Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed October 18, 2021
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In Arizona, sexual assault (commonly called rape) is when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without the other person's consent.
If the sexual act does not involve one of those forms, then it falls under a different category of crime known as "sexual abuse."
Sexual assault in Arizona can include any of the following acts:
Yes, if the “victim” was under age 15, there are tougher penalties and sanctions in place including longer prison sentences including life in prison without possibility of parole or probation until after serving 35 years.
Sexual assault will land the offender in prison and likely on the Arizona Sex Offender Registry.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Arizona's sexual assault laws. See also Statutory Rape, and Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses .
| Code Sections | |
| Elements Sexual Assault | Having sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with another person without their consent. |
| Aggravated Circumstances | Date rape drug used: additional three (3) years added to sentence. If defendant caused an intentional infliction of "serious physical injury" to the victim during the crime, sentence can become 25 years to life in prison. |
| Mandatory Sex Registration? | Yes, defendant will have to register for life as a sex offender. |
| Punishment | Class two (2) felony, up to 14 years in prison. If the defendant has a prior felony sexual assault conviction up to 21 years in prison. If two (2) or more prior convictions, up to 28 years in prison. |
When does a person "lack consent?" |
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Note:State laws are constantly changing -- please contact an Arizona criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted contact any of the following resources:
Sexual assault cases in Arizona carry long jail sentences and huge fines. Not to mention the possibility of having to register as a sex offender for life. Don't go into your case unprepared. If you've been accused of a sexual assault in Arizona, contact a local sex crime attorney who knows Arizona laws and can assist you with a defense.
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