-
Former Maricopa County Prosecutors -
AV Preeminent Rated
-
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
-
Ranked #1 Ranking Arizona 5 Consecutive Years
Phoenix Sex Crimes Attorney
Defending Against Sex Crime Charges in Arizona
Sex crimes are among the most seriously prosecuted charges in Arizona — and among the most defensible with the right attorney. At MayesTelles PLLC, our criminal defense team includes founding partner David V. Telles, a former Maricopa County Attorney’s Office sex crimes prosecutor who has handled these cases from both sides of the courtroom, and founding partner J. Blake Mayes, who has obtained complete dismissals in multiple-count Dangerous Crimes Against Children cases in Maricopa County Superior Court. We know how sex crimes cases are built — and how to take them apart.
If you or a family member is facing a sex crime charge — from a first-contact investigation to a multiple-count DCAC indictment — the time to act is now. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call MayesTelles PLLC at (602) 428-7104 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with a Phoenix sex crimes attorney.
Sex Crimes Case Results
MayesTelles PLLC has achieved complete dismissals and jury acquittals in some of the most serious sex crimes cases in Maricopa County. The following results represent actual outcomes our attorneys have obtained for clients.
- 18 counts: Child Molestation, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Aggravated Assault (DCAC) — Half dismissed pre-trial; jury acquitted on ALL remaining counts
- 5 felony counts: Sexual Conduct with a Minor (x2), Molestation of a Child (x3) (DCAC) — Complete case dismissal, Motion to Dismiss granted
- Sexual Conduct with a Minor — Dangerous Crime Against Children — Complete case dismissal
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Voyeurism (multiple counts) — Charges reduced to Negligent Child Abuse
Defense Against False Allegations
Some allegations of this nature are fabricated or exaggerated. These false accusations can come from a person who is angry, bitter, frightened, or confused. Evidence that proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is essential for a conviction. Common defenses against sex crimes include:
Insufficient Evidence
This defense asserts that the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the alleged offense. If the evidence presented is weak or unreliable, it may not be sufficient to secure a conviction.
Tainted Evidence
This defense challenges the credibility or admissibility of the evidence presented by the prosecution. It may involve arguing that the evidence was obtained illegally or was tampered with, making it unreliable or inadmissible in court.
Mistaken Identity
This defense asserts that the defendant was misidentified as the perpetrator. It may involve presenting evidence of an alibi or witnesses who can testify to the defendant’s whereabouts at the time of the incident.
Consent
In cases where the alleged sexual activity was consensual, the defense may argue that the encounter was not coercive. This defense relies on demonstrating that the alleged victim willingly participated and did not withdraw consent at any point.
Innocence
This defense claims that the defendant did not commit the alleged offense. It may involve presenting alibis, witnesses, or evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s case.
Mental Illness
If the defendant has a mental illness or disorder, the defense may argue they were not capable of forming the necessary intent to commit the alleged offense. Mental illness may impact a person’s ability to understand the nature of their actions or to control their behavior.
Illegal Search & Seizure
This defense challenges the legality of how evidence was obtained. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, it may be deemed inadmissible in court, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Internet Sex Crimes & Online Sting Operations
A growing number of sex crimes charges in Arizona originate online — from undercover sting operations conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force units, to social media platform reports, to digital evidence recovered from phones and messaging apps. Common charges include luring a minor (ARS 13-3554), sexual conduct with a minor (ARS 13-1405), and child pornography (ARS 13-3553), and they can arise from a single conversation without any physical contact ever occurring.
Common Types of Sex Crimes in Arizona
Sexual Conduct with a Minor — ARS 13-1405
One of the most serious sex crime charges in Arizona. Sexual conduct with a minor is commonly referred to as statutory rape in other states. When the alleged victim is under 15, the charge triggers Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) sentencing under ARS 13-705, which imposes mandatory flat-time prison sentences starting at 13 years for a first offense.
Statutory Rape
"Statutory rape" is the colloquial term for ARS 13-1405 charges involving alleged victims aged 15 to 17. These cases are distinct from DCAC-level charges and may qualify for protection under Arizona’s Romeo and Juliet law.
Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
ARS 13-3554 criminalizes the communication itself — offering or soliciting sexual conduct with a person you believe to be a minor. Most charges arise from online sting operations by ICAC task force units. A critical element: it is explicitly not a defense that the other person was not actually a minor. When the alleged victim is under 15, DCAC sentencing applies.
Rape / Sexual Assault — ARS 13-1406
Sexual assault (ARS 13-1406) involves engaging in sexual acts with a person without their consent and is a class 2 felony in Arizona. Enhanced penalties apply when the assault was facilitated by administering a drug or when the defendant has prior felony convictions. Aggravated (violent) sexual assault under ARS 13-1423 carries the potential for life imprisonment.
