Phoenix Child Molestation Defense Lawyer
Charged with Molestation of a Child? Call MayesTelles 24/7
A child molestation charge is not something you can afford to approach without the right legal team. In Arizona, a conviction carries mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration, and damage to your reputation, family, and career can begin the moment an accusation is made – long before you ever set foot in a courtroom.
At MayesTelles, we bring a level of experience to child molestation cases that is genuinely hard to find. Our founding partner, David Telles, spent years as a prosecutor in the Sex Crimes Unit of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, prosecuting the exact type of cases we now defend our clients against.
We know how these investigations are built, how the evidence is gathered, and where cases are most vulnerable to challenge. That knowledge is now on your side. Additionally, we have been voted the #1 criminal defense firm in the state by Ranking Arizona for the last seven years in a row, so you can trust that your case is in capable hands.
Why people across Arizona call us in the face of child molestation charges:
- David Telles previously worked as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney's Office Sex Crimes Unit – the same unit that prosecutes child molestation cases in Phoenix.
- We have secured complete dismissals and full acquittals in child molestation cases.
- Our attorneys bring 200+ years of combined experience to every case we handle.
- We are available 24/7. No matter when you need help, we pick up.
- We offer free consultations and bilingual support for Spanish-speaking clients.
When the Stakes Are High, We Deliver
What Is Child Molestation Under Arizona Law?
In Arizona, molestation of a child is classified under A.R.S. § 13-1410, which states that a person commits this offense by intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing a person to engage in sexual contact (except sexual contact with the female breast) with a child under the age of 15. It is a Class 2 felony.
Sexual contact involving only the female breast is specifically excluded from the child molestation statute in Arizona. Instead, it is charged as sexual abuse under A.R.S. § 13-1404, which is a Class 3 felony in Arizona.
Child molestation is also distinct from the crime of sexual conduct with a minor (A.R.S. § 13-1405), which involves sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under the age of 18.
Additionally, if someone is accused of committing three or more acts of child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, and/or sexual assault with a child under the age of 14 over a period of three months or longer in Arizona, they can be charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child (A.R.S. § 13-1417). This is a Class 2 felony.
Penalties for Child Molestation in Arizona
Child molestation is a Class 2 felony in Arizona. Because the offense, by definition, involves a child under 15, it falls within the Dangerous Crimes Against Children sentencing framework under A.R.S. § 13-705.
For a child molestation conviction, the DCAC framework mandates:
- 10 to 24 years for a first offense, with a presumptive sentence of 17 years
Sentences escalate dramatically for repeat offenders or those with prior felony convictions.
Additionally, lifetime sex offender registration is mandatory upon conviction for child molestation. Registration is public, permanent, and carries wide-ranging restrictions on where you can live, work, and travel.
This is one of the most significant long-term consequences of a conviction — separate from and in addition to the prison sentence. It is one of the primary reasons why fighting these charges aggressively from the start is so critical.
Common Defenses in Child Molestation Cases
False Allegations of Molestation
False accusations of child molestation can and do happen.
They happen most often in the context of bitter custody disputes, family conflict, or situations where a child has been coached or pressured by an adult with a motive to harm the accused. It is also common for accusations to surface during therapy as a result of false or inaccurate recollections of “abuse” (i.e., false memory syndrome).
When we take on a child molestation case, we start by investigating the circumstances surrounding the accusation, including who made the initial report, what was happening in the family at the time, whether the child's account changed between retellings, and whether the adults involved had a motive to fabricate or exaggerate.
Improper Interview Procedures
If the child's account was shaped by leading questions, repeated interviews, or improper interviewing techniques, the credibility of that testimony can be challenged. We work with forensic interview experts to evaluate whether proper protocols were followed and whether the interview itself may have contaminated the child's account.
Lack of Physical Evidence
When no medical evidence corroborates the allegation, the defense may focus on the evidentiary weaknesses in the prosecution's case and the standard of proof that the State must meet, which is beyond a reasonable doubt.
Inconsistencies in the Accuser's Account
Children's accounts of alleged abuse often change over time. Inconsistencies between what was said in the initial disclosure, the forensic interview, and trial testimony are powerful tools for the defense and are carefully documented and presented.
Misinterpretation of Innocent Contact
In some cases, physical contact that was entirely innocent (for example, bathing a child, changing clothing, or medical or hygiene-related contact) has been mischaracterized as sexual contact amounting to molestation. In these cases, the defense can establish the innocent nature of the contact and challenge the characterization applied to it.
Call 24/7 to Speak with a Lawyer for Free
If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with child molestation in Arizona, or if you believe an investigation is underway, contact MayesTelles right now. Every hour matters.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Consultations are free and confidential. We serve clients throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County, as well as all of Arizona, so don't wait to give us a call.
