Mesa Sex Crime Lawyer

Charged with a Sex Crime?

A variety of offenses are categorized as sex crimes, ranging from prostitution offenses, to sexual assault cases, and sexual misconduct with a minor. The penalties can vary significantly depending on the severity of the offense and can range anywhere from probation to life imprisonment. A conviction can be a life-changing event, so it is critical to retain an experienced Mesa criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities in such cases, as well as the possible range of penalties. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney, having handled criminal cases at all stages of the criminal process and varying in complexity from simple misdemeanor to serious and complex felony cases. He is well versed in criminal law, having earned his law degree (J.D.) from California Western School of Law, where his academic concentration was in criminal litigation. He subsequently gained invaluable trial experience while serving with the Public Defender's Office in both Mohave and Maricopa County, and the past several years in private practice. Mr. Buckallew continuously broadens his knowledge in the complex and ever changing practice of criminal law and is an active member in several criminal defense organizations, including The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NADCL), Arizona Attorneys fro Criminal Justice (AACJ), and The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The Firm will work diligently to defend you against the serious charges you are facing and help you navigate through our often-complicated criminal justice system.

Defending Sex Crimes in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & the Entire East Valley

Allegations of sex offenses can vary, including (but not limited to) the following:

Child molestation: Generally described as intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing a person to engage in sexual contact with a child under the age of 15. Molestation is a class 2 felony.

Sexual abuse: Typically occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact with an individual 15 years of age or older without the person’s consent and is a class 5 felony. If the victim is under 15 years old, it is a class 3 felony DCAC – “ Dangerous Crime Against a Child”.

Sexual assault: Classified as someone intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any individual without his or her consent. Sexual assault is a class 2 felony and if convicted, the minimum sentence is 5.25 years (7 years with one prior felony conviction and 14 years with 2 or more prior felony convictions). If the sexual assault involved serious physical injury, the person can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sexual conduct with a minor: Generally defined as someone intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under 18 years of age. Sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 is a class 2 felony, unless the person is the minor’s parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian or foster parent, which makes matters worse. Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least 15 years old is a class 6 felony.

If you are facing any type of sex-related offense, contact a Mesa criminal defense lawyer today for a free evaluation of your case.