Facing charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation in Arizona is not only a legal battle but a deeply personal and stressful ordeal. These allegations carry significant weight and can drastically change the course of your life. The fear and uncertainty that accompany these charges can be overwhelming, affecting your mental and emotional well-being. The legal penalties are severe, with potential long-term imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration that can permanently damage your personal and professional life.
In these trying times, contacting a knowledgeable and dedicated defense attorney is urgent. Attorney Charity Clark brings over 12 years of felony trial experience to the table, offering a strategic and empathetic approach to your defense. She understands that each case is unique and treats her clients with the personalized attention they deserve. Charity is committed to closely analyzing the specifics of your case, crafting a unique defense strategy, and standing by your side throughout the legal process. Contact Charity Clark Law today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
In Arizona, luring a minor for sexual exploitation can involve using electronic communication, such as the internet or cell phones, to entice or persuade a minor, whom the adult knows is a minor, to engage in sexual conduct. This often includes "sexting" between an adult and a minor or engaging in conversations in internet chat rooms that eventually lead to suggestions by the adult to meet for sexual activity. Importantly, the law does not carve out a defense for sexual exploitation of a minor if the “minor” turns out to not actually be a minor.
Typically, the crime is detected when the adult proposes a meeting, which often results in the police arresting the individual. However, arranging a meeting is not a required element of the crime; instead, the persuasive nature of the communication can lead to charges. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3554, this offense is classified as a Class 3 felony with severe penalties.
The sex crimes units of the Arizona police department frequently conduct sting operations similar to the "To Catch a Predator" style, targeting adults who lure minors. These operations are designed to catch individuals in the act of attempting to meet with minors for sexual purposes.
If the minor involved is under 15 years old, a conviction can lead to mandatory prison time, with a minimum sentence of five years, even for first-time offenders. These aggressive law enforcement tactics and stringent laws highlight the critical need for a strong legal defense when facing these serious charges.
According to ARS 13-3554, you cannot simply argue that the supposed victim was not actually a minor as a defense against charges of luring a child for sexual exploitation. Law enforcement officers often go undercover online, pretending to be minors.
Even if it turns out that the person you were communicating with is an adult police officer, this fact alone cannot be used as a defense. The crucial point is whether you believed that the person you were communicating with was a minor. For instance, an officer might pose as a 13-year-old boy in online interactions with an adult. Even though the adult is actually communicating with an officer, what matters is if the officer successfully made the adult believe they were interacting with a minor.
Being convicted of luring a child for sexual exploitation is classified as a Class 3 felony. If the purported minor is under the age of 15, the offense is considered a dangerous crime against children and carries enhanced penalties under ARS 13-705.
Arizona has strict laws for crimes against children, with harsher penalties than other similar felonies, as outlined in ARS 13-705.
If you lure a child under 15 years old, it's considered a dangerous crime against children (DCAC). This means you'll face mandatory prison time, even if it's your first offense. For a first-time conviction, the minimum prison sentence is five years, the average is 10 years, and the maximum is 15 years. Further, these sentences are not subject to any early release credits.
If you have one prior felony, the penalties are even tougher. You could be sentenced to at least eight years and up to 22 years in prison. People convicted of dangerous crimes against children cannot get early release or suspended sentences, so they must serve the full time given by the court.
Luring a minor in Arizona is classified as a Class 3 felony and carries severe penalties. The consequences vary depending on the minor's age and the defendant's prior criminal record.
Minors Aged 15 to 17: When the minor is between 15 and 17, the crime is charged as a Class 3 felony but is not considered a "dangerous crime against children" (DCAC). The potential prison sentences are as follows:
Minors Under 15: If the minor is under 15 years old, the offense is treated as a DCAC, leading to harsher penalties:
These strict penalties highlight the seriousness with which Arizona treats the luring of minors. Anyone facing such charges should seek experienced legal representation, such as attorney Charity Clark. Our firm will help guide you through the complexities of the legal system and work towards reducing these penalties.
Charity Clark is one of the smartest attorneys I’ve ever met. She is aggressive, intelligent, and not afraid to fight for you. Her trial skills are unmatched. She knows how to handle a jury and argues the law like a champ. She will champion her client until the end and achieves real results.
Charity was amazing and took care of everything. She answered all my questions quickly and was so polite. They took care of my case with ease and definitely took a load off my shoulders. Not only did they both do great work they got the response from the court we were hoping for. Charity is "THE BEST".
Facing a possible sex crime investigation? Don't wait for charges. While some lawyers wait, our firm acts immediately to protect your rights. Investigations can drag on for up to a year depending on the charge, giving authorities more time to gather evidence. This can be risky. Our legal team can help you navigate this sensitive situation from the start, potentially avoiding missteps and building a strong defense.
If you or someone you care about is accused of luring a minor for sexual exploitation in Arizona, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. Facing such serious charges can be stressful, and the legal complexities require an attorney who has a deep understanding of the law, a strategic mindset, and a compassionate approach. Charity Clark is dedicated to providing a compelling defense to protect your future. Her client-focused practice ensures personalized attention and a thorough investigation into every aspect of your case, giving you the best possible chance for a favorable outcome.
Get in touch with Charity Clark Law today for a free case evaluation and discover how we can defend your rights. We serve clients in Tempe, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties. We also accept cases in Yavapai, Pima, and Coconino Counties.