Call (602) 428-7104 to speak with a Phoenix child molestation attorney for free.
Common Questions
About Child Molestation Charges in Arizona
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What if I'm being accused of molestation during a custody dispute?This is one of the most common fact patterns we see in child molestation cases. False allegations in the context of divorce and custody proceedings are well documented, and courts and prosecutors are aware of the dynamic, but that does not mean the accusation won't result in charges. You need an attorney immediately, before any forensic interview of the child takes place if possible. The earlier we are involved, the more we can do to document the circumstances surrounding the accusation and protect your position. Call us now.
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A forensic interview has been scheduled. What does that mean?A forensic interview at a child advocacy center means law enforcement is actively investigating an allegation of abuse. It is a serious step in the investigative process. Once the interview is conducted with an alleged victim of child molestation, it becomes a significant piece of evidence. We cannot stop the interview from happening, but being involved early allows us to understand the investigation and begin building your defense from the outset.
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Can I be convicted based on a child's word alone, with no physical evidence?Yes, unfortunately. Arizona courts regularly convict defendants in child sex abuse cases based solely on the testimony of the alleged victim. The absence of physical evidence does not guarantee an acquittal. It does, however, represent a significant weakness in the prosecution's case that an experienced defense lawyer will press aggressively. The standard is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and a skilled defense team will make the jury confront every gap in the evidence.
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What are the chances my case goes to trial?That depends entirely on the facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and the prosecution's position on any potential resolution. Some molestation cases resolve through negotiated pleas to lesser charges; others go to trial. What we can tell you is that MayesTelles is a trial firm. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases in Maricopa County courts. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial because that is the only way to negotiate from a position of strength and the only way to be ready if it does.
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If I accept a plea deal, will I still have to register as a sex offender?It depends on what the plea involves. Many plea agreements in child sex cases still require sex offender registration, sometimes lifetime registration. The specific terms vary significantly depending on the charge, the facts, and what the prosecution is willing to offer. This is something we evaluate carefully in every case. Accepting a plea without fully understanding the consequences and long-term impact is something we work hard to prevent.
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What if the child later recants the accusation?Recantation is more common than most people realize in child molestation cases, and it does not automatically result in dismissal. Prosecutors are trained to treat recantations with skepticism and often continue pursuing cases even after a child recants, arguing that recantation is itself consistent with abuse dynamics. That said, a recantation — especially a detailed, credible one — is powerful evidence that changes the complexion of a case significantly.
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Will anyone find out I was charged with molestation?Arrest records and court filings in Arizona are generally public. A charge of child molestation will appear in court records and may be reported by local media depending on the circumstances. We cannot prevent public records from existing, but we can work aggressively to resolve your case in a way that minimizes long-term damage. And in cases that result in acquittal or dismissal, there are options for clearing your record. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
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Can I afford to hire a private defense attorney?MayesTelles offers free initial consultations and flexible payment plans. Given what is at stake — a mandatory minimum of 10 or more years in prison per count, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent consequences for your career, family, and reputation — this is not a situation where representation should be left to chance. Call our child molestation lawyers in Phoenix to discuss your options.
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What if I'm under investigation but haven't been arrested yet?
The pre-charge stage is often the most critical window in a child molestation case. By the time an arrest happens, law enforcement has typically already built a significant portion of its case. If a detective has reached out, a forensic interview has been scheduled, CPS has been involved, or someone has told you a report was made, contact an attorney before you say anything to anyone.
Do not contact law enforcement voluntarily to tell your side of the story. Do not agree to an interview. Do not reach out to the alleged victim or their family. Well-intentioned attempts to explain yourself almost always make the situation worse.
Early involvement gives us the ability to conduct an independent investigation, preserve evidence, communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, and, in some cases, engage with the prosecutor's office before charges are ever filed. None of that is possible if you wait until after an arrest. Call us 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.
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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.
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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
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Client Charged with Prostitution
MayesTelles was able to achieve a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Prostitution.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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200+ Years of Combined ExperienceExperience spanning criminal defense, personal injury & immigration
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1,000+ Cases · Acquittals & Case Dismissals
Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, DUI, drug charges & more
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Top 100 Trial Lawyers — both founding partners
The National Trial Lawyers · Invite only · Mayes & Telles
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Available 24/7 — including weekends & holidays
We pick up. Pre-charge intervention available from the first call.
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
MCAO Sex Crimes Unit · DEA · Secret Service · U.S. Air Force
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AV Preeminent® · J. Blake Mayes
Martindale-Hubbell® highest peer rating · Since 2009