Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse Attorney in Phoenix

Individualized Defense for an Arizona Sexual Abuse Charge

A sexual abuse accusation requires a defense built around the specific allegation, available evidence, and elements prosecutors must prove. At Faussette & Faussette, PLLC, we represent Phoenix clients facing charges under Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1404. We examine the facts of each sex crime case individually.

Our attorneys share more than 30 years of combined legal experience. We listen carefully to your account, explain your legal options and potential outcomes, and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances. Clear communication helps you understand the immediate decisions and the path through the criminal process.

Request a free 15-minute initial consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer in Phoenix. Call (602) 905-2833 to discuss an in-office or virtual consultation.

How Arizona Defines Sexual Abuse Under ARS 13-1404

The statute generally applies when someone intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact with a person who is 15 or older without that person’s consent. When the person is under 15, it applies when the alleged contact involves only the female breast. Because sexual contact is a defined legal concept, the nature and location of the alleged conduct matter.

Sexual abuse is distinct from sexual assault under ARS 13-1406, sexual conduct with a minor under ARS 13-1405, and public sexual indecency under ARS 13-1403. The applicable charge depends on the alleged conduct, the ages involved, and other case-specific facts. Arizona law also includes this offense within its statutory definition of child abuse.

Consent may be a central factual issue, but it isn’t available as a defense in every case. Under ARS 13-1404(B), consent isn’t a defense when the other person is 15, 16, or 17 and the accused held a position of trust. Determining whether that limitation applies requires careful attention to the alleged relationship and conduct.

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Why Choose Faussette & Faussette, PLLC?

Client-Focused Representation
Every case begins with understanding your unique circumstances, allowing the firm to build personalized legal strategies that protect your interests.
Honest & Transparent Communication
Clients receive clear guidance, straightforward answers, and regular updates so they can make informed decisions throughout their case.
Aggressive When It Matters Most
Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, the firm stands up for clients' rights and pursues the best possible outcome.
Experienced Legal Advocacy
With nearly a decade of experience, Faussette & Faussette provides knowledgeable representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters.

Our Sexual Abuse Defense Process in Phoenix

We begin with a free 15-minute initial consultation for sex crime cases, available in-office or virtually. This conversation allows us to hear the circumstances, identify immediate concerns, and explain possible next steps without assuming that an accusation establishes guilt.

Investigation & Evidence Review

We review police reports and investigative records to understand what law enforcement gathered, how the investigation developed, and whether the records support the alleged offense. We also examine witness statements for inconsistencies, credibility concerns, and corroboration from other sources.

Digital evidence may include messages, social media activity, photographs, videos, or device records. Forensic and DNA evidence require attention to relevance, collection methods, testing, and the connection between a scientific finding and the alleged conduct. The existence of evidence doesn’t resolve what it proves or whether it was handled properly.

Constitutional Review & Case Strategy

We examine whether searches, seizures, questioning, or other investigative steps violated constitutional protections. When evidence was improperly obtained, we can challenge its use through the appropriate legal process.

We develop a strategy based on the charge, evidence, client’s priorities, and procedural posture of the case. This may include negotiating with prosecutors and preparing a trial defense when appropriate. Throughout the case, we explain the available paths so the client can make informed decisions.

Felony Classifications & Potential Consequences

Under ARS 13-1404(C), sexual abuse is generally a Class 5 felony. It becomes a Class 3 felony when the alleged victim is under 15, with punishment governed by ARS 13-705. The specific exposure depends on the allegations, evidence, criminal history, filed charge, and ultimate case disposition.

Potential criminal and collateral consequences may include:

A felony conviction and permanent criminal record
A prison sentence, fines, and court costs
Treatment requirements
Employment restrictions and professional licensing consequences
Family law or child custody consequences

Sex offender registration obligations can involve reporting address changes, updating personal information, and maintaining ongoing compliance. Failure to meet an applicable requirement can result in additional criminal charges. Because registration and sentencing depend on the conviction and surrounding circumstances, we provide case-specific explanations rather than assuming every accusation carries the same consequences.

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Hear about our clients experience with us

"Thank you, Jacob. I appreciate you so much."
Jacob represented me while I was in custody and I was doing very bad at that time in my life. I just wanted to thank him for everything he did for me. I was a mess during that time in my life and because he helped give me a second (third actually) chance I got my life together. I went to rehab and am complying with my probation and am now working towards getting certified as a behavioral tech so I can help others that need the help I needed. Thank you, Jacob. I appreciate you so much.

- Arelia B.
"Got my entire case diverted and won’t even show up on my record."
Nick Faussette was incredibly competent and amazingly attentive from the very start.

- Ross M.
"Communicative, honest, pragmatic and highly competent attorneys."
Assess your situation grounded in the law to create a comprehensive strategy to provide the best possible outcome.

- CC
"Her representation was thorough and well prepared."
She is overjoyed, relieved and pleasantly surprised with the simplicity and swiftness.

- James M.
"They've done amazing and incredibly outstanding job."
If I had a way for giving Jacob Faussette 100 stars, I could have done so, but since 5 is the highest, then he deserves all of them.

- Satisfied Client
"I would not hesitate to work with him."
He did such an amazing job and really helped my family.

- Ketsia A.
"Jacob Faussette is the best lawyer ever"
I would recommend anyone to have Jacob fight for your justice.

- Julienne B.
"I'm 100% satisfied!"
Jacob was assigned my case by the public defender's office but worked my case as if I paid him $20,000.

- Gary G.

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Understand the Charge & Your Options

A focused consultation can clarify the allegation, the applicable Arizona statute, and the decisions ahead. We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation for sex crime cases, available in-office or virtually.

Bring any charging documents, release conditions, or investigator communications available to you. We’ll listen to your account and explain how an individualized review may proceed.

Call (602) 905-2833 or use our contact form to request a consultation with a sexual abuse attorney serving Phoenix.

Defense Issues That Require Close Examination

No single defense applies to every sexual abuse case. A meaningful analysis tests whether reliable evidence supports each element prosecutors must establish, including the required mental state, age-related facts, alleged contact, and lack of consent where relevant.

Important areas for review can include:

Consistency: Whether accounts changed over time or conflict with documented events
Credibility: Whether statements contain weaknesses that affect their reliability
Corroboration: Whether independent records or witnesses support a material allegation
Scientific evidence: Whether forensic or DNA evidence was properly collected and is relevant to the disputed conduct
Digital records: Whether messages, media, or device data are complete, authentic, and presented in context
Constitutional issues: Whether investigators obtained statements or evidence in violation of protected rights

Consent questions also require precise statutory analysis. When the other person is 15, 16, or 17, the claimed relationship and any alleged position of trust can determine whether Arizona law permits consent to be raised as a defense.

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Your Defense is our priority

At Faussette & Faussette, PLLC, we're always ready to take your calls. Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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