In Arizona, the official age of consent is 18. Eighteen is the age at which the law officially recognizes a person as an adult instead of a child. At the age of 18, the law considers a person to be of legal age to consent to participate in sexual activity. Anyone 17 or younger, on the other hand, cannot legally consent to sexual activity in Arizona. Even if a person under the age of consent consents to participate, the sexual activity could meet Arizona`s definition of legal rape. For example, you may have met the minor in an environment where you rarely meet teenagers, such as a bar or tavern. The minor may also have presented identification that appeared to be genuine. While sexual behavior with the minor is still illegal, the court will likely drop the charge for lack of intent. Nevertheless, you must prove that you did not know that your victim was a minor. Although sexual abuse is one of Arizona`s criminal laws that deals with sexual relations with underage victims, the Romeo and Juliet Act does not apply to these charges.11 However, the crime of sexual abuse allows people under the age of consent, but over the age of 15, to give their legal consent to sexual contact. that is, direct or indirect caresses of someone else`s genitals. or breast.12 This provides many of the same protections as near-age relief for young adults and high school students.
Don`t let the term “legal rape” fool you into thinking that consent will be a legal defense. The age of consent means that no one in Arizona under the age of 18 can legally consent. If you are 20 and your partner is under 18, even if they consent to sexual contact with you, this is illegal and considered legal rape in the eyes of the law. Arizona Legal Age Laws helps define the legal age for certain activities. If you are a minor interested in emancipation or interested in entering into a contract, you should ask a lawyer for more information. An experienced family law lawyer can help you apply for emancipation in court and clarify age laws. There are legal defenses to violate Arizona`s age of consent laws. The most common are: The state of Arizona has a Romeo and Juliet Act that provides a limited exception to the general rule that it is illegal to have sex with a minor under the age of 18. The exception applies when: Consent is a complex legal concept surrounded by a lot of confusion and misinformation.
Under the Sex Crimes Act, consent is informed consent to engage in sexual activity with another person. The age of consent is a minimum age at which a person is legally old enough to make decisions for themselves, including whether or not to engage in sexual activity. The age of consent varies from state to state. Laws and age limits may vary from state to state. The following table shows some of Arizona`s statutory age laws. The age of consent in Arizona is 18. This means that anyone 17 years of age or younger is legally incapable of consenting to sexual behaviour. Anyone who has sex with someone under the age of consent can be charged with a serious sexual offence. Crime is often a crime and rarely a misdemeanor. In Arizona, the age of consent is 18.1 Anyone 17 or younger cannot legally consent to sexual activity. This is also the case if the minor has consented or initiated sexual relations. Any evidence that they consented to sex is meaningless because they are not legally able to give consent.
The age of consent in Arizona is 18. The age of consent is the age at which a person can legally consent to sexual behaviour with others. Those who violate Arizona`s age of consent laws are committing sex crimes. You will be convicted of a sex crime and may need to register as a sex offender. If two people have consensual sex, the adult party commits legal rape. Even in consensual relationships, if one of the parties is a minor and therefore has not yet reached the legal age. Legal rape is consensual sexual interaction or oral sexual contact with a person under the legal age. This includes sexual intercourse. Don`t be confused by the term “legal rape.” This act needs neither violence nor violence. Consent would not provide legal protection. No Arizonan under the age of consent can legally consent.
If your partner is under the age of 18 and you have consensual sex, it is a criminal offence. Legal rape is a crime in most cases. These offenses may require mandatory registration in the Arizona sex offender registry. The prison sentence ranges from probation to life imprisonment. “Age of consent” refers to the age a person must reach before they can legally consent to sexual intercourse with another person. If you don`t comply with Arizona`s age of consent laws, you could face a conviction for sex crimes. In Arizona, there is a matrimonial exception to these age of consent laws. This means that if you are 20, for example, but your husband is 17, sexual contact between the two of you is not illegal. It would be illegal if you weren`t married. During the investigation, police may collect evidence, such as clothing, for DNA testing.
However, you will need to obtain a search warrant to gather the necessary evidence. If the authorities do not respect the rules of procedure, all the evidence they collect will be obtained illegally and cannot be used in court. Young accused accused of any of these crimes should urgently consider seeking legal advice from the law firm of a criminal defense lawyer. The defendant is also in a position of authority or trust over the minor if he or she has a romantic or sexual relationship with one of these types of parents or with the minor`s legal guardian.14 Another exception is when the defendant had reason to believe that a victim was of legal age and capable of consenting. As mentioned above, the onus is on the defendant to prove that the victim gave him sufficient reason to believe that he was at least 18 years old. Note that this defence may not be of much use if a victim is under the age of 15. Dealing with sexual crime charges can be very emotional, especially if both the victim and defendant are minors. We understand the gravity of the situation and can provide much-needed legal assistance. At Phoenix Criminal Attorney, we can help you develop a solid defense strategy to increase the chances of a favorable outcome. Call us immediately at 602-551-8092 for a free confidential initial consultation. We want to discuss the facts of your case and find the best way.
We have already talked about the importance of the relative age of the two parties. Often, when they are particularly old, sexual contact is not illegal. In some cases, Arizona may allow a narrow age exemption. According to ARS 13-1405, it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally have sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18. Under ARS 13-1405, the age of consent in Arizona is 18. This means that a person under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual contact with an adult and, technically, a teenager. Although the accused may not have had violent sexual contact with the minor, the offence is still considered a sex crime and is punishable under SIA 13-1405. Arizona`s consent and legal rape laws are pretty clear, but what about dating? Is it illegal to date someone under the age of 18? What about an 18-year-old who wants to date a 17-year-old? The prosecution may present evidence in the form of a witness report.
However, certain circumstances make the testimony of a witness questionable. For example, your lawyer might attack a witness` credibility based on the key differences between their account of what happened and the alleged victim`s testimony. This means that even if the minor is 17, if you are their parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or guardian, the Arizona courts will charge you with sexual contact with them for a Class 2 felony. This rule also applies to priests and teachers. If you or someone you love is facing a sex crime charge in the Phoenix area, contact our criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona at the Belen Law Firm at 602-715-0908. You can also leave us a message on our website to arrange a free and confidential initial consultation. We provide legal services 24/7, which means our phone lines are open at any time of the day. Age of consent laws refer to the legal age at which a person can consent to sexual relations with another person. Arizona, like most states, imposes strict age of consent laws with serious criminal implications. If you have sex with a minor, this is legally called sexual behavior with a minor according to ARS 13 1405. This crime is often referred to as legal rape or sexual intercourse with a minor.
The legal consequences of sex with a minor can be heartbreaking. The fact is that it only takes one phone call or complaint to create legal problems for the offending adult. Being accused of a sex crime can be intense and scary. You have the right to a fair and speedy trial. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we can provide you with legal protection with our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers. If you have been charged with legal rape or violation of the Age of Consent Act, contact us immediately. Call us today at 602-910-4040! Sexual conduct with a minor becomes a Class 2 crime if the minor is under 15 years of age or if the accused is in a position of trust. Positions of trust include a parent/guardian, foster parent, adoptive parent, or teacher. This is sexual abuse because you were in a trustworthy position with the minor.