Date Rape
Date rape describes sexual assault that most often occurs after a drug or alcohol has been used without the alleged victim’s knowledge. Arizona treats date rape as sexual assault under ARS 13-1406, with enhanced penalties when a controlled substance was administered.
Child Pornography / Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Arizona’s child pornography law (ARS 13-3553) covers recording, filming, photographing, or distributing any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. Sexual exploitation of a minor is a class 2 felony with significantly harsher penalties when the victim is under 15, punishable under the DCAC statute with mandatory sentences of 10 to 24 years per count.
Molestation of a Child
A person commits molestation of a child by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a child under 15 years of age (ARS 13-1410). Child molestation is a class 2 felony punishable under ARS 13-705, with a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a class 5 felony when the victim is 15 or older and a class 3 felony when the victim is younger. Arizona law (ARS 13-1404) defines sexual abuse as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with someone without their consent.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure can be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor or up to a class 3 felony depending on the age of the alleged victim and prior convictions (ARS 13-1402). Those convicted may be required to register as sex offenders.
Public Sexual Indecency
Public sexual indecency can lead to up to 12 years in prison (15 years aggravated), charged as a class 1 misdemeanor or class 5 felony depending on circumstances (ARS 13-1403). Multiple convictions escalate penalties significantly.
Voyeurism
Voyeurism (ARS 13-1424) is a class 5 felony in Arizona, elevated to a class 4 felony if the person depicted is recognizable. Cases increasingly involve digital recording on phones or concealed cameras.
Pandering
Pandering involves convincing or coercing another person to engage in prostitution, whether through fraud, debt, or persuasion (ARS 13-3209).
Prostitution
Arizona prosecutes prostitution-related offenses harshly (ARS 13-3211), with mandatory jail terms that escalate with each subsequent conviction. Child prostitution carries penalties of 7 to 21 years in prison for a first offense.
Solicitation
Solicitation covers encouraging or inducing another person to engage in prostitution (ARS 13-1002). It is typically charged as a class 3 misdemeanor, but escalates based on the underlying offense.
Sex Offender Registration
Many sex crime convictions in Arizona carry mandatory lifetime sex offender registration (ARS 13-3821). Registration imposes significant restrictions on where you can live, work, and travel. MayesTelles PLLC works to help clients avoid sex offender registration whenever possible.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct (ARS 13-1418) involves inappropriate sexual conduct by a behavioral health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, with a patient. Violation of this statute is a class 6 felony in Arizona.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Arizona?
In Arizona, the penalties for sex crime convictions vary depending on the specific offense and circumstances involved. Common penalties include:
- Prison Sentences: Convicted individuals may face significant prison sentences, ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Convictions for serious sex offenses such as sexual assault or child molestation can result in lengthy prison terms. Dangerous Crimes Against Children convictions carry mandatory flat-time sentences measured in decades.
- Fines: In addition to imprisonment, individuals convicted of sex crimes may be required to pay substantial fines, which may be imposed in addition to other penalties.
- Sex Offender Registration: Convicted sex offenders in Arizona are required to register with law enforcement. Registration involves providing personal information to be included in a public sex offender registry. The duration and level of registration vary depending on the offense and the offender’s tier classification.
- Probation: In some cases, individuals convicted of sex crimes may be sentenced to probation instead of or in addition to imprisonment. Probation typically involves strict supervision, regular check-ins with a probation officer, participation in sex offender treatment programs, and restrictions on contact with minors.
- Sex Offender Treatment Programs: Courts may require convicted sex offenders to participate in sex offender treatment programs as part of their sentence. These programs aim to address underlying issues and reduce the risk of reoffending.
- Restrictions on Residency & Employment: Convicted sex offenders may face restrictions on where they can live or work, particularly in relation to proximity to schools, parks, or other locations where children congregate.
- Civil Commitment: In cases involving sexually violent offenses or individuals deemed to be sexually violent predators, Arizona law allows for civil commitment proceedings — indefinite confinement in a secure facility for treatment and supervision even after completing a criminal sentence.
Your Rights During a Sex Crime Investigation
Understanding your rights if you are under investigation for a sex crime in Phoenix is essential to protecting your freedom and future. Many people become subjects of these investigations before any formal charges are filed, and how you respond during this stage can have a significant effect on the outcome.
If law enforcement or detectives with the Phoenix Police Department contact you about a possible offense, remember you are not required to speak with them without your attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request to speak with a sex crime defense lawyer. From the Maricopa County Superior Court to city courts throughout the region, every stage of the process is governed by strict procedures that you do not want to navigate alone.
These rights and precautions can help protect your interests during an investigation:
- Right to Legal Representation: You may contact an attorney at any stage and should do so before answering investigative questions.
- Right Against Self-Incrimination: You are not required to answer any questions or provide statements that could be used against you.
- Right to Know the Charges: If law enforcement seeks to question or detain you, you may ask to be informed of any related allegations.
