Being accused of a felony sex crime in Arizona is among the most serious and life-changing events a person can face. Beyond the emotional stress, one of the first questions clients ask is: “How long will my case take?”
The answer depends largely on the quality of the defense. At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are deliberate in our approach. We do not rush to a quick resolution because the stakes are too high. Most felony sex crime cases we handle resolve somewhere between nine and eighteen months, which reflects the time needed to build the best possible defense for each client’s unique situation.
In cases that require more extensive preparation, we may submit a motion to the court requesting a Complex Case designation. Once approved, this allows the court to extend the timeline the 150-180 days afforded under the Rules of Criminal Procedure so that every piece of evidence can be examined and each expert properly consulted before the case is resolved.
Sex crime cases are not slow simply because the system moves slowly. They take time because effective defense takes work. Building a compelling case requires extensive review, investigation, and collaboration with experts whose reputations are well established and whose schedules are often booked months in advance.
Timelines can also vary depending on the specific charge. Whether the case involves allegations of sexual assault, rape, luring of a minor, or another felony sex crime, each requires a detailed forensic review and expert testimony to challenge the evidence.
Common reasons these cases require additional time include:
Although no two cases are identical, the following timeline outlines the general stages of a felony sex crime case in Arizona and how long each phase may last.
| Stage | Average Duration | What Happens During This Stage |
| Days to several years | Law enforcement investigates and collects evidence. An attorney can intervene to shape the outcome or prevent charges. | |
| Within 24 hours after arrest | The defendant appears before a judge, who confirms identity, states the allegations, sets release conditions, and schedules the next hearing. | |
| Arraignment | About 10–20 days after charges are filed | The court formally presents the charges, the defendant enters a plea (usually not guilty), counsel is confirmed, and future court dates are set. |
| Discovery Phase | 3–9+ months | The prosecution and defense exchange police reports, lab results, digital data, interviews, and expert evaluations. This is usually the longest phase. |
| Plea Negotiations & Hearings | Several months | Once discovery is complete, the defense and prosecution may negotiate a plea. Pre-trial conferences or hearings are scheduled. |
| Trial Preparation & Trial | 6–12+ months after arraignment (longer if complex) | The defense prepares witnesses, files motions, and coordinates expert testimony. Procedural deadlines may be extended if the case is designated complex. |
| Sentencing | 30-60days after plea is entered into record or a jury returns a verdict | The court reviews mitigation materials, pre-sentence reports, and victim statements before determining a sentence. |
While every case is unique, these stages generally apply to most felony sex crime charges in Arizona, including cases involving sexual assault, child exploitation, and internet sex crimes.
Average total time: For most felony sex crime cases, a realistic timeframe is about nine to eighteen months from the point when the case is formally filed until resolution. Cases designated as complex may take longer.
Arizona voters approved Proposition 313, which requires a natural life sentence without the possibility of parole or release for anyone convicted of child sex trafficking under A.R.S. 13-3212. With consequences this severe, it is reasonable for a defense team to request a Complex Case designation and to spend up to two years on a case when multiple expert witnesses, complex forensics, or contested legal issues are involved. Similar to other serious offenses such as sexual assault or exploitation of a minor, these cases demand in-depth analysis and coordinated defense preparation.
The stress of waiting is entirely understandable when you are facing felony sex crime charges, but speed is rarely a friend to the defense. Additional time allows the defense to uncover inconsistencies in statements and reports, analyze forensic work for errors or overstatements, obtain second opinions from qualified experts, and develop a robust mitigation profile that can influence offers and sentencing.
Quick resolutions often favor the prosecution, not the accused. Rushing can mean evidence is not fully investigated, mitigation is overlooked, and opportunities to challenge the State’s case are missed. In a setting where the difference can be years in prison or even lifetime incarceration, a careful and patient approach is often essential to achieve the best possible outcome through a well-prepared defense.
At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, our philosophy is simple. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This level of preparation ensures no detail is overlooked and no opportunity is missed, whether the case resolves through dismissal, negotiation, or trial.
Felony sex crime cases that originate in cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and Glendale are prosecuted through the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix. The investigating detectives are typically from the city or local jurisdiction where the allegation occurred, while the prosecutor and judge assigned to the case are part of the Superior Court system. Knowing how these agencies operate, and the tendencies of specific detectives, prosecutors, and judges who handle sex crime matters, allows our team to anticipate and prepare accordingly.
