A dangerous offense against a child is an offense committed by an adult against a child aged 15 or younger. According to Arizona law, children cannot protect themselves or give consent. The Arizona legislature passed a law prohibiting offenses against children. The legislature did this to protect minors’ rights and safety. You could face severe penalties if you are convicted of a dangerous offense against a child. Some offenses can attract a jail term of up to 37 years, while others carry a life sentence. An experienced criminal attorney can help you if you face harsh criminal charges for an offense committed against a child. Your attorney will help you develop a solid defense against your case.

Understanding Arizona Statutes Regarding Dangerous Crimes Against Children

A dangerous offense against a child is a subset of offenses under Arizona Revised Statutes 13-705. This group constitutes dangerous and severely punishable crimes against children under 15 years old. All offenses in this group meet this criterion:

• The defendant must have had the knowledge or reasonably should have known the victim’s age
• The victim must be 15 years or younger or an unborn baby
• The defendant must be an adult aged 18 years or older at the time these crimes were committed. Otherwise, he/she must face charges as an adult.
• It must be an offense that can be committed against adults or children

A dangerous crime against a child is similar to a domestic violence crime. This is a viable offense treated differently because of the victim’s status. This group constitutes the following offenses:

• Bestiality
• Illegally representing a minor’s age
• Unlawful mutilation
• Inflicting bodily injuries to a child during the manufacture of meth
• Involving and using a minor in a drug offense
• Sex trafficking for children
• Child prostitution
• Continuous cases of sexual abuse against a child
• Sexual abuse
• A deliberate case of child abuse that can cause death or severe physical harm
• Kidnapping
• Exploiting children sexually
• Sexual extortion
• Lewd or sexual acts with a minor
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated assault if it meets the requirements of a dangerous offense
• Child molestation
• Second-degree murder
• First-degree attempted murder

The judge will treat your case differently from when the defendant and the victims were adults if:

• The victim is 15 years or younger
• You are a minor defendant and can face charges as an adult in a regular court, and
• You are an adult and commit any of the offenses above

If the above happens, your charges and possible punishment will be as follows:

• You will not qualify for parole or an early release from custody
• You will not qualify for probation
• The judge can impose collateral penalties upon conviction
• You can face a severe sentence, requiring you to spend a long time behind bars

Securing the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney from the beginning of your case is important. An attorney will have enough time to prepare a defense and fight the charges for better outcomes.

The Consequences Of Dangerous Crimes Against A Child

You can face severe repercussions for dangerous crimes against a child. The following factors will determine the punishment for dangerous crimes against a child:

• The age of the child, and
• The facts of your charges

The above considerations will differentiate your charges from the following:

• A regular felony
• Whether it was a repetitive or dangerous offense, or
• The penalties depend on the type of crime

However, as with other crimes under Arizona law, most sentences for dangerous crimes against a child are based on existing mitigating or aggravating factors. The court can also enhance a prison sentence if you are convicted of a predicate felony. The past criminal records for these crimes are treated as predicate felonies if:

• A dangerous crime is committed against a child
• It is a dangerous crime involving a dangerous weapon, or it can cause severe physical harm
• It is a sexual exploitation, and
• You commit child abuse by intentionally creating a situation that can cause death or severe physical injury.

You will spend a longer period in prison than the law permits for the crime you committed. The prison sentence must be served consecutively, not concurrently. However, exceptions exist in situations where there is a single victim and the underlying crime is child molestation or sexual abuse.

Dangerous Violations Punishable By Imprisonment Of 2.5-22 Years

This group of offenses includes causing a minor to engage in sexual contact, including oral sex and sex with an animal, and sexual abuse of a minor. These crimes can attract a maximum sentence of 7.5 years. This punishment is reserved for defendants who have never been convicted of a predicate felony. Offenders convicted of a predicate felony can face up to 22 years of imprisonment.

Repeat offenders must serve their jail term in a state prison, but first offenders can be granted a suspended sentence. You will not be granted early release if you have a prior felony conviction.

Dangerous Violations Punishable By Imprisonment Of 5 to 22 Years

You could face a jail term of 5 to 22 years if you have a prior predicate felony conviction on your record. The offenses in this group include luring a minor for sexual abuse, sexual extortion of a minor, and unlawful representation of a child’s age. You could face a jail term of 5 to 15 years if you do not have a prior predicate felony conviction on your record. A defendant can face a jail term of 8 to 22 years in prison if he/she has at least one previous conviction of a predicate felony.

A first-time offender can be granted a suspended sentence. However, you will receive a mandatory prison sentence if you have a previous conviction for a predicate felony. You will have fewer chances for an early release if you are sentenced to prison.