Taking early action and consulting with a local attorney familiar with Phoenix courts ensures your rights remain protected. Our team is experienced in intervening during pre-charging investigations and works to help prevent unnecessary charges from being filed.
Common Questions
-
What Should I Do if I Am Accused of a Sex Crime?
If you find yourself accused of a sex crime in Phoenix, act immediately. Refrain from discussing the allegations with anyone other than your attorney to avoid inadvertently incriminating yourself. Contact MayesTelles PLLC immediately to gain access to a legal team with direct experience on both sides of sex crimes cases in Maricopa County. Our attorneys will work with you to gather evidence, identify weaknesses in the State’s case, and build a defense strategy tailored to the unique facts of your situation.
-
What Impacts the Outcome of a Sex Crime Trial?
The strength of the evidence, the credibility of witnesses, and the effectiveness of the defense strategy all play pivotal roles. The specific judge and jury composition also matter. Our former prosecutors’ experience with local Phoenix courts allows us to anticipate how cases are likely to be evaluated and adapt our defense accordingly.
-
How Long Will a Sex Crime Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence, and the Maricopa County Superior Court’s schedule. Many cases resolve before trial through motion practice or negotiated resolution. Cases that proceed to trial typically take 6 to 18 months from charging to verdict. We provide transparent updates at every stage.
-
Can a Sex Crime Charge Be Expunged from My Record?
In Arizona, clearing a record or having a conviction set aside is complex and depends on the type of crime and specific case factors. While it is difficult to expunge sex crime convictions due to their severity, some conditions allow for setting aside a conviction order. We consult with clients on post-conviction relief options and explore every available avenue to minimize the long-term impact.
-
Are There Any Long-Term Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction?
Sex crime convictions carry severe long-term consequences beyond legal penalties, including social stigmatization, employment limitations, housing restrictions, and mandatory sex offender registration that significantly affects residency and travel. Our defense aims not only to avoid conviction but to consider these long-term implications at every stage, seeking mitigation wherever possible.
Contact Our Phoenix Sex Crimes Lawyer Today
At MayesTelles PLLC, our sex crime attorneys give our all to the defense of each case. If you or someone you love has been accused of a sex offense, contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. After we review your case, we will guide you step-by-step through the legal process and provide you with experienced, aggressive defense.
We offer flexible payment plans and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your call is completely confidential.
Call MayesTelles PLLC at (602) 428-7104 or contact us online to get started with our Phoenix sex crimes lawyers.
-
Scott W.
“Deciding to work with David Telles was one of the best decisions of my life. He always responded within a timely manner and was very knowledgeable. He made sure to be extremely thorough before making any decisions. He has been someone that was dedicated in helping me from the beginning.”
-
Verified Google Review
“If your future or one of your loved ones’ futures is on the line, and you want to protect that, this is the company that makes the most difference.”
-
Omar Q.“James Simpson picked my case apart and went through it with a fine-toothed comb finding inconsistencies throughout. I went from facing over a decade in prison to a term of probation… I GUARANTEE if I would have gone with any other attorney I would be wearing an orange jumpsuit sitting in a cell right now.”
We've Won Thousands of Cases
From complete case dismissals in Dangerous Crimes Against Children matters to DUI charges dropped to reckless driving — here is a sample of what our attorneys have achieved for clients across Phoenix and Arizona.
-
Multiple Counts of Sex Crimes
Our client faced multiple charges, including: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Voyeurism, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. We were able to get our client's charges reduced to one count of Negligent Child Abuse.
-
Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
-
Client Charged with Prostitution
MayesTelles was able to achieve a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Prostitution.
-
Dangerous Crime Against Children Charge
Our client was charged with Sexual Conduct with a Minor, which in Arizona is a Dangerous Crime Against Children. We were able to take this serious felony sex offense and achieve a complete case dismissal for our client.
-
Client Acquitted in Jury Trial
Client JG was charged with Indecent Exposure, a Class 1 Misdemeanor, in the East Mesa Justice Court. We had a jury trial and JG was acquitted of the charge.
-
Child Molestation, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Aggravated Assault
Client RJ was falsely accused of 18 counts Child Molestation, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Aggravated Assault. During the course of their representation, the attorneys at MayesTelles were able to force the State to dismiss half of the counts. The case proceeded to trial on the remaining counts. Following a lengthy trial, the jury acquitted RJ of all charges.
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
-
200+ Years of Combined ExperienceExperience spanning criminal defense, personal injury & immigration
-
1,000+ Cases · Acquittals & Case Dismissals
Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, DUI, drug charges & more
-
Top 100 Trial Lawyers — both founding partners
The National Trial Lawyers · Invite only · Mayes & Telles
-
Available 24/7 — including weekends & holidays
We pick up. Pre-charge intervention available from the first call.
-
Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
MCAO Sex Crimes Unit · DEA · Secret Service · U.S. Air Force
-
AV Preeminent® · J. Blake Mayes
Martindale-Hubbell® highest peer rating · Since 2009