Flagstaff Attorney Assists Individuals Accused of Sexual Offenses

Aggressive Arizona defense lawyer helps clients fight serious sex crime charges

Regardless of whether the allegation is true or not, any sex crime charge needs to be taken seriously. At the Law Office of Matthew J. Poirier PLLC in Flagstaff, I have served Arizona clients for more than 15 years and know how to safeguard the rights of clients while identifying weaknesses in the cases brought by prosecutors. Whether you’ve been accused of sexual assault, improper contact with a child or another offense of a sexual nature, you can rely on me for the skillful, steadfast advocacy that every defendant is entitled to under the law.  

Firm advises on cases relating to sexual assault, harassment and trafficking claims

My firm represents Arizonans who have been accused of various types of sex crimes, such as:

• Sexual assault — Arizona’s law against rape includes both nonconsensual intercourse and oral sexual contact. This is a Class 2 felony, along with sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15. 
• Child molestation — Engaging in sexual contact with someone under 15 is considered molestation of a child, even if skin-to-skin contact does not take place. 
• Harassment — Stalking, sexual comments and other conduct that would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, humiliated or mentally distressed constitutes criminal harassment under Arizona law.  
• Human trafficking — Using force, deception or threats to transport someone with the intent that they will engage in prostitution or a sexually explicit performance violates the statute against human trafficking.   

For cases involving these alleged sexual offenses and others, it is critical to have a seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side to push back against suspect evidence and unsupported accusations. Penalties for sex crimes under Arizona law

Several of the most serious sex crime charges are Class 2 felonies under Arizona law, which are punishable by prison terms typically running from seven to 21 years for first offenders. Incarceration can be even longer for defendants with a prior conviction or those whose offense is considered a dangerous crime against a child. Crimes such as indecent exposure and public sexual indecency are usually Class 1 misdemeanors, which carry a maximum six-moth jail term, but felony counts can be brought when the victim is under 15 years old. Convictions for sex crimes also result in placement on the state’s Sex Offender Registry which puts individuals on a public database and requires them to register with the sheriff if they are staying in a county for at least 72 hours. 

Experienced attorney creates through defense strategies

Countering a sex crime allegation can be different than defending against another type of charge. The stigma associated with these offenses often puts accused individuals in a difficult position, even if the claims against them have no merit. It is extremely important to have a seasoned criminal defense advocate fighting for your rights and reputation at every stage the legal process. Some assault cases can be defeated by demonstrating the consent of the accuser, while claims involving illicit material sometimes are based on a defendant’s mistake or the misinterpretation of online activity. 

Protecting the rights of people charged with sexual misconduct 

Nothing should stand in the way of your fundamental due process rights. Defendants in sex crime cases sometimes are intimidated by the criminal justice system and the potential consequences that they face so they agree to a guilty plea just to get the matter over with. You should not make an important decision like this without speaking with qualified legal counsel. I will assert your rights against the authorities and help you understand the nature of the charges, so you can proceed with confidence. 

Confidential consultations for Arizonans facing sex crime allegations

My firm is committed to helping Arizona clients tackle the toughest legal challenges and obtaining results that put them in the best possible position to move forward with their lives. You can rely on me to maintain the strictest confidentiality from your first consultation through the very end of your case. I know how even close friends, family members and colleagues frequently turn against someone charged with a crime of a sexual nature, but I will stand with you no matter what the specific allegations entail.  

Contact a Flagstaff defense lawyer if you’ve been accused of a sex crime

The Law Office of Matthew J. Poirier PLLC provides defense representation for northern Arizona residents who have been charged with sexual offenses. For a free consultation, please call 928-222-2803 or contact me online. My office is in Flagstaff.