You need an attorney who is supportive of your current situation, as well as one who knows how to get things done quickly and efficiently. When you select the legal team at Ciccarelli Law Offices, you will get attorneys who have a depth of experience rarely seen in other law firms. 

We will aggressively defend your Arizona sexual abuse/sexual misconduct charges from the moment we take your case. Our team will work together to develop the strongest defense possible. Our overarching goal will be to have your charges significantly reduced, or dismissed altogether, when possible. 

Ciccarelli Law Offices will have your back following criminal defense charges. We have more than 100 years of combined national criminal defense experience in state and federal courts. We fully understand the harsh penalties you face for conviction of a sex crime as well as the sullied reputation, job loss and much more.

• Our firm has successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the country.
• Ciccarelli Law Offices has hundreds of Five-Star Reviews from Clients.
• Lee Ciccarelli has been recognized as Super Lawyers and has also been rated by AVVO with its highest rating (10.0) and as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association, the TEN Best Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys and as one of the Top 100 Litigation Attorneys by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we bring big-city criminal defense experience to you, serving your needs in every way possible while fighting for you every step of the way. 

What is Sexual Abuse/Sexual Misconduct in Arizona?

Under Arizona’s A.R.S. 13-1404, you can be guilty of sexual abuse or misconduct if you engaged in sexual contact with an individual 15 or older without his or her consent. You can also face charges if you engaged in sexual contact with an individual who is younger than 15. However, if the alleged victim of your crime of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct is under the age of 15, you could be charged under A.R.S. 13-705, Dangerous Crime Against Children, which brings significantly enhanced penalties.  

Under Arizona law, if the alleged offense occurs while you are at work, then the charges may be considered sexual misconduct, which encompasses a wide range of behaviors that are used to obtain sexual gratification at the expense of another individual, or against his or her will. Sexual misconduct can include sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any conduct of a sexual nature that occurs without the consent of the other person or threatens or intimidates another individual while you and they are in the workplace. Since the definition of sexual misconduct can be extremely broad, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices. 

What are the Penalties in Arizona for Sexual Abuse/Sexual Misconduct?

You could face a wide range of penalties for a conviction of sexual abuse/sexual misconduct. These penalties will depend largely on whether you have a prior criminal history, as well as the age of your alleged victim. If the alleged victim is 15 years old or older, you will face a Class 5 felony. The penalties for this Class 5 felony will depend on your criminal history, however, you could be sentenced to up to a year in county jail with probation, or you could receive a prison sentence that ranges from six months to 2.5 years. 

You could also be assessed a fine as large as $150,000. Your prison sentence will increase to one year to 3.75 years if you have one prior felony conviction, and 3 years to 7.5 years if you have two prior felony convictions. 

If you are charged with Dangerous Crimes Against Children because your alleged victim is younger than 15, your prison sentence could range from two years to 8.75 years, depending on the circumstances. If you are charged with DCAC and have a prior felony conviction, you could face from 8 years to 22 years in prison, and if you are charged with DCAC and have two prior felony convictions, you could face a maximum of 25 years in prison. 

DCAC convictions do not have the potential of early release, rather you would have to serve 100 percent of your sentence. Even though sexual abuse or sexual misconduct does not reach the level of child molestation, the penalties are nonetheless extremely grave, requiring you to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. 

What are the Potential Defenses to Sexual Abuse/Sexual Misconduct? 

While your defense will depend on the circumstances and facts surrounding your case, your attorney may choose one of the following defenses:

• Your accuser has a history of false allegations. 
• You were denied the right to an attorney
• You were not properly Mirandized
• The investigation into your charges was significantly flawed

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices Can Help 

Facing charges of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse is a scary and terrifying moment in your life. You may suddenly find yourself facing lengthy time in jail and the loss of the life you knew. That’s why you need to fight these charges aggressively. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Arizona Criminal Defense lawyers have the experience and resources you need to fight these serious allegations and charges.

Call a Phoenix Sexual Abuse 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.