Sexual Assault
Based in Phoenix, Mark S. Williams, Attorney provides experienced, effective criminal defense counsel to clients charged with sexual assault and other sex crimes in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona. Intrepid and confident in our legal skill, we are capable of zealously representing those accused of violent and non-violent sexual offenses, including:
- Sexual assault or rape
- Child molestation
- Sexual conduct with a minor
- Child sexual abuse
- Child pornography
- Internet child pornography
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Prostitution
- Indecent exposure
We help clients fight these serious charges, understanding that a sex crime conviction not only carries substantial legal penalties, but can also cause insurmountable damage to a person's professional and personal life.
Mandatory Sentencing Requirements
Arizona prosecutors and judges never take criminal sexual misconduct lightly, and the penalties for these offenses are usually significant. As prescribed by the Arizona Criminal Code, sex crimes and "dangerous crimes against children" come with mandatory minimum sentencing requirements, meaning that a judge cannot give a lesser sentence than that mandated by law. For example, sexual assault carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, a presumptive term of seven-and-a-half years, and a maximum of 14 years in prison.
The sentencing requirements for dangerous crimes against children are even more severe. A person convicted of child molestation is required to serve a flat time sentence, which means no early release for parole or good behavior, with a minimum of ten years, a presumptive term of 17 years, and a maximum of 24 years in prison. A conviction for sexual conduct with a minor carries a mandatory sentence of 13 years, a presumptive sentence of 20 years, and a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison with no early release.
Required Registration for Sex Offenders
Even after serving a long sentence, the impact of a sex crime conviction will likely reverberate through a person's life. Most convicted sex offenders are required to register with the Arizona State Police, which posts the names of certain sex offenders on a public website. With this information readily available, convicted sex offenders have substantial difficulty obtaining employment and professional licensing, and are often scorned in their communities and avoided by their neighbors.
With over three decades of criminal defense experience, we are equipped to handle even the most difficult sexual assault and sex crime cases. We understand that a strong defense requires meticulous preparation and investigation, which may expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case, such as inconsistencies in accuser statements or lack of forensic evidence. Implementing an effective defense strategy, we have helped clients obtain reduced charges, dismissals, and other favorable results, despite mandatory sentencing requirements.
Seek Experienced, Effective Representation
If you have been charged with sexual assault or another sexual offense, you need strong legal representation. Contact Mark S. Williams, Attorney today for a free initial consultation.
