Sex Crimes

Sexual Conduct with a Minor

A person commits Sexual Conduct with a Minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person that is under eighteen (18) years of age. Sexual Conduct with a Minor who is at least fifteen (15) years of age or older is a Class 6 Felony but becomes a class 2 Felony if the minor is under fifteen (15) years of age. Sexual Conduct with a Minor under fifteen (15) years of age can be classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC).   Depending on the circumstances, a person could be subject to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole until thirty-five (35) years of the sentence have been served.

Sexual Abuse

A person can be charged with Sexual Abuse if he/she intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact with any person without the consent of that person or with any person who is under fifteen (15) years of age.  Sexual Abuse can be charged even if the sexual contact involves only the female breast.  Sexual Abuse is a Class 5 Felony if the victim is fifteen (15) years of age or older.  If the victim is under 15 years of age, Sexual Abuse become a Class 3 felony and could be charged as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC).

Public Sexual Indecency/Indecent Exposure

A person can be charged with Public Sexual Indecency if he/she intentionally or knowingly engages in an act of sexual contact, oral sexual contact, sexual intercourse or sexual contact, or an act of bestiality in the presence of another person that would reasonably be offended or alarmed by the act.  If the victim or offended person is a minor under the age of fifteen (15), the crime is classified as a Class 5 Felony. Otherwise, this crime is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sex with any person without consent of that person. The conviction for Sexual Assault carries a mandatory prison sentence of no less than five point two five (5.25) years to fourteen (14) years for a first offense. These sentences can be increased by three (3) years if the Sexual Assault involved administration of a drug such as GHB or Ketamine without the victim’s knowledge.  If the conviction is classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC) because the child is under fifteen (15) years of age, the person could face life imprisonment with no possibility of parole until thirty-five (35) total years have been served.

Pandering

A person is guilty of Pandering if he/ she compels, induces or encourages another person to engage in or lead a life of prostitution. In Arizona, Pandering is classified as a Class 5 Felony.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

If a person is convicted of a sexual offense or kidnapping of a minor, whether in Arizona or even another state, and is required either by law or by the sentencing judge to Register as a Sex Offender, he/she must register with the Sheriff of the county where the offender is located and has a duty to inform the Sheriff's Office of change of address and change of name immediately. If a person fails to comply with registration requirements, that person could be found guilty of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, which is a Class 4 Felony.