Hawaiian Gardens Sex Crimes Lawyer

Hawaiian Gardens Sex Crimes Attorney

Being charged with a sex crime is a serious matter. Just a mere accusation can have effects on your personal, professional, and social life, regardless of your innocence. When this happens, you need legal assistance right away to begin fighting for your future. A Hawaiian Gardens sex crimes lawyer at Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation, can help you.

Understanding Sex Crimes

A sex crime is any unlawful act that is sexual in nature. It is typically an action that is either unwanted or non-consensual. Penetration or physical touch is not always necessary for a sex crime to be committed. In some instances, the intention to do so or a simple non-consensual physical touch can constitute a sex crime. Some common examples of sex crimes include:

• Lewd acts with a minor. Even if the minor agreed to the acts, the law states that a minor cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
• Rape. This is forced or non-consensual intercourse. Intercourse can be non-consensual if one party is unable to consent, such as being unconscious.
• Sexual battery. Sexual battery does not have to include force or penetration. It is simply the unwanted touching of one person’s intimate parts for the purpose of sexual gratification.
• Online sexual crimes. Some sex crimes do not need a physical component. Online sex crimes, such as soliciting a minor, can be prosecuted with severity.
• Indecent exposure. This includes exposing oneself to the general public and offending others.
• Child pornography. Possessing or distributing child pornography is a crime that is penalized with great severity.

Due to the wide range of sex crime offenses, it’s important to have a Hawaiian Gardens sex crimes attorney on your side to help you throughout the legal process.

Sex Crime Laws in California

Sex crimes are generally outlined in California’s penal code. These laws detail the crimes and their penalties. These can range from minor to severe in nature. One important statute in California is Megan’s Law. This requires the authorities to alert the public to sex offenders in the area. Many sex crimes result in mandatory sex offender registry for this purpose.

Another important law is the Rape Shield Law. This forbids the defendant from including any evidence of the alleged victim’s sexual history to avoid negatively influencing the case or the opinion of the court.

Sex crime laws are continuously evolving. When you hire a sex crimes lawyer, they can inform you of the current laws and how they can influence your case.

Sex Crime Penalties

In 2021, 14,435 reported rape-related crimes occurred in California, with 13,730 being rapes and 705 being attempted rapes. Penalties for sex crimes vary based on the severity and type of crime. The age and circumstances surrounding the alleged victim will also influence the penalties. For instance, a convicted person will likely receive harsher penalties if the victim is a minor or otherwise vulnerable person, such as the disabled or elderly. Sex crime penalties include:

• Prison or jail time
• Mandatory sex offender registration
• Probation
• Parole
• Counseling
• Fines
• Restraining orders
• Loss of firearm rights

First-time offenders risk lengthy prison sentences when their crimes involve elements like force or minor victimization. Judicial and prosecutorial discretion is often exercised to impose harsh sentences in high-profile or highly emotional cases.

Non-Criminal Penalties for Sex Crimes

Even if you don’t go to jail, a sex crime charge, or even an accusation, can affect nearly every area of your life. Sex crime allegations remain stigmatized and maintain their negative impact long after legal proceedings conclude. Some non-criminal effects include:

• Employment issues
• Housing restrictions
• Loss of custody rights
• Reputational damage

These consequences can last years or even decades, long after a conviction. This is why fighting back is not only about avoiding jail time but also securing your future.

Why Choose Us?

Gibbons & Gibbons is a family law firm experienced in defending clients against serious criminal charges, such as sex crimes, for more than three decades. We take a compassionate, judgment-free approach and represent clients throughout Los Angeles County. We know all the courts in the area, including the Hawaiian Gardens Courthouse.

FAQs

What Is the New Law on Sex Offenders in California?

California’s sex offender registry laws were recently changed. As part of Senate Bill 384, the state implemented a tiered system, which has three levels of registration (10 years, 20 years, and lifetime) based on offense severity. The law also gives certain offenders the option to petition for removal from the registry after meeting certain requirements.

What Is a Level 1 Sex Offender in California?

A Level 1 sex offender is considered a low-risk offender and assigned to the least restrictive tier of California’s registration system. They may have committed non-violent or less serious offenses and are often eligible for removal from the sex offender registry after a minimum registration period and meeting certain legal and behavioral criteria.

Do Sex Offenders Have to Notify Neighbors?

Sex offenders in California are not required by law to automatically inform their neighbors. However, law enforcement agencies have the discretion to release registry information to the public if they determine that it will help to keep the community safe. The Megan’s Law website also allows the public to access certain information about some offenders online, typically for higher-risk offenders and those convicted of more serious offenses.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in California?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for some sex crimes in California, but it depends on the offense. California has lengthened or eliminated the statute of limitations on many serious sex offenses, especially those involving minors or violence. In some cases, the charges can be filed years or even decades after the incident. The law has recently been changed to give prosecutors more time to file charges for some crimes.

Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of a sex crime, do not wait to seek legal help. Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation, can help you fight for your future. Contact us today to get started.