(602) 307-0808
Call Now, Open 24/7
Call Now, Open 24/7
(602) 307-0808
Call Now, Open 24/7
(602) 307-0808
Call Now, Open 24/7
By DM Cantor, a Top-Ranking Criminal Defense firm in Arizona for the last 6 years in a row by Ranking Arizona Magazine! (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
DM Cantor’s Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists (Left to Right) Managing Partner, Christine Whalin; Founding Partner, David Michael Cantor
Plus an additional 500+ Sex Crimes Pre-Indictment “Turn-Downs,” Dismissals, and Charge Reduction Sex Crime Victories!
Click Here to See Child Sex Trafficking / Sex Trafficking Victories Victories
Beware of Sex Crimes Defense “Pretenders”: Any law firm or Attorney can have DM Cantor’s Tucson Child Sex Trafficking / Sex Trafficking Attorney and Sex Crimes Lawyer website information re-written by artificial intelligence (AI), and then they can post it online as their own “knowledge base.” But they cannot falsely list our Jury Trial Complete Acquittals, or Board Certifications as their own. Also, many Attorneys claim that they “Specialize” in defending Sex Crimes charges or Criminal Defense, but only a “Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist” is allowed by the State Bar of Arizona to use this title as their own, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.
As of the start of 2025, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization listed only 62 Criminal Law Specialists in the entire State. Of these 62, only 41 are located in Maricopa County and are allowed to handle private cases. DM Cantor has 2 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, no other law firm in Arizona has more. When defending Sex Crimes Allegations, it is critical to have as many Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists on your Legal Team as is possible.
The Specialization process is so rigorous that only 34 current Criminal Law Specialists were Certified since the turn of the Century! In addition, all Specialists must be approved for Re-Certification every 5 years. At DM Cantor, our 2 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists have conducted Jury Trials on countless Sex Crimes cases.
Every Major Felony Sex Crimes case defended by DM Cantor includes at least 1 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist on the legal team who is directly handling or supervising the Defense.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are the factors to look for when you are deciding who the Best Child Sex Trafficking Defense Law Firm is in Tucson, Arizona? Start by looking at the Defense Team’s overall experience, and who is the person that leads them. In the case of DM Cantor, the Firm was founded by David Michael Cantor, a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1999. David began his career at the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office as a Trial Attorney. While there, he amassed a record of 30 Jury Trial convictions with 0 losses. He then left and worked for a private Criminal Defense Firm for approximately 3-1/2 years, where he conducted almost 80 Criminal Defense Jury Trials. It was at that time that he formed his own Law Firm Specializing in Criminal Defense, and he assembled the Arizona Sex Crimes Defense Team of DM Cantor. This Team knows the Child Sex Trafficking laws inside and out, and whether you are fighting the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, or the Arizona State Attorney General’s Office, this is the Team you want on your side.
After you have determined the Sex Crimes Defense Team’s experience, you next look to their Results and Certifications. In addition to David Michael Cantor’s Board-Certification as a Criminal Law Specialist, his partner (Christine Whalin) is also a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. In addition, DM Cantor also has the most Complete Jury Trial Acquittals of any Firm in Arizona history. Check out the link below to see questions to ask when interviewing a Child Sex Trafficking Defense Attorney or Law Firm.
Click here for Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Child Sex Trafficking Defense Attorney
Beware: Be very cautious of visiting with a Criminal Law Firm who has you meet with a Non-Attorney Salesperson, rather than a Licensed Attorney. They will then try to sell their “legal services,” even though they are not allowed by the State Bar of Arizona to give legal advice. DM Cantor always has you meet with one of the Partners and Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists in our office when consulting us regarding a Child Sex Trafficking charge.
It is imperative that the Attorney or Law Firm you hired to represent you regarding a Child Sex Trafficking Allegation knows the elements of the charge, the possible Punishment, and all of the Defenses which may be involved. The range of Punishment can swing wildly depending on factors such as age of the victim, whether a “completion of the act” was involved, and if there were any prior criminal conviction allegations. Not only does the DM Cantor Child Sex Trafficking Defense Team know about all available Defenses, they are also aware of how any Allegations of Prior Convictions or how “multiple offenses committed on different occasions” can effect the Sentencing Range. Look at the information below to determine the elements of the offense of which you are accused, and the possible Ranges of Punishment.
