14 Jun Dangerous Crimes Against Children Have Harsher Consequences
Crimes against children have extremely harsh consequences under Arizona law. In fact, prison sentences for a conviction can range anywhere from 2.5 up to 111 years!
If that seems like a big leap, it is. These charges are complicated. They change depending on the number of previous convictions, the details of the crimes, and several other factors. We will try to explain this law in layman’s terms as best as we can.
What Are Dangerous Crimes Against Children?
According to the Arizona penal code, any dangerous crime against children is a felony. If the victim is a minor who is under the age of 15, and the defendant is over the age of 18, this charge applies. Dangerous crimes can cover many different types of actions, but they often involve physical or sexual abuse.
Incarceration for Dangerous Crimes Against a Child
| Crimes | Minimum to maximum allowed sentences | Minimums and Maximums with one other felony conviction on record |
|
– Sexual abuse – Forced bestiality on a child |
2.5 years – 7.5 years |
8 years – 22 years |
|
– Luring a minor – Sexual extortion – Unlawful age misrepresentation |
5 years – 15 years |
8 years – 22 years |
|
– Unlawful mutilation – Molestation of a child – Sexual exploitation of a minor over 15 – Aggravated luring of a minor – Child abuse – Kidnapping |
10 years – 24 years |
21 years – 35 years |
|
– Attempted first-degree murder / sexual assault / sexual conduct – The manufacturing of methamphetamines, which causes physical injuries to a minor – Taking a child for prostitution or child sexual contact Sexual exploitation of a minor under 15 |
13 years – 27 years |
23 years – 37 years |
|
– Second-degree murder of a minor under 15 years |
25 years – 35 years |
|
|
Continuous sexual abuse of a child |
39 years – 81 years |
69 years – 111 years |
There are several notable exceptions to the above sentences:
- If the minor is under 12, you will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, parole, pardon, or any type of release until you have served either 35 years or a predetermined amount of your sentence.
- The sentence is changed to natural life in prison without possibility of parole if you have already been convicted of a dangerous crime against children and are now facing another conviction for:
- Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor
- Child sex trafficking
- Sexual assault or sexual conduct with a minor 12 years or younger.
Wait… Are The Punishments Worse for Crimes Against Children?
Yes! There are several crimes listed above that have different maximums and minimums when committed against adults.
- Sexual abuse – 6-month minimum and up to 5 years for 3 or more offences.
- Sexual extortion – Sees a minimum of 2 years in prison with up to 8 years for 3 or more offences.
- Molestation/assault – When committed against an adult, punishments usually include probation or 30 days in county jail, and a $500 fine for first-time offenders. Multiple offenders may face up to 6 months in county jail, or their charge may shift classes.
- Kidnapping – These change depending on the condition of the victim and the manner in which they were released. But range from 1 year to 21 years in prison.
- Manufacturing of methamphetamines – Minimum of 3 years to a maximum of 12.5 years in prison.
As you can see, when committed against an adult, the minimums and maximum allowable sentences are much shorter. They also allow the possibility of probation and parole, which are not typically possible in the case of a dangerous crime against children.
Facing Felony Charges in Phoenix? You Need a Certified Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with dangerous crimes against children, you need strong legal representation to ensure that your rights are upheld and you aren’t convicted for a crime you didn’t commit. Only a certified criminal attorney has the experience it takes to defend cases like these.
If you need a defense attorney in Phoenix or Scottsdale, contact Coolidge Law today to request a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/14/2026). Photo by mali desha on Unsplash