39 - What is the difference between Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Sexual Abuse?

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1401 and 13-1405, defines the crime of Sexual Conduct with a Minor. A person commits Sexual Conduct with a Minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under eighteen years of age. "Sexual intercourse" means penetration into the penis, vulva or anus by any part of the body or by any object or masturbatory contact with the penis or vulva. “Oral sexual contact" means oral contact with the penis, vulva or anus.

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1401 and 13-1404, defines the crime of Sexual Abuse. A person commits Sexual Abuse by intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with any person who is fifteen or more years of age without consent of that person or with any person who is under fifteen years of age if the sexual contact involves only the female breast. "Sexual contact" means any direct or indirect touching, fondling or manipulating of any part of the genitals, anus or female breast by any part of the body or by any object or causing a person to engage in such contact.

If a victim is a female, under the age of 15, and the contact involves touching of the female breast, the offense is considered to be Sexual Abuse DCAC.

If the victim is male or female, under the age of 18 and the contact involves sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact, the offense is considered Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

If the victim is male or female, under the age of 15 and the contact involves any direct or indirect touching, fondling or manipulating of any part of the genitals, anus, the offense is considered to be Molestation of a Child.

If the victim is female, 15 years of age or older and the contact involves touching of the female breast, the offense is considered to be Sexual Abuse.

If the victim is male or female, 15 years of age or older and the contact involves any direct or indirect touching, fondling or manipulating of any part of the genitals or anus, the offense is considered to be Sexual Abuse.

If the victim is male or female, under the age or 18, and the contact involves masturbatory contact, or contact, or penetration of the vulva, anus or penis with any object, the offense is considered Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

FAQ - Sex Crime Charges in Arizona