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Indecency With a Child

Being accused of indecency with a child is an extremely serious matter with immediate and far-reaching consequences in Phoenix, Arizona. The experience is both stressful and overwhelming, often leaving people scared about their reputations, their rights, and even their freedom. 

If you need help with a criminal matter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Orent Law Offices. Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyer is familiar with these cases and is committed to helping you defend yourself. 

Arizona treats these allegations aggressively, with prosecutors and law enforcement trained to take quick and aggressive action. Defendants may struggle to know what to say or do, but fortunately, help is available. 

Schedule a free consultation at (480) 656-7301 with our Phoenix indecency with a child defense lawyer today.

Why Hire Orent Law Offices If You’re Arrested for Indecency With a Child in Phoenix, AZ?

Being charged with indecency with a child is deeply stressful and confusing, and navigating the law in Phoenix, AZ, on your own is almost impossible. Orent Law Offices offers tireless support from day one for all defendants. 

Here’s why our clients choose Attorney Craig Oren:

• Over 34 years of direct courtroom and negotiation experience 
• Won not-guilty verdicts on many charges, including first-degree murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping
• Recognized and distinguished as a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, Nation’s Top One Percent Attorneys – National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers – The American Society of Legal Advocates, and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Attorneys

When you reach out to us for help with charges, we take your case seriously from the very start. We know how scary this situation is and what the stakes are. Contact our sex crimes attorney in Phoenix today to start building your defense.

Overview of Indecency With a Child in Arizona

Under Arizona law, two crimes specifically relate to public indecency with a child.  

Indecent Exposure Involving Minors  

Arizona law defines indecent exposure as displaying private body parts, specifically the genitals or anus, or, in the case of a woman, the areola or nipple, in front of others. 

The legal standard centers on whether the person exposed themselves in a way that a reasonable person might find alarming or offensive, with “recklessness” as the measurement of intent. When minors are present during the exposure, penalties are much steeper, and criminal classification is higher.

Public Sexual Indecency to a Minor 

Public sexual indecency criminalizes sexual touching, oral sexual contact, intercourse, or even acts involving animals if done in front of others. The law prescribes even more severe penalties if the audience includes a child under the age of 15. 

You can be charged with this for intentionally doing one of the specified acts while knowing or ignoring that a minor is watching, and failing to take steps to prevent alarm or offense.

What Are the Penalties for a Conviction for Indecency With a Child in Arizona?

Penalties for indecency offenses involving minors in Arizona can be severe, and sentencing will depend heavily on the specific circumstances, any prior convictions, and the age of the child involved. It could also depend on whether you were charged with other crimes, such as child endangerment, whether you are convicted, or take a plea.

Penalties for Indecent Exposure Involving a Minor Under 15 

Indecent exposure in front of someone under 15 is a Class 6 felony, regardless of your past record. The presumptive sentence is 1 year in prison. 

A judge can reduce the sentence to 4 months or increase it up to 2 years, depending on the facts of the case and any aggravating or mitigating factors. 

Penalties for Public Sexual Indecency to a Minor 

Public sexual indecency to a minor is treated more harshly. It is classified as a Class 5 felony with possible sentences ranging from 6 months to 2.5 years in prison for a first-time conviction. 

Repeat Felony Offenders (Sentence Enhancement)

If a person already has two or more prior felony convictions for either public sexual indecency or indecent exposure (involving a minor under 15), the subsequent conviction can be charged as a Class 3 felony. This comes with mandatory state prison sentences ranging from 6 years to 15 years. 

For sex charges involving minors in Arizona, legal consequences are severe, so always speak with a lawyer if you’re facing this situation.

What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Indecency With a Child? 

Being accused of indecency with a child in Arizona is serious, and it’s important to choose the right defense.

Your lawyer may decide to raise: 

• Lack of Intent or Recklessness: You did not intend or act recklessly to offend or alarm another person, especially a child. 
• No Statutory “Exposure” or “Sexual Act” Occurred: The actions described did not legally count as exposure under state law or did not involve sexual conduct as required for the charge. 
• Mistaken Identity/False Accusations: You were not the person who committed the act, or someone made an accusation against you that was false or motivated by personal reasons. 
• The Other Person Could Not Reasonably Be Offended or Alarmed: The situation was such that a reasonable person (or a minor) would not be likely to experience offense or alarm, which Arizona law requires for conviction. 

Every allegation and arrest comes with its own facts. It’s important to have an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney review the evidence and defend your rights through each stage of the process. 

​Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Phoenix Indecency With a Child Defense Attorney Today

Allegations of indecency with a child demand focused and informed representation at every stage. A conviction can permanently impact where you live, work, and the life you hope to build.

Having a lawyer who understands these charges and builds a reliable defense makes a significant difference for anyone facing this situation. Don’t wait; contact Orent Law Offices today. Taking immediate action allows your attorney to review evidence and more effectively advocate for you from the start.

Call us now to schedule a free case evaluation with our Phoenix indecency with a child defense lawyer.