Laws In Arizona Related To Sex Stings
A.R.S. § 13-3554 – Luring A Minor For Sexual Exploitation In Arizona
Offering or soliciting sexual conduct while knowing, or having reason to know, that the person was a minor is the legal definition of luring a minor in Arizona. The person not actually being a minor is not a defense to an alleged crime.
A.R.S. § 13-3552 – Online Luring Of A Minor
Using social media or another online method of luring a minor can result in serious felony charges. The law includes any enticing, coercing, or employing of minors for any kind of sexual conduct, whether live act or recorded.
A.R.S. § 13-705 – Dangerous Crimes Against Children
Arizona laws regarding dangerous crimes against children encompass a wide variety of sexual crimes against children, including sex trafficking, molestation, sexual abuse, kidnapping, and sexual exploitation. Penalties can include decades in prison.
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Seasoned & Reliable Sex Crime Defense Attorneys Near Phoenix
Helping The Accused Fight Back Against Police Inducement & Overreach
Sting operations make for great television, but for those caught up in these dragnets, the consequences are disastrous. Thanks to technological advancements, police are conducting more of these operations than ever. Through this experience, they’ve learned how to build seemingly “airtight” cases. A sex stings lawyer in Phoenix can help you better understand your options.
At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, our legal team has built a reputation for winning the most difficult cases. Our victories have resulted in exonerations for charges ranging from DUI arrests to sexual abuse of a minor. When you’re accused of a sex crime, it often seems as though you are guilty until proven innocent. This is the case even if you have never engaged in sexual activity. Don’t get railroaded by the police and prosecutor. Contact our law firm today for a case evaluation.
Understanding The Use Of Police Sex Stings
If you were arrested during a sting operation, you may have already spoken to the police. In fact, most stings are directly followed up with a recorded interview where detectives try to elicit incriminating evidence against the target. This interview is done when the person is still reeling from arrest, and their nerves are shot. Officers hope the accused will slip up and make it clear that their presence was not a mistake.
Regardless of where you are in the prosecution process, it’s never too late to stop speaking with police and prosecutors. They can promise all the leniency in the world, but their primary goal is to stick you with the stiffest penalties possible. In some cases, this will involve exaggerating the strength of their case or overcharging to compel a plea agreement.
Commit this statement to memory and don’t say anything else to police or prosecutors: I’d like to speak with my attorney.
What Are The Different Types Of Sex Stings In Arizona?
When police set up a fake situation that invites or allows criminal activity, that is known as a “sting” operation. These operations concerning sex crimes often involve an undercover officer pretending to be someone that another person might contact or approach to commit a sex crime. For example, a police officer might pose as a minor seeking sexual interaction on social media. If an adult pursues sexual contact with that “child,” they can be arrested. Stings happen in person, as well—not just online. An undercover officer might pose as a prostitute to catch potential customers soliciting sex illegally, for example, or offer child pornography to lure in potential buyers.
Whether or not these stings result in actual sexual contact, defendants can still be punished severely. For instance, did you know that someone in possession of sexual material featuring a minor can face the same penalties as the person who created the material?
Occasionally, police do not follow the rules when conducting these sting operations, and our skilled legal team knows how to uncover that misconduct and use it to benefit our clients. If you are the victim of a sex sting operation, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled sex sting attorney immediately.
Are There Valid Legal Defenses When Arrested In A Sting?
When someone is arrested during a sting operation, they often believe that they’re “dead to rights.” After all, there’s typically a wealth of digital and video evidence supporting the crimes alleged, right? In reality, these cases are not as clear-cut as many people believe. There are instances where individuals are caught up in sex stings who never intended to engage in intercourse — and they may have not even said anything incriminating.
For instance, alleged “johns” may find themselves in a sting operation when they honestly believed they simply had a chance connection with someone. Others might have set up a meeting with someone who hinted at being underage but was never clear about the issue. There are also possible issues of entrapment and other constitutional violations. Put simply, a Phoenix sex sting lawyer may be able to present defense strategies you never considered.
Contact VS Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation.
What To Do If You Are Caught Up In A Sting?
The best way to avoid Phoenix sex crime charges is to not engage in actions that could potentially be construed as a crime. Unfortunately, the police have become so effective at stings that they often elicit behavior that a person never intended to engage in. And in these situations, it’s relatively easy for constitutional violations to occur. However, it’s difficult to understand the complexities of these issues without an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve successfully defended clients facing the most serious allegations of sex crimes. For most individuals caught up in a sting, however, no actual sexual act took place. And even in instances where intercourse did occur, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a crime occurred. A sex stings lawyer in Phoenix can help you better understand your options and how to exercise your rights.
Contact us today by calling 480-923-9001 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll advocate relentlessly on your behalf.
About Our Phoenix Sex Stings Lawyers
Meet Our Skilled Team Of Sex Crimes Attorneys
If you’re facing allegations of sex stings or any other sex crimes in Arizona, you need representation from the leading Phoenix sex stings defense attorney, VS Criminal Defense. Michelle Villanueva-Skura, Esquire, along with her experienced associates, are proud to provide their clients with aggressive criminal defense. We believe strongly in the importance of government accountability and personal freedom as we build a customized defense strategy for each of our clients. We have successfully litigated hundreds of felony charges. With a track record of success, we have what it takes to provide the zealous defense you need when you are facing allegations of sex crimes. Call VS Criminal Defense today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with one of our trusted Phoenix sex sting attorneys.
Visit Our Sex Crimes Defense Law Office Near Phoenix
No matter what type of sex crimes charges you are facing, you deserve representation from the leading Phoenix sex crimes defense law firm, VS Criminal Defense. Our office is conveniently located near Phoenix. We are ready to help you move forward! Call our team to schedule your obligation-free, confidential consultation.
Why Hire Our Sex Stings Attorneys Near Phoenix
Phoenix Neighborhoods Served By Our Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys
VS Criminal Defense provides the most trusted sex sting defense legal services in Phoenix. No matter what charges you’re facing, call our experienced team of attorneys right away. We will examine your case, discuss the circumstances, review your legal options, and put together a legal strategy for moving forward. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation! We look forward to working with you.