Sex Offenses Practice Center
Maricopa County Sex Crime AttorneysA conviction for a sexual assault may have serious consequences on your life. You may not only face time in jail, but you may also have to register as a sex offender. The attorneys at O. Joseph Chornenky, P.C., have defended people charged with sexual assaults in the Phoenix, Arizona area for over 30 years. To learn more about how to fight your assault charge contact an experienced Maricopa County attorney at (602) 264-3289 or fill out the attached form. O. Joseph Chornenky is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist in the State of Arizona by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. Sex Offenses - An OverviewSex offenses include a myriad of criminal sexual behaviors, ranging from prostitution to rape. If you or someone you know has been charged with committing a sex offense, it is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney to obtain the legal representation. The penalties for a sex offense conviction can be serious and life-changing, but many defenses are available. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible allows the evidence to be evaluated and witnesses to be questioned soon after the event, providing the best opportunity for a successful defense. A criminal defense attorney has the experience and skill to begin preparing your defense as soon as retained. Sex offenses include all forms of illegal sexual activity, ranging from the crime of rape, usually defined as sexual penetration without consent, to the crime of prostitution, usually defined as sex for hire. The most serious crimes involve the sexual assault of children or include physical injury. Other sex offenses include public indecency, voyeurism, prostitution, solicitation, pornography, date rape, lewd acts, pandering, pimping, statutory rape and unlawful sodomy. Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory RapeUnwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as "sexual abuse" or "sexual assault." A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a nonlegal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals found guilty of these sex crimes. Prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation. Victimless Sex OffensesA victimless crime, sometimes termed a consensual crime, a crime without victims, or a complainantless crime, is a "crime that is considered to have no direct victim, usually because only consenting adults are involved." Black's Law Dictionary. State laws regarding victimless sex offenses vary greatly, but state statutes typically address victimless sex offenses such as prostitution, pandering, solicitation, indecent exposure and illegal possession of pornography. The penalties for victimless sex offenses, such as solicitation of a minor or child pornography, are severe; often involving felony convictions, jail or prison time, sexual offender treatment programs and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. For other offenses such as indecent exposure, the penalties are generally less severe; they range from fines and community service to felony charges and incarceration. If you have been arrested for a victimless sex offense, contact a law firm immediately to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who can clearly explain your rights and options. Sex Offender RegistryAll states require sex offender registration of some kind. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their address with law enforcement. Sex offenders must also send updates whenever he or she changes address and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail, or more frequently if deemed a violent predator. States have different requirements regarding what offenses require registration and for what period of time. Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those to commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact a knowledgeable attorney from our firm for help and advice. False AllegationsFalse allegations may occur, most often in child sex abuse situations. A child's allegation may have been influenced by an adult or the child may have based his or her accusation on an overactive imagination. Public awareness of child abuse has increased, and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. In addition, even good-faith accusations may not be true and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, a criminal defense firm can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.
This page is a general reference to answer some of your concerns about an assault charge. Charges of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault are serious. It is helpful to have the advice of an attorney. The Phoenix lawyers at O. Joseph Chornenky, P.C., have represented countless people like you. To speak to an attorney about your charges, fill out the attached form. Our Phoenix sex crimes attorneys are available for large-scale cases throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tucson, Peoria, East Valley, Flagstaff, and more. For smaller-scale cases, we prefer to work with clients from Phoenix, Yavapai, and Maricopa Counties. O. Joseph Chornenky, P.C. |
