Artesia Sex Crimes Lawyer

Artesia Sex Crimes Attorney

When you are charged with a sex crime, your whole life can fall apart. You may feel ashamed, scared, and panicked, wondering what consequences you’ll face. If you are dealing with a sexual battery charge or another sex offense in Artesia, you need to act quickly. An experienced Artesia sex crimes lawyer can help you fight for your future and your freedom.

What Is a Sex Crime?

Sex crimes include any crime involving unlawful or non-consensual sexual activity. California and federal laws take sex crimes very seriously, and a conviction can result in a lifetime of serious consequences. Penalties include incarceration, sex offender registration, and damage to your personal and professional reputation.

Sex crimes come in a wide range of categories involving different levels of severity and situations. Some sex crimes involve physical contact, and others are based solely on online activities or accusations without direct physical evidence. Some common examples of sex crimes include:

• Sexual battery. This is the non-consensual physical touch of another person’s private areas.
• Rape. This is forced sexual intercourse without the other’s consent. By definition, this is achieved by force or through means where a person cannot consent, such as intoxication or unconsciousness.
• Statutory rape. This refers to sexual activity with a person who is not of legal age to consent, regardless of whether they agreed to the act or not. The law states that this person cannot consent due to age and brain development.
• Indecent exposure. This includes exposing oneself in public, particularly in an offensive manner.
• Internet sex crimes. For this offense, physical touch may not be present. However, it involves illegal acts, such as soliciting a minor online, consuming or distributing illegal content such as child sexual abuse material, or sexual extortion.

Because of the sensitive nature of these offenses, law enforcement often errs on the side of the accuser. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled Artesia sex crimes attorney by your side as early as possible.

California Sex Crime Laws

In 2023, the number of rapes in California went down by 3%. However, violent sex crimes have a relatively low arrest rate in comparison to other violent crimes. In 2023, one study found that rape had a 12% arrest rate, sodomy had a 13.8% arrest rate, and fondling had a 15.8% arrest rate. Compare this with prostitution, which had a 78.4% arrest rate.

California’s Penal Code has dozens of statutes addressing all types of sex crimes. Penalties for each can range from relatively minor to very severe, depending on the crime and other factors.

In addition to the basic laws and penalties, California also has Megan’s Law, which mandates registration as a sex offender for convicted sex offenders, sometimes for life.

Laws such as the Rape Shield Law also prevent a defendant from introducing evidence about a victim’s sexual history, which can have a major impact on how a case is tried. Due to the consistent evolution of sex crime laws and their serious implications, retaining an attorney knowledgeable about legal frameworks and sex crime penalties is essential.

What to Do if You Are Accused of a Sex Crime

If you are accused of a sex crime, it is important to act right away. Accusations and a potential conviction can have a drastic effect on not only your criminal record, but also your personal and professional life. If you are accused:

• Speak with an attorney right away.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak without your lawyer present, even if you believe you are saying things that are completely innocent.
• Do not contact the accuser. This can be seen as you tampering with the witness, even if your intentions are to rectify the situation.
• Avoid speaking to others about the case, especially on social media. All this evidence can be used against you.

About Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation

Minutes from the Norwalk Courthouse, where most Artesia criminal cases are tried, Gibbons & Gibbons is your hometown resource for sex crime defense. Our family firm has protected Southern California clients for more than 60 years. We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and how to successfully handle high-stakes cases with skill and sensitivity.

We’ve represented clients in cases ranging from misdemeanor sexual battery to serious felony assault, and we know how to challenge evidence and navigate sensitive allegations. We strive to protect your rights at every stage of the process. Hire a sex crimes lawyer at Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation.

FAQs

How Much Is a Sex Crimes Lawyer?

The fee for a sex crimes lawyer will depend on the case, the experience of the lawyer, and the extent to which the case has progressed. The case will likely require substantial investigative work and professional testimony. Trial preparation can also contribute to higher expenses. Most defense lawyers provide a consultation in which they discuss their potential costs and methods of payment in light of your situation.

What Is Considered a Sex Crime in California?

In California, a sex crime is considered any illegal act that is sexual in nature. Typically, this involves acts that are non-consensual, either to another party or to the public. This includes sexual battery, rape, child pornography, statutory rape, and indecent exposure. This can also include online behaviors, such as sextortion or soliciting a minor on the internet.

How Do You Win a Sex Crime Case?

To win a sex crime case, you must build a strong evidence-backed defense. You may prove consent through documented conversations. You can also prove mistaken identity if you have an alibi to prove that you were not present when the crime was committed. Your lawyer may be able to help you challenge the credibility of the evidence against you.

Who Investigates Sex Crimes?

Sex crimes are investigated by special units within the local law enforcement. The detectives on these squads work very closely with prosecutors. They may also call in forensic, digital, and medical personnel to help with a case. Cases are very sensitive and can be extremely invasive to those involved. Investigations are usually intensive, and even initial statements can have legal repercussions.

Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

At Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation, we understand how serious it is to be charged with a sex crime. We can help protect your future. Contact us today to get started.