Note that within the context of the law, a person is in a “position of trust” if they are:
- a minor’s parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or foster parent;
- the minor’s teacher;
- the minor’s coach or instructor;
- the minor’s clergyman or priest.
Sexual Abuse Offenses
Another serious sex-related offense addressed by state law is sexual abuse. An individual commits sexual abuse if they intentionally or knowingly engage in sexual contact:
- with any person who is 15 or more years of age without the consent of that person; or
- with any person who is under 15 years of age if the sexual contact involves only the female breast.
Be aware that sexual contact is defined as any direct or indirect touching, fondling, or manipulating of any part of the genitals, anus, or female breast. However, this does not include direct or indirect touching during caretaking responsibilities or other interactions with a minor or vulnerable adult that an objective person would recognize as reasonable under the circumstances.
Sexual abuse is charged as either a Class 5 felony punishable by 0.5-2.5 years in jail or a Class 3 felony punishable by 13-27 years’ imprisonment if the alleged victim is under the age of 15.
Questions? Contact Mesa Attorney Phil Hineman Today.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Mesa, Arizona, contact a lawyer immediately for legal representation. The consequences upon conviction, from years (to life) in prison and required sex offender registration, can seriously impact any future you have left, so it is critical that you work with an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights in trial. The Law Office of Phil Hineman, P.C. has decades of professional experience fighting for his clients, and he will do his best to develop an effective legal strategy to secure as favorable an outcome as possible.
Schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of Phil Hineman, P.C. online or at (928) 224-3230 to discuss your legal options in Mesa.