El Monte Sex Crimes Lawyer

El Monte Sex Crimes Attorney

Merely being accused of a sex crime can have a drastic effect on a person’s life. Even if you are not convicted, these types of charges can have a negative effect on your reputation. This is why it is so important to have an El Monte sex crimes lawyer on your side as soon as you are accused. An attorney