Sex Crimes Defense Attorney In Yuma, AZ

Sex crimes allegations are among the most serious charges you can face in Arizona. A conviction can result in decades in prison, mandatory sex offender registration and lifelong restrictions that affect where you can live, work and go. Even an accusation before any convictioncan destroy your reputation, career and relationships.

If you've been accused of a sex crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights, investigate the allegations thoroughly, and fight aggressively on your behalf. Mr. Cordova provides confidential, non-judgmental legal representation for individuals facing sex crimes charges in Yuma and throughout Arizona. We're available for emergency arrests 24/7.

Sex crimes cases are often complex, involving sensitive allegations, conflicting accounts and significant emotional weight. False accusations do happen. Misunderstandings about consent occur. Witnesses may be mistaken or have ulterior motives. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Cordova will hold them to that standard.

Sex Crimes We Defend

Arizona law defines many different types of sex offenses, each carrying different penalties and defenses. Mr. Cordova defends clients facing a wide range of sex crimes charges, including:

• Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual contact or intercourse.
• Child Molestation: Sexual conduct with a minor under 15 years old, one of the most severely punished crimes in Arizona.
• Sexual Conduct With A Minor: Sexual contact with a person between 15 and 17, with penalties depending on the age difference between the parties.
• Indecent Exposure: Exposing genitals or engaging in sexual conduct in the presence of another person without consent.
• Voyeurism: Recording or viewing another person in a private location without their knowledge or consent.
• Internet Sex Crimes: Solicitation of a minor online, distribution of child pornography, or other internet-based sex offenses.
• Sex Offender Registration Violations: Failure to comply with registration requirements, update address or notify authorities as required.
• Failure To Register As Sex Offender: Not registering when legally required to do so, a felony offense with additional prison time. Sex crimes committed on minors, depending on the victims age, carry harsher sentencing pursuant to Dangerous Crimes Against Children.

Each of these charges has specific legal elements that the prosecution must prove. Mr. Cordova will carefully analyze the allegations against you to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Why Sex Crimes Defense Requires Immediate Action

Sex crimes convictions carry devastating, lifelong consequences that go far beyond prison time:

• Prison Sentences: Many sex crimes are classified as dangerous crimes against children (DCAC) or dangerous felonies with mandatory prison sentences ranging from several years to life.
• Sex Offender Registration: Convicted sex offenders must register as a sex offender for life. Persons convicted as juveniles may be required to register until the age of 25.
• Community Notification: Law enforcement may notify your neighbors, employers and schools about your sex offender status.
• Restrictions On Employment And Housing: Many employers refuse to hire registered sex offenders, and landlords can deny housing. Certain professions are legally off-limits.
• Proximity Restrictions: Registered sex offenders are prohibited from living near schools, parks or other places where children gather.
• Social Stigma And Reputation Damage: Being labeled a sex offender carries severe social consequences that affect relationships, family and community standing.

False accusations do happen. Misunderstandings about consent, bitter divorces, custody disputes and personal vendettas can lead to false or exaggerated allegations. We investigate every case thoroughly to uncover the truth and challenge the prosecution's evidence.

Common Defenses Against Sex Crimes Charges

Sex crimes cases often come down to credibility, intent and conflicting accounts of what happened. Mr. Cordova uses a variety of defense strategies depending on the specific facts of your case:

• False Accusations: Accusers may lie for many reasons, including revenge, custody disputes, financial gain or to cover up their own behavior. We investigate the accuser's background, motives and credibility to expose false allegations.
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the wrong person is accused. Alibi evidence, witness testimony and forensic analysis can prove you weren't the person who committed the alleged offense.
• Consent: In cases involving adults, consent is a critical issue. If the alleged victim consented to the sexual contact, no crime occurred. We examine communications, witness statements and other evidence to establish consent.
• Constitutional Violations: Evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced confessions or violations of your Miranda rights may be suppressed, weakening the prosecution's case.
• Lack Of Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is insufficient, inconsistent or based solely on an uncorroborated accusation, we will challenge the case aggressively.
• Witness Credibility Challenges: Many sex crimes cases rely heavily on the accuser's testimony. We scrutinize witness statements for inconsistencies, bias and credibility issues that can create reasonable doubt.

The right defense strategy depends on the specific allegations, evidence and circumstances of your case. Mr. Cordova will review all the facts, consult with experts when necessary and build the strongest possible defense.

Thorough Investigation Is Critical

Sex crimes cases require a comprehensive investigation into the allegations and the accuser's background. Mr. Cordova works with investigators, forensic experts and other professionals to build a complete picture of what really happened.

Private Investigators can interview witnesses, gather evidence and uncover information that law enforcement may have overlooked or ignored. They can also investigate the accuser's history, social media activity and potential motives for making false accusations.

Expert Witnesses play a critical role in sex crimes cases. Forensic experts can analyze physical evidence, DNA and digital records to support your defense. Psychological experts can evaluate the credibility of witness testimony and challenge the prosecution's experts.

Digital Forensics are increasingly important in sex crimes cases, especially those involving internet activity or electronic communications. Computer forensic experts can recover deleted messages, analyze phone records and identify inconsistencies in digital evidence.

Alibi Evidence can prove you were somewhere else when the alleged crime occurred. Cell phone records, surveillance footage, credit card receipts and witness testimony can establish an alibi that makes conviction impossible.

The prosecution will conduct its own investigation, often with the resources of law enforcement and crime labs. You need a defense attorney who will conduct an equally thorough investigation to protect your rights and challenge the state's case. Learn more about Mr. Cordova's approach to defending serious charges.

Confidential And Non-Judgmental Representation

Sex crimes allegations are deeply personal and sensitive. You may feel ashamed, scared or unsure who to trust. Mr. Cordova provides confidential, non-judgmental legal representation that respects your privacy while fighting aggressively to protect your rights.

Every conversation with your attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege. What you tell your lawyer stays confidential, which means you can be completely honest about the facts of your case without fear that it will be used against you.

You have the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and a vigorous defense. Mr. Cordova treats every client with respect and dignity while pursuing the best possible outcome in their case.

If you've been contacted by law enforcement or know you're under investigation, don't speak to police without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you're trying to explain or defend yourself. Contact Mr. Cordova immediately to protect your rights and schedule a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes Defense