Facing an accusation of sexual assault on a college campus can be one of the most stressful experiences a student and family will ever face. The process moves quickly, and the impact of early mistakes can last a lifetime. At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, Michelle Skura, Esq. leads a team dedicated to defending students accused of serious campus-related sex crimes.
Many parents believe that a campus investigation is separate from the criminal justice system. This misunderstanding can lead to devastating results. Campus police are not school monitors or student advisors. They are certified law enforcement officers who have the authority to investigate crimes, collect evidence, and refer their findings to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Students often believe that speaking to campus police is an informal step intended to clear up a misunderstanding. In reality, what a student says during those conversations can be used against them in both campus disciplinary hearings and, more importantly, criminal court.
Campus police are certified peace officers under Arizona law. They work closely with local police departments and prosecutors. Statements made during an interview, even if meant to be helpful, can later appear in police reports or court documents.
If your child is accused of a sexual offense, they should never speak with campus police, investigators, or university staff without first consulting an Arizona sex crime defense attorney.
The initial days after an accusation are very important. The response of the student who has been accused during this critical period often decides the case and influences the options for the defense strategy.
Each year, nearly two dozen sexual assault reports are investigated on Arizona’s major college campuses, including Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. Some of these allegations lead to student disciplinary hearings, while others result in full criminal investigations by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office or local police.
What many parents do not realize is that students accused of sexual assault are far more common than most people think. Allegations often arise from misunderstandings, mixed messages, or situations involving alcohol and blurred consent. Even if your son or daughter insists they did nothing wrong, they may still face the full force of a campus and criminal investigation. Unfortunately, being innocent is not always enough for a strong defense.
You are not alone. Dozens of Arizona students each year find themselves suddenly accused, isolated, and unsure where to turn. At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, we help parents and students protect their rights from the very first moment of the investigation.
An accusation that begins on a college campus can quickly evolve into a full criminal investigation. Arizona treats sex-related offenses with extreme seriousness. Our office routinely defends students accused of the following crimes:
| Statute | Offense Name | Definition / Severity |
| ARS § 13-1406 | Sexual Assault | Intentionally engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without that person’s consent. Classified as a Class 2 Felony carrying mandatory prison time. |
| ARS § 13-1404 | Sexual Abuse | Engaging in intentional sexual contact without consent, involving acts short of penetration. Generally a Class 5 Felony, or Class 3 Felony if the victim is under 15 years old. |
| ARS § 13-1405 | Sexual Conduct with a Minor | Engaging in sexual intercourse or contact with a person under the age of 18, regardless of consent. If the minor is under 15, it is a Class 2 Felony with mandatory prison. |
| ARS § 13-3553 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor | Involves the possession, creation, or distribution of visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. Classified as a Class 2 Felony with mandatory prison and sex offender registration; each image can be charged separately. |
| ARS § 13-1424 / ARS § 13-3019 | Voyeurism / Surreptitious Recording | Felony charges apply when a person under 18 is knowingly recorded or viewed in a private setting such as a dorm room or restroom. Depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim, these offenses are typically Class 4 or Class 5 Felonies. |
These are not minor accusations. Each carries potential prison time, registration as a sex offender, and lifelong consequences.
An accusation on a college campus often triggers two separate processes. One is handled by the university. The other is handled by Arizona law enforcement. Both require careful attention and a coordinated defense strategy.
| Process | Goal | Standard of Proof | Potential Consequences |
| Arizona Criminal Court | Determines guilt for a felony sex crime under Arizona law. | The highest legal standard, beyond a reasonable doubt. | Prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and loss of civil rights. |
| Title IX Campus Hearing | Determines whether the school’s sexual misconduct policy was violated. | Preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard. | Suspension, expulsion, or a permanent mark on the academic record, and most significantly, it can be used in the criminal case. |
The criminal investigation and any resulting prosecution carry the greatest risk to liberty and long-term consequences. While college attendance may feel like the immediate concern, it should never outweigh the need to protect the criminal defense. Participation in a Title IX process must be managed so that no statement or evidence harms the criminal case. Among the strategies this encompasses are limiting interviews, conducting all communications through the attorney, and any campus response being made in consideration of the criminal approach.
Are campus police real police officers?
Yes. Campus police at Arizona State University and other Arizona campuses are certified peace officers with full authority to investigate, detain, and make arrests. They work directly with city and county law enforcement agencies.
If my child talks to campus police, can that information be used in a criminal case?
Yes. Anything a student says to campus police or Title IX investigators can be used later in criminal proceedings. Even seemingly harmless conversations can become damaging evidence.
Is a Title IX investigation the same as a criminal case?
No. Title IX is a school-based process that determines whether the university’s sexual misconduct policy was violated. A criminal case is separate and handled by law enforcement and prosecutors. Both can occur at the same time.
Can my student be expelled even if no criminal charges are filed?
Yes. Campus hearings use a lower standard of proof than criminal courts, which means a student may face disciplinary action even without a conviction.
What should my child do immediately after being accused?
Remain calm and avoid speaking with investigators, college staff, or even fellow students until you have legal representation. Contact a defense attorney experienced in campus sexual assault defense right away.
Do we need a lawyer if it is only a campus hearing?
Yes. Statements made in a campus hearing can later be shared with law enforcement. Having an attorney ensures that your student’s rights and future are protected.
Can campus police search my student’s dorm or electronic devices?
They can if they have probable cause or a valid warrant. The same constitutional protections apply on campus as they do off campus. Any unlawful search can be challenged in court.
What are the penalties if my student is convicted of sexual assault in Arizona?
Sexual assault is a Class 2 felony under Arizona law. It carries mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.
What if the alleged victim withdraws their complaint?
Even if the alleged victim decides not to move forward, the case may still continue. Once a report is filed, the university and the prosecutor’s office can review electronic or physical evidence and decide whether to proceed. This is why it is critical to have legal representation from the beginning.
Why should we choose Michelle Skura and VS Criminal Defense Attorneys?
Michelle Skura focuses exclusively on sex crime defense in Arizona. She holds a considerable amount of experience advocating for students charged with sexual misconduct not only at ASU but also at several other colleges throughout the state. Her office provides strong advocacy and compassionate guidance for both students and parents.
How soon should we contact a lawyer?
Immediately. Early legal intervention is the most effective way to prevent charges, preserve rights, and influence the direction of the case. Beginning with Pre-Charge and Pre-Indictment Representation gives your student the best opportunity to manage the investigation before formal charges are filed.
Michelle Skura, Esq. and her team focus exclusively on criminal defense and have represented numerous students facing serious campus sex crime allegations throughout Arizona.
We know how to:
We also work directly with students and parents to explain each stage of the process and to reduce the stress and confusion that accompany these cases.
An accusation of sexual assault on campus can permanently alter a student’s life. A single mistake or misunderstanding can result in criminal charges, expulsion, and a damaged reputation.
If your child is facing a campus sex crime accusation at ASU, GCU, the University of Arizona, or another Arizona university, contact VS Criminal Defense Attorneys immediately. Michelle Skura, Esq. will provide confidential guidance, protect your student’s rights, and begin building the strongest defense possible.
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