What is the Age of Consent in Arizona?
In Arizona, the age of consent determines when an individual is legally capable of consenting to sexual activities. For potential defendants, understanding this law is essential. Engaging in a relationship without being fully aware of these regulations can lead to severe legal consequences.
Navigating the complexities of consent laws is essential for anyone involved in romantic or intimate relationships, especially in Arizona, where the statutes are particularly stringent. So, what’s the age of consent in Arizona? The age of consent in AZ is 18 years old. This means that individuals under the age of 18 are legally not able to consent to sexual activity.
Statutory Rape Charges
Engaging in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18 in Arizona can lead to serious criminal charges, including statutory rape (referred to as “sexual conduct with a minor” under Arizona law). Sexual conduct with a minor is classified as a felony in Arizona. The severity of the felony (class 2, 3, or 6) depends on the ages of the defendant and the minor.
If the minor is under 15 years old, it is a class 2 felony and is classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC), carrying 13 to 27 years in prison. If the minor is older than 15, it carries up to 2 years in prison for a first offense.
A conviction also requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, leading to long-term monitoring and restrictions.
Other Arizona Age of Consent Laws
There are other crimes besides statutory rape that can be charged in some situations as well, carrying significant consequences. These include sexual abuse charges and child molestation charges.
Sexual Abuse Charges
Sexual abuse involves intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact under specific circumstances. If the minor is 15 years or older, it’s considered sexual abuse, and is a class 5 felony. This carries up to 1.5 years in prison for a first offense. If the victim is under 15, and the sexual contact involves only touching the female breast, it’s considered a class 3 felony and is classified as a DCAC. This charge carries between 5 and 15 years in prison for a first-time offense.
Child Molestation Charges
Child molestation in Arizona refers to any non-penetrative sexual contact between an adult and a child under 14 years old. Examples include touching or fondling the child in a sexual manner. Child molestation is typically charged as a Class 2 felony in Arizona and is also categorized as a DCAC offense. If convicted, this charge carries between 13 and 27 years in prison for a first offense. Sex offender registration is required as well.
Offenses that violate the age of consent–as well as actual consent–in Arizona are considered incredibly serious. If you find yourself charged with any of these crimes, it’s critical to contact a sex crimes attorney as soon as possible.
Romeo and Juliet Law in Arizona
The Romeo and Juliet law, also known as the close-in-age exemption, is designed to protect young individuals who engage in consensual sexual activity from harsh criminal charges. This law acknowledges that teenagers may engage in relationships with peers close to their own age and aims to prevent the unjust criminalization of these consensual relationships while still protecting minors from exploitation.
To qualify for the Romeo and Juliet exemption in Arizona, the following conditions must be met:
- The minor involved must be 15, 16, or 17 years old
- The defendant must be under 19 years old or still attending high school
- There must be no more than a 2 year age difference between the defendant and the minor
- The sexual activity must be consensual between both parties
The Romeo and Juliet law serves as an affirmative defense in court. This means that the defendant has the responsibility to prove that all the required conditions of the exemption are satisfied. If successful, this defense can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
Contact an Experienced Tucson Sex Crimes Lawyer at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help
There are other possible defenses to sex charges involving a minor, and the best way to determine a viable defense is to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
For more information, contact the Tucson sex crimes attorneys at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation.
Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 510-0439