Dangerous Violations Punishable By Imprisonment Of 35 Years Maximum

Some first-degree dangerous crimes against children can attract a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison. This will happen if you have a previous felony conviction on your criminal record. The offenses in this group include aggravated luring of a child for sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, child abuse, child molestation, aggravated assault, and illegal mutilation. A conviction for these offenses can attract imprisonment of 10 to 24 years if you have no previous felony. However, you could face a 21 to 35-year prison sentence if you have a prior felony on your criminal record.

On the other hand, you can face life imprisonment if you have two previous predicate felonies on your criminal record. Additionally, you may be eligible for early release after serving a 35-year sentence.

Dangerous Violations Punishable Imprisonment Of 37 Years

The court can sentence you to 37 years in prison if you are convicted of a dangerous crime against a child. This could happen if you have a criminal record and charges for another first-degree offense that is not punishable by life imprisonment. The following are the offenses that can attract this penalty:

• Child exploitation
• Inflicting body injuries on a child aged 12 to 14 years while producing meth
• First-degree attempted murder against a child aged 12 to 14 years
• Sexually abusing a minor regularly
• Taking and exploiting a child for prostitution
• Using or involving a child in a drug offense
• Sexual acts with a minor aged 12 to 14 years
• Sexual assault on a minor aged 12 to 14
• Second-degree murder against a minor aged 12-14 years

The type of sentence you will face for the above offenses will depend on your criminal record. For example, you can face 13-27 years imprisonment if you have no prior convictions. You could face 23-37 years imprisonment if you have a prior conviction.

The court can impose life imprisonment if you have more than two previous convictions for felonies on your criminal record. Once you have served at least 35 years of your prison sentence, you can be granted an early termination of your sentence.

Dangerous Violations Punishable By Life Imprisonment

Life imprisonment is the most severe punishment imposed on offenders who commit serious offenses. You will spend the rest of your life in prison if the court sentences you to life in state prison. Some sentences can be granted parole, while others are not eligible. The factors that will determine your sentence include the victim’s age, your criminal record, and the seriousness of the offense.

Unless you and the victim had masturbatory contact, you can face a life sentence for the following offenses:

• Sexual assault of a minor aged 12 or younger
• Sexual acts with a child aged 12 or younger

A first-degree offense could attract a life sentence in prison if you are convicted of the following:

• Meth production in a case where a minor below 12 years suffered serious injuries
• Sexual acts with a child below 12 years
• Sexual assault on a child below 12 years
• Second-degree murder of a child below 12 years, and
• First-degree attempted murder of a child below 12 years

Attempted Dangerous Crimes Against Minors

You will face severe punishment for attempted dangerous violations if the offense is a first-degree murder. This offense can attract a jail term of up to 20 years in state prison. Other dangerous crimes against a child are often deemed second-degree offenses if they are attempted but not executed. These are Class Three felonies, punishable by a jail term of 5-15 years in state prison.

Your prison sentence will be suspended if you have no previous predicate felony charges and face charges for a second-degree offense. If this happens, the court will grant you probation instead of imprisonment. You will face mandatory prison time if you have a previous felony conviction. If you are sentenced and want an early release, you only have limited options. However, you are entitled to compassionate release or prison employment.

Collateral Penalties For Dangerous Crimes Against A Child

You can face additional penalties, including prison time, if you are convicted of dangerous crimes against a child. Sometimes the court can impose collateral penalties, whereas others are imposed automatically upon conviction. The following are some of the repercussions of a conviction:

Tainted Reputation

Your reputation is important because it determines how you will be treated and perceived by others. A tainted reputation can make life difficult for you, particularly at work, in society, and at home. Individuals who were once convicted are forced to relocate and start a new life in another jurisdiction where their criminal history is not known. Your reputation will be tainted even before the judge makes a ruling on your case.

Registering As A Sex Offender

The majority of sex crimes involving minors require defendants to register as sex offenders after conviction. The sex offender registry has the names, physical descriptions, and addresses of the convicted sex offenders. People will know about your registration, helping them to be more vigilant with you. It also helps law enforcement make regular follow-ups and arrest you if you repeat the offense.

Sadly, your criminal record will be revealed if prospective employers run a background check after you register. This can affect how they treat you. It is important to fight the allegations to avoid a conviction and the serious repercussions.

Difficulties In Finding A House

Homeowners often conduct background checks on individuals seeking to rent a home. Many house owners refuse to rent their houses to ex-convicts. They do this to protect other tenants. It can be challenging for you to find a suitable neighborhood even after serving prison time. These repercussions can affect you in many ways.

Find an Experienced Phoenix Criminal Attorney Near Me

You could face charges for committing a dangerous crime against children if you commit certain offenses against a victim who is below 15 years old. A conviction of an offense against a child attracts harsher and longer prison sentences than if the offense were committed against an adult. The specific punishment for these crimes depends on the victim’s age and the specific offense committed. Aggravating factors could also be present, which can make the repercussions worse.

If you or your loved one faces charges for committing an offense against a minor, our attorneys at Phoenix Criminal Attorney can help. Call us at 602-551-8092 to talk to one of our attorneys.