Bellflower Sex Crimes Lawyer

Bellflower Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex crimes are serious matters. Even a simple accusation can result in serious penalties. In some cases, sex crime allegations stem from misunderstandings, false accusations, or regret after the fact. A Bellflower sex crimes lawyer can help look at the evidence of your case and fight for your future.

Understanding Sex Crimes in California

Sex crimes encompass a range of offenses that involve non-consensual acts performed by a person. In some cases, it doesn’t matter if the alleged victim consents if they cannot legally do so, as in cases involving minors.

Most criminal charges carry the stigma of a possible conviction, but sex crime allegations often start with a social stigma even before the trial. Accusations can ruin relationships, reputations, and careers. The sad reality is that such cases commonly present credibility problems together with circumstantial evidence, while the defense is subject to intense public scrutiny.

California law enforces strict punishments for sex crimes while aggressively prosecuting these offenses. Even in cases of consensual encounters that one side later characterizes as non-consensual, or even in the event of false allegations, the system is often weighted against the accused.

California Sex Crime Laws

California’s sex crime laws are very detailed. Penal Code Section 261, for instance, broadly defines rape as any type of sexual intercourse without consent. Penal Code Section 288 punishes lewd acts with a minor. Most of these statutes include mandatory minimum prison sentences and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Registration is one of the most severe punishments. The convicted person could be on the registry for 10 years, 20 years, or life, depending on the offense. The public registry sets limitations on a registered person’s place of residence and allows certain employment and travel restrictions. The court can apply sentencing enhancements when force is used or when there are multiple victims or previous convictions.

Examples of Sex Crimes

In 2023, the rape rate in California was 36.4 per 100,000 people. There were 14,190 rape cases that year in the state. In the United States, 43.6% of women and 24.8% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetimes.

There are a number of offenses that are considered sex crimes. Some of these include:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual battery
• Statutory rape
• Child pornography
• Internet crimes
• Indecent exposure

While each charge is different, they all result in serious penalties, with many having lifelong impacts. A Bellflower sex crimes attorney can help you fight to alleviate these consequences.

Penalties of Sex Crime Convictions

The penalties for a sex crime conviction in California can impact almost every area of your life. The severity of a sentence depends on the offense, but it could include years or even decades in a county jail or a state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and lengthy terms of probation.

Convictions also almost always require you to register with the state’s sex offender registry for 10 years, 20 years, or life. In some sex crime cases, a conviction can also impact child custody or immigration status. Because penalties are so significant and, in many cases, lifelong, it is critical that you have experienced legal representation as soon as possible to protect your future.

Why Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer?

If you have been accused of a sex crime, you need an attorney who will fight aggressively on your behalf. At Gibbons & Gibbons, we treat each and every one of our clients like family. Our defense is built on experience, compassion, and confidence in the courtroom.

Our lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience defending people accused of sex crimes throughout Southern California. We have extensive knowledge of sex crime laws and the criminal justice system, and we know how to properly approach your case. We frequently practice in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Bellflower Courthouse, and we are familiar with the rules and the prosecutors.

We can protect your rights while you are questioned and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. We work strongly to build a strong defense for your future. When you hire a sex crimes lawyer, you are working to secure a better future for yourself.

FAQs

What Is the Plea Bargain for Sex Crimes?

A plea bargain in a sex crime case involves an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant pleads guilty to a less severe charge or receives a lighter sentence.

A plea bargain offers defendants the opportunity to bypass trial uncertainties while potentially decreasing prison sentences and mandatory registration demands. Nevertheless, because of its serious repercussions, defendants must consult an experienced lawyer before reaching an agreement.

What Is a Tier 1 Sex Offender in California?

A Tier 1 sex offender is the lowest risk level of California’s sex offender registry system. This status typically requires 10 years of registration and is reserved for those who are convicted of the least severe sexual offenses, typically some misdemeanors. Although Tier 1 sex offenders have minimal requirements, they are prohibited from performing specific jobs and living in designated areas while needing to register publicly as required.

Which Tier Sex Offender Is Worst?

Tier 3 is the most severe level of sex offender under California law. Tier 3 offenders usually commit violent or high-risk sexual offenses, such as rape or the repeated molestation of a child. Tier 3 offenders are required to register for life, and the public has access to their information. Tier 3 offenders have the most severe restrictions on where they can live, work, and have contact with children.

Do Sex Offenders Get the First Step Act?

The First Step Act generally only applies to inmates in federal prison. It’s more about reducing mandatory minimums for certain drug and non-violent offenses. The majority of individuals convicted of sexual offenses cannot access First Step Act benefits because it excludes violent and serious sexual offenders. There are some low-level, non-violent federal sex offenses that could potentially apply.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter. However, Gibbons & Gibbons can advocate for you in your case. Contact us today.