Our attorneys regularly work with sex crimes detectives, specialized units, and prosecutors dedicated to serious felony cases across Maricopa County. That familiarity helps us tailor defense strategies in a jurisdiction-specific way.
If you or someone you love is being investigated or charged with a felony sex crime, it is important to speak with a defense attorney as early as possible. Early intervention at the Pre-charge or Pre-file stage can make a significant difference in how the case develops.
Attorney Michelle Skura, Esq. and the team at VS Criminal Defense Attorneys represent clients throughout Maricopa County, including individuals in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa. Our firm is known for taking the time to build strong defenses supported by respected expert witnesses and thoughtful mitigation.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can begin protecting your future.
How long do sex crime cases take in Arizona?
Most felony sex crime cases in Arizona generally take about nine to eighteen months to reach resolution. Some matters resolve closer to the nine-month mark, while others require additional time due to expert involvement, contested legal issues, or a Complex Case designation. The exact timeline depends on the facts, the type of charges, and how much investigation and expert work is necessary.
Why do sex crime cases take longer than other criminal cases?
Sex crime cases often involve forensic DNA testing, digital evidence, medical reports, and psychological evaluations that require careful review by experts. These materials take time to obtain, analyze, and challenge. At VS Criminal Defense Attorneys, additional time is not wasted time. It is used to examine every aspect of the case, consult with experts when needed, and develop mitigation that may favorably influence the outcome.
What is a Complex Case designation in Arizona?
A Complex Case designation is granted by the court after the defense files a motion explaining why more time is needed. Complex cases usually involve extensive discovery, multiple expert witnesses, or complicated factual and legal issues. When a case is designated complex, the court extends certain procedural time limits so that all parties have a fair opportunity to review the evidence and prepare for trial.
Can sex crime charges be avoided during the Pre-charge stage?
In some situations, yes. During the Pre-charge or Pre-file stage, your attorney can engage with investigators and prosecutors before formal charges are filed. By providing context, clarifying misunderstandings, or highlighting weaknesses in the allegation, it may be possible to influence the charging decision or limit the type of charges that are filed. For many clients, the best outcome is to keep the case from ever being formally filed at all, and that opportunity is usually only available during the Pre-charge stage.
What part of a sex crime case takes the most time?
The discovery phase typically takes the most time. For many felony sex crime cases, this period lasts about three to nine months. It covers the exchange and review of evidence such as lab results, forensic interviews, electronic data, and expert reports. Because forensic analysts, data specialists, and psychologists are often in high demand, their review schedules can significantly extend the timeline of the case.
Why should I avoid rushing my case?
It is completely understandable that some defendants want to resolve sex crime charges as quickly as possible. These cases are stressful for the accused and their families, yet speed rarely helps the defense. Rushing can mean that important evidence is never investigated, mitigation is overlooked, or experts are not given enough time to complete evaluations. Overlooking mitigating factors or skipping a careful examination of the evidence can make the difference between freedom and additional years in prison. Taking the necessary time allows your defense team to review evidence thoroughly, consult with experts, and pursue every realistic strategy that may improve the outcome.
How long do sex crime cases take in Maricopa County?
In Maricopa County, most felony sex crime cases take between nine and eighteen months to reach resolution. The timeline is influenced by the court’s calendar, the complexity of the evidence, and the number of hearings required. Cases that involve multiple experts or complex forensic evidence may take longer, particularly if they are designated complex by the court.
Are there delays in Phoenix or Mesa courts for sex crime cases?
Felony sex crime cases that arise in Phoenix, Mesa, and other Maricopa County cities are prosecuted through the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix. That court manages a large number of serious felony matters, which can lead to scheduling delays for hearings, trials, and expert testimony. These delays are not due to the city courts themselves but are a function of the Superior Court calendar. While waiting can be difficult, that extra time often benefits the defense by allowing further review of the evidence and continued case development.
What is the penalty for Child Sex Trafficking in Arizona after Proposition 313?
Under Proposition 313, an adult convicted of child sex trafficking under A.R.S. 13-3212 faces a natural life sentence without any possibility of parole or release. Because the potential penalty is so severe, defense strategy typically includes extensive expert review and motion practice, and courts may grant a Complex Case designation.
