Statutory Rape in Arizona

By Law Offices of Joshua S. Davidson, PLC | Dec 05, 2017
According to Arizona law, if an adult is responsible for caring for or treating a child who the adult believes may be a victim of sexual abuse, child molestation, or sexual conduct with a minor (also known as statutory rape), that person must report the information to Child Protective Services or a police officer. A lot of Arizona residents are not aware of that. “Failure to report is currently a misdemeanor but may soon become a felony,” according to maricopa.gov. The website goes on to say that if a child becomes pregnant due to sexual intercourse, the parents are legally responsible for supporting their son or daughter’s child, regardless of how young or old the grandparents are.

What is Statutory Rape in Arizona?

In Arizona, statutory rape is referred to as “sexual conduct with a minor.” This law is covered under A.R.S. 13-1405. Under this section it states, “A person commits sexual conduct with a minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under eighteen years of age.” Here’s what you need to know:
  • Sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 is a Class 2 felony.
  • Sexual conduct with a minor who is 15-17 is a Class 6 felony.
  • If the minor was under the age of 15, it becomes a “dangerous crime against children.” If an individual is convicted of a dangerous crime against children, he or she will face severe penalties and the possibility of a lengthy sentence.
You may be interested in knowing this: “The difference in sentencing can be dramatic as in the case of sexual assault or sexual conduct with a minor, where, the victim is 12, 12, or 14 years of age, the sentencing range is from 13 to 27 calendar years,” according to maricopa.gov. Are you, or someone you love facing criminal charges for sexual conduct with a minor? Even if it was a consensual relationship, the state can prosecute. To discuss your case with a former Maricopa County prosecutor and Phoenix sex crime lawyer, contact us today.

Categories : Sex Crimes, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Statutory Rape

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