Phoenix Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Lawyer

Everything Is on the Line. We Can Get to Work Now.

A continuous sexual abuse of a child charge under A.R.S. § 13-1417 can put decades in prison and mandatory sex offender registration on the table. If you have been charged, served with a search warrant, contacted by detectives, or told that you are under investigation, the time to call a defense attorney is now.

At MayesTelles, we have been voted Arizona’s #1 Criminal Defense Firm by Ranking Arizona for seven years in a row. We are trusted by clients and colleagues across the state to take on high-stakes felony sex crime cases.

Our team offers 200+ years of experience, insight from former prosecutors and law enforcement specialists, and a proven track record that includes more than 1,000 acquittals and case dismissals.

Founding Partner David V. Telles previously served in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes Unit, giving our team insight into how prosecutors evaluate child sex crime allegations. Our firm also brings a deep bench of attorneys, statewide criminal defense experience, and a record of results in high-stakes felony and sex crime cases.

Representative results include:

• Five Felony Sex Offenses Dismissed — Client faced five felony sex offense counts, including sexual conduct with a minor and molestation of a child. 
• Multiple Child Abuse Charges Dismissed — Client faced two Class 4 felony child abuse counts and one Class 6 felony failure-to-report allegation. 
• Multiple Sex Crime Charges Reduced — Client faced sexual exploitation of a minor, voyeurism, and tampering with physical evidence; charges were reduced to one count of negligent child abuse.

See more of our results

Call (602) 428-7104 for a free consultation with our child sex abuse defense attorneys in Phoenix.

What Is Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Arizona?

Under A.R.S. § 13-1417, a person commits continuous sexual abuse of a child if, over a period of three months or more, the person engages in three or more acts violating Arizona’s sexual conduct with a minor, sexual assault, or molestation of a child statutes with a child who is under 14 years old. 

That makes this charge different from a single-act allegation. Prosecutors are alleging a continuing course of conduct involving multiple qualifying acts over time. The defense needs to examine the timeline, the alleged acts, the complainant’s statements, and whether the State can prove the number and type of acts required by the statute.

The qualifying acts are tied to three serious Arizona sex offense statutes:

• Sexual conduct with a minor 
• Sexual assault
• Molestation of a child 

The Timeline Problem in Continuous Abuse Cases

Continuous sexual abuse allegations often involve broad time periods, delayed reporting, or changing timelines. Prosecutors may not be able to identify precise dates for each alleged act. Arizona law requires jurors to unanimously agree that the required number of acts occurred, but they do not have to agree on exactly which acts make up that number. 

That makes the timeline a central defense issue. The defense should carefully test:

• When the alleged time period began and ended 
• Whether the alleged acts span at least three months 
• Whether there are three or more qualifying acts 
• Whether the complainant’s statements changed over time 
• Whether outside influence, family conflict, custody disputes, or repeated questioning affected the allegation 
• Whether objective evidence supports or contradicts the timeline 

A vague accusation can still be prosecuted, but the State must prove the statutory requirements beyond a reasonable doubt.

Penalties for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a Class 2 felony in Arizona and is punishable under A.R.S. § 13-705, Arizona’s dangerous crimes against children (DCAC) statute. 

Under A.R.S. § 13-705, continuous sexual abuse of a child carries a sentencing range of 39 to 81 years in prison, with a presumptive term of 60 years. DCAC sentencing also includes strict release limitations and consecutive-sentencing rules that can significantly increase total exposure when multiple counts are filed. 

A conviction may also require sex offender registration and create permanent consequences for employment, licensing, immigration status, family relationships, and reputation.

How These Cases Are Investigated

Cases often begin before an arrest. A report may come from a family member, school employee, counselor, medical provider, law enforcement agency, or forensic interview center. Police may collect statements, seize phones, request passwords, execute search warrants, review messages, or interview multiple witnesses before filing charges. 

Your defense should examine how the case was built, including:

• Whether forensic interviews were properly conducted 
• Whether the child was questioned repeatedly or suggestively 
• Whether statements changed between reports, interviews, and follow-up conversations 
• Whether digital evidence was collected lawfully and completely 
• Whether medical or forensic evidence supports the allegation 
• Whether family conflict, custody issues, pressure from others, or outside influence affected the report 

Early defense involvement in the investigation phase can help protect statements, preserve favorable evidence, and address warrant issues before charging decisions are made.

What We Challenge in Continuous Sexual Abuse Cases

A strong defense starts by breaking the accusation down into what the State must actually prove. The charge may sound broad, but it has specific legal requirements.

When you work with our team at MayesTelles, we will examine:

• The number of alleged acts. The State must prove three or more qualifying acts. 
• The time period. The alleged conduct must occur over three months or more. 
• The qualifying offense. The alleged acts must violate the specific statutes listed in A.R.S. § 13-1417. 
• Forensic interview reliability. Leading questions, repeated interviews, outside influence, or flawed methods can affect credibility. 
• Digital and objective evidence. Phones, messages, location data, timelines, school records, and medical evidence may support or contradict the allegation. 

Take Action Now by Calling MayesTelles for Help

If you were arrested, charged, or contacted by police about allegations involving A.R.S. § 13-1417, our Phoenix continuous sexual abuse of a child attorneys are available to discuss your case and what we can do to help.

We are available 24/7 and offer flexible payment plans. Call (602) 428-7104 to talk to a lawyer for free.