Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arizona

This is the situation, a 15 year old girl, who is under the custody of CPS(child protective service) because she keeps running away from, had consensual sex with a 22 year old boy.

Now, CPS may want to prosecute for statutory rape, what would be the best advice from a lawyers perspective?

If no advice is allowed to be given, what are some known ways to protect the boy and represent him in the best way possible if he is not able to pay for an attorney?

Also, would a personally contracted lawyer or a state awarded lawyer best represent the boy in court?

All these questions are specifically for the state of AZ.


Asked on 11/18/14, 10:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

This is a serious matter as the 22 year old is an adult and by law a 15 year old is incapable of giving consent. A conviction could lead to mandatory prison. If the accused is indigent the court will appoint a lawyer but he is always free to hire an attorney. One cannot say which would be a better representative without comparing skill and experience.

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Answered on 11/19/14, 7:27 am


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