Los Angeles Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA

When you are arrested for any crime in Los Angeles, it is natural to worry about the worst possible penalties you could face if you are convicted in criminal court. When it comes to sex-related criminal offenses, defendants could face a host of severe long-term consequences if they are convicted. Penalties for sex-related criminal offenses escalate dramatically when victims are involved, and convicted defendants are likely to face civil liability for victims’ damages along with prosecution from the state.

Criminal Defense Representation for Sex Offenses in Los Angeles

It’s important to understand that a wide range of offenses technically qualify as sex crimes in the state that many people would not expect. For example, public urination can potentially lead to an indecent exposure charge that qualifies as a sex offense. It’s also possible for individuals to be charged for engaging in consensual sexual actions in certain locations or for any type of non-consensual sexual assault against others.

Take Advantage of Your Rights After Arrest in Los Angeles, CA

If you or a family member has been charged with any sex offense, a Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney is the best asset to have on your side. Your defense team can assist you in proving the truth behind a false accusation if you have been wrongfully accused. It’s also possible that you unintentionally committed a sex offense you did not realize or due to a medical complication or psychological issue.

The attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons have years of professional experience in Los Angeles criminal defense, and our team has successfully represented many past clients in a wide range of criminal cases. When you are charged with any sex-related offense, the penalties you face hinge on the scope and severity of your offense, whether you harmed any victims, and the scope of the harm done if so. We can help you determine the best defenses available to you. Our goal is to help you avoid conviction if possible or minimize your penalty if necessary.

Understanding Sex Crimes

Every state enforces different statutes regarding sex-related criminal offenses, and the penalties possible under California law can fluctuate dramatically based on the details of the case. Some of the most commonly prosecuted sex offenses in Los Angeles include:

• Indecent exposure, which can involve a display of personal nudity in public. It’s also possible for a defendant to face a charge of lewd misconduct if they engage in any sexual actions in view of others in public spaces.
• Sexual assault. It is illegal for anyone to forcibly engage in sexual contact with another person. Sexual assault and/or sexual battery can involve unwanted groping, touching, and other similar behaviors.
• Rape, or forcing another person into penetrative sexual activity against their will. This is one of the most severe sex-related charges a person can face in the state and almost always qualifies for felony prosecution.
• Child pornography offenses. It is illegal at the state and federal levels for anyone to produce, own, or distribute pornographic content depicting minors under the age of consent.
• Statutory rape or violations of California’s age of consent laws. It’s possible to face prosecution for a sex offense if you engage in consensual sexual activity with a minor, even if you were unaware of their real age.
• Any type of sexual solicitation is illegal for both the buyer and the seller. It’s also possible to face sex charges for engaging in pimping activity, which is often more than loosely connected to human trafficking.

These are just a few examples of some of the most commonly prosecuted sex crimes in Los Angeles. State law enforces specific penalties for some sex offenses, particularly those involving victims. Any type of sexual assault, rape, or other sexual offense involving a minor, the elderly, or a person who is incapacitated, unresponsive, and/or intoxicated will lead to enhanced penalties for the defendant if they are convicted.

Potential Consequences of Sex Offense Conviction in Los Angeles, CA

Sex crimes in Los Angeles can potentially qualify as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the specific details of a case. Penalties can include incarceration in county jail for misdemeanor offenders or state prison for felony offenders, heavy fines, and restitution to the victim for any damages caused. Additionally, the defendant may be required to complete a mental health assessment and rehabilitation program, and they will also likely face sex offender registration.

If you are required to register as a sex offender for any reason, your status is publicly viewable by anyone who wishes to access the public sex offender database. Sex offender registration will prevent you from living near schools and in other areas. You will also face severe limitations when it comes to employment as most employers, especially those in customer-facing businesses, prefer not to hire sex offenders and other applicants with criminal records.

Sex offender registration can last for several years or permanently, depending on the level of the offense. In the event you qualify to have your registration requirement removed, you will need an experienced Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney to help you complete the process, and even if you appear to meet all eligibility criteria, there is still no guarantee you will have your offender status removed. To avoid this situation in the first place, it’s vital to have defense counsel you can trust from the outset of your case.

Contact Our Los Angeles Sex Crime Lawyers Today

When you are charged with any type of sex crime in Los Angeles, you can easily feel entirely isolated by your circumstances, with the whole criminal justice system pitted against you. The first steps you take after being placed under arrest can have a significant influence on the outcome of the criminal proceedings ahead of you. When you choose Gibbons & Gibbons to represent your defense, we will help you determine the best strategies available to you that can help you avoid the many long-term penalties that a conviction for a sex offense might entail.

Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team. A Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney will carefully evaluate the details of your case and help you approach the proceedings ahead of you with confidence.