Definition: Per ARS 13-3212, “Child Sex Trafficking” occurs basically in two ways. (1) “Engaging” in Child Prostitution – which means hiring a Prostitute who is under the age of 18; or (2) Engaging with a Minor for the “Purpose of Commercially Facilitating” Child Prostitution. In other words, if a person is “Engaging” with an underage Prostitute, they are considered a “John”. But, if a person is “Commercially Facilitating” an underage Prostitute, then they are a “Pimp”. The second category is a much more serious offense than the first category.
Both of these charges require that the person “knew or should have known” that the Prostitute was 15, 16, or 17 years of age. It is a defense if the person did not know (or should have known) that they were under 18. However, if the Prostitute was 14 years of age or younger, then “Strict Liability” applies, and it is irrelevant if the Defendant did not know (or should not have known) that the Prostitute was under 15 years of age. This is what’s known as a Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC).
In order to be charged with “Commercially Facilitating” Sex Trafficking/Child Prostitution, the Defendant had to either:
It is not a defense to this charge if the person posing as a Child Prostitute was actually an Undercover Detective who was actually 18 years of age or older. This is common in “Undercover Sting Operations”, which are conducted on the internet.
Class 5 Felony: Possible Punishment for “Engaging” in Prostitution with a Non-DCAC Minor (i.e., age 15, 16, or 17) for a First Offense per ARS 13-3212 (J).
Class 2 Felony: Possible Punishment for “Commercially Facilitating” Child Sex Trafficking/Child Prostitution of a Non-DCAC Minor (i.e., age 15, 16, or 17) for a First Offense per ARS 13-3212 (I).
Class 2 Felony: Possible Punishment for “Commercially Facilitating” Child Sex Trafficking/Child Prostitution of a Minor where the Alleged Victim is 14 years of age or younger (i.e., a DCAC – Dangerous Crimes Against Children enhancement) per ARS 13-3212(F), and ARS 13-705(A).
If a person has a single Allegeable Prior Felony Conviction, then their Sentence involving a Non-DCAC Victim (i.e., 15-17 years old) will increase dramatically. Now the Minimum Punishment will be 14 years in Prison; the Presumptive Sentence in Prison will be 15.75 years; and the Maximum Prison Sentence will be 28 years in the Department of Corrections.
If a person has two (2) or more Allegeable Prior Felony Convictions, they then become what is known as “Category 3.” This Range of Prison increases dramatically. The Minimum Prison Sentence is now 21 years; the Presumptive Prison Sentence now increases to 28 years; and the Maximum Prison Sentence is 35 years in the Department of Corrections.
Regarding a Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) offense, if the person has a Prior “Predicate Felony” which can be Alleged (this includes another DCAC Conviction or a Prior Serious Felony offense), now the Incarceration could potentially become “Life-Ending.” Per ARS 13-703, 13-704, and 13-705, If there are any Allegeable Prior Convictions, then the Sentence for the Class 5 Felony will involve Mandatory Prison with much higher ranges of Prison. If this is your situation, see a DM Cantor Attorney immediately!
Although fines are normally not imposed, it is possible to receive up to $150,000 penalty. This does not include Surcharges and add-ons which would total 84% more. In other words, you might be facing over a Quarter Million Dollars in fines if convicted of one of these charges!
We are an AV® rated law firm (the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell®). Also David Michael Cantor is a Child Sex Trafficking lawyer in Arizona, and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Firm and all of its lawyers are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. At DM Cantor, the majority of our Attorneys are ex-Prosecutors, and all of our Child Sex Trafficking Lawyers in Arizona know the system well.
Being convicted of a Child Sex Trafficking can have Life-Long Consequences on a Defendant, which can occur long after Incarceration is over (such as while on Probation, or even after being fully released from all requirements). Some of these Collateral Consequences can include Sex Offender Terms while on Probation, computer restrictions, and potentially having to Register as a Sex Offender. Other Consequences of a Child Sex Trafficking Conviction can include the Revocation of Professional Licenses, restrictions on what type of job you may be able to get; being banned from living in dormitories, or certain apartments; having to notify employers if you are required to Register as a Sex Offender; and a litany of other highly-restrictive and embarrassing factors. Check out the link below for a full list of Collateral Consequences to a Child Sex Trafficking Conviction.
When it comes to Child Sex Trafficking/Child Prostitution, most people are “Johns” who have been caught in an Undercover Sting Operation regarding the internet. In addition, if the Defendant did not know (and should not have known) that the alleged Prostitute was 15, 16 or 17 years of age, this also serves as a Defense. Also, Defenses involving Entrapment, Coercion of Confessions, and Miranda Rights Violations are quite common.
Miranda Rights – Your Right to Remain Silent
Below you will find a list of the Top 20 Best Sex Crimes Defenses in which one or more of these Defenses will almost always apply to most Sex Crime Allegations.
1-4: False Allegation of Sexual Conduct or Non-Consent
False Sex Crimes Allegations and Sexual Assault Allegations are becoming more and more common as a tactic during custody battles seen in the Arizona Family Courts. Read More
Teenage girls are the highest category seen when it comes to False Allegations involving Sexual Assault. Read More
The “Me Too” Movement as spawn numerous investigations when it comes to False Allegations involving Sexual Assault. Read More
It is widely accepted that the human brain does not fully develop until 26 years of age, and therefore Children can be highly influenced by their Peers, their Parents and Police Officers. Read More
5–12: False Allegations of Sex Crimes Involving Computers
File-Sharing Websites have become extremely popular in the last 15 years, and they have also created a wave of people who are being charged for Unknowingly Downloading Illegal Images and content. Read More
It has become more and more common for neighbors to “Hijack” a person’s Wi-Fi, and then Download Illegal Content, unbeknownst to the person who ultimately becomes the Defendant. Read More
It is a Defense to a Computer Crime if it can be shown that other people in a household, or residence of the Defendant had access to his computer. Read More
We have seen numerous cases where Police have Mishandled Evidence and Improperly Conducted Forensic Examinations, thereby Tainting potential Evidence. Read More
Many times cases will arise where a soon-to-be-ex-spouse, ex-girlfriend/boyfriend, or disgruntled coworker will Plant and Falsify Evidence on a Computer in order to “get even” with the Defendant. Read More
Multi-Agency Task Forces routinely conduct Undercover Sting Operations Online throughout various intervals during the year. Unfortunately, the tactics that these Undercover Detectives utilize are very suspect and questionable. Read More
Unfortunately, in today’s world of online dating, many people get “Catfished,” because many people lie while they are sitting at their keyboards. Read More
During a Multi-Agency Task Force, Detectives will attempt to use Emojis during online conversations – unfortunately, they are not very good at it. Read More
16-19: Age-Based Defenses
It is a Defense under ARS 13-1407(B) if a person is 15 to 17 years of age lied about being 18 or older. Read More
Arizona has provided a Defense for High School Romances that involve situations where one of the people is no older than 19 years of age, and they are both still in High School. This assumes that the Sexual Conduct is Consensual. Read More
Under Arizona law, there is an Exception which allows people 16 or 17 years of age to get Married to somebody who is 18 or older. Read More
16-19: Evidence-Based Defenses
We’ve seen many cases where Evidence was Improperly Seized without a Warrant, or was seized in Violation of a Warrant’s terms, or if the Warrant was obtained through False Statements in the by the Police Detective “Search Warrant Affidavit.” Read More
Most people have heard of Miranda Rights, but what they have not heard of, is the “Voluntariness Standard” which must be followed in Arizona, by law, before Statements are allowed into Evidence. Read More
Body-Worn Cameras are known as “Axon Video Cameras,” and they, unfortunately, can be subject to Manipulation by Police Officers. Read More
“Face ID” and “Touch ID” are utilized in addition or in place of, Passcodes on many I-phones, I-pads, and MAC Computers nowadays. Read More
20: Diminished Capacities And Mental Health Issues
More and more people are being Diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, or having Diminished Capacity, which can serve as a Defense to almost every type of Criminal Sexual Allegation. Read More
“Mitigation” is a term that refers to anything that can potentially Prevent Charges from Being Filed, Reduce the Charges that are filed, or Reduce the amount of Punishment that is imposed on any charge that is ultimately upheld. When representing a person for Child Sex Trafficking Allegations, we immediately begin the Mitigation Process in order to convince the Detectives to shut down the Investigation. We will also use this to convince the Prosecutor to Decline Filing Charges, or to greatly Reduce Charges. The Prosecutor will look at both Statutory and Non-Statutory Mitigating Factors when making their decisions. The Child Sex Trafficking Defense Team at DM Cantor knows these factors inside and out, and we know how to put together a compelling “Mitigation Package.”
The items we will use in these Mitigation Packages include Polygraph Examinations; Psycho-Sexual Risk Evaluations; and Private Investigator/Attorney Investigation into the facts Alleged by the Accuser. We also include a complete History of the Defendant’s background, which could include Medical Records, rehabilitation/substance abuse Counseling Records, any Individual Educational Plan (IEPs) that may have been in place during a Defendant’s lifetime; and lastly, we will include a “Proportionality Review,” which includes similarly situated cases and how they were either “Turned Down” for prosecution, or greatly Reduced. Check out the link below to see a full list of Statutory and Non-Statutory Mitigating Factors.
Click here to see Helpful Mitigation Information
When you hire DM Cantor to represent you to Defend Allegations of Child Sex Trafficking, or actual charges for that crime, we always keep our “Core Purpose” in mind when we represent you: “We are here to help people navigate through the toughest times of their lives.” When we perform our duties as a Child Sex Trafficking Defense Law Firm, we always keep these three principles in mind: (1) do Hard Work, (2) have excellent Trial Skills, and (3) – perhaps the most important of the three – have High Touch Client Service.
When we represent people in the Pre-Indictment/Pre-Charge Investigation Stage of their case, we will immediately bring them in to do a detailed Timeline and Biographical Interview regarding their life, and what allegedly occurred in the incident. All of the meetings will occur in the privacy of our office, and they will be conducted by the DM Cantor Pre-Charge Team. This Team can conduct most of the Investigation work, but sometimes we will use Private Investigators to assist us. We also will look into using a Polygraph Examination, and also potentially Forensic Experts who can analyze any computer devices and phones which may be helpful to the investigation.
If a person is currently charged with Child Sex Trafficking, then we will still begin with a Complete Timeline Interview and Biographical Information Interview. We will then begin putting together a Mitigation Package at the same time as we begin to Defend the case. Any and all Court dates, you will need to be with us at the Maricopa County Superior Courts, unless we have obtained permission from the Judge to allow you to travel or remain out-of-State/County. If the Judge does approve our “Motion to Modify Conditions of Release,” then you would be required to sign an Affidavit after each and every Court date avowing that you know of the next Court date and that you will stay in contact with your DM Cantor Defense Team.
Beware: Always seek out a different Law Firm if the one you have chosen assigns Serious Felony Sex Crimes cases to a single Law Associate who may have never conducted a Jury Trial regarding the Sexual Offense Charge they are defending. If you truly want to win your case, then it is absolutely necessary to have at least 1 Certified Criminal Law Specialist amongst a team of Child Sex Trafficking Defense Attorneys who are assigned to specifically handle your Felony Charges. DM Cantor always assigns Both Partners and Certified Criminal Law Specialists to each and every Pre-Indictment Sex Crime case that we handle. In addition, DM Cantor always has a Minimum of one Partner and Certified Criminal Law Specialist co-assigned on every, single Charged Sex Crimes Case.
In the link below, you will find information regarding a Felony Sex Crimes charge and its Case Progression. This should answer 99% of your questions.
Click Here for Child Sex Trafficking Case Progression Information
If you have been Charged or Indicted for Child Sex Trafficking in Maricopa County, then you will be Required to appear at any and all Court Dates. However, we can file a Motion to Modify Conditions of Release after the first one or two Court dates, which will allow you to remain out-of-state, as long as we are Appearing on your behalf. We can then show up to all Pre-Trial Conferences, as long as you sign an Affidavit you are aware of the next Court Date and that you will keep in touch with us.
If you have only been Accused in Arizona, and not charged, then you, and are in the Pre-Indictment/Precharge Investigation Stage of your case, and we can conduct all meetings via Zoom or by way of telephone. We will have you create a New Email Account that has the word “Legal” in it, in order to have it secured by way of the Attorney/Client Privilege. Lastly, if we need any Polygraph Examinations, Neuropsychological Evaluations, Psychosexual Risk Assessments, or anything of that nature, those can be conducted in your home State.
Per ARS 13-3967(E)(1), the Judge is Required to impose an Electronic Monitoring Device “where available.” However, we have seen situations where many Judges will not impose this restriction regarding Child Sex Trafficking Charges. In addition, if your charge is in an Outlying County (in other words not Maricopa County), then many times they do not have Electronic Monitoring available, and they will not impose this condition. The DM Cantor Child Sex Trafficking Defense Team has been highly successful at having this requirement “Lifted” in various circumstances.
If you are charged with a Child Sex Trafficking involving an actual Minor, then these conditions will be imposed, forbidding you to have contact with anyone under the age of 18. We have been very successful in filing Motions to Modify Conditions of Release to allow Defendants to have contact with their own Children or Grandchildren who are under 18 years of age while their case is pending.
Pursuant to status ARS 13-900, et seq., a person cannot “Set Aside a Judgment of Guilt” (i.e., what qualifies as an “Expungement” in Arizona), if their conviction involves a “Sexual Motivation.” In addition, a Child Sex Trafficking conviction cannot have their Record “Sealed” under Arizona law. However, if the charge is Reduced down to an Offense which does not require a finding of Sexual Motivation, and the person is not required to Register as a Sex Offender, then it is possible to get that conviction “Sealed” after five (5) years of the Conclusion of Probation.
DM Cantor has 2 Full-Time Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists. No Firm in Arizona has more! We also have the Most “Complete Jury Trial Acquittals, and the Most Dismissal/Reductions for Sex Crimes in the State of Arizona. If you read our “Victories” section on our website, you will see we list all of these sex crimes wins.
Click here to see Child Sex Trafficking / Sex Trafficking Case Victories
If you have a feeling that you are being Accused of a Child Sex Trafficking (especially if this occurs during a phone call with the Accuser), Hang Up Immediately. A common tactic utilized by Detectives in Arizona involves the “Confrontation Call.” This is where the Alleged Victim “Confronts” the Accused, and attempts to get them to make Admissions over the phone. The first Admission they will seek is that there was, indeed, Sexual Conduct. They will next attempt to get the Accused to “apologize for what they did.”
Unfortunately, many people will apologize and say they are sorry that the other person “feels that way,” but the Detectives can take this as an Admission of Guilt. Also, it is Best Practices to immediately set your Social Media to “Private Settings.” We would also advise that you “Defriend and Unfollow” your Accuser and her friends.
In addition, do not speak with your friends or family (or your spouse – if applicable) about
these Allegations until you’ve had a chance to speak with DM Cantor in the privacy of our office. Remember, 95% of all evidence comes out of a person’s mouth when they make Statements that can be Incriminating (whether intentional, or the result of being misunderstood).
Beware: Avoid a Criminal Defense Firm that does not have a single Board Certified Specialist on their staff. Also watch out if they have an “Of Counsel” Lawyer (i.e., a Lawyer who has their own Law Firm, but “contracts themselves out” to other Firms for work), and then that Law Firm places the “Of-Counsel Attorney” on their staff for the mere purpose of using that Attorney’s name and Specialization only to attract potential clients.
Lastly, call DM Cantor immediately! We will not talk about specific facts over the phone line, but we will get some general information and get you in to meet with us in-person as soon as possible. Our meeting will be in the privacy of our office, and you will meet with a minimum of one Partner/Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist during your Free Initial Consultation.
For a free consultation and free case evaluation with one of our Tucson Child Sex Trafficking with a Minor Lawyers and Criminal Defense Lawyers, call our 24 hour Tucson Child Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyers Hotline at 602-307-0808 , or click here for a free consultation on any criminal cases. Our aggressive Child Sex Trafficking with a Minor always offer free consultations for an initial visit with our Tucson Child Sex Trafficking with a Minor Attorneys. We are often considered to be the “best Child Sex Trafficking with a Minor”.
Fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential initial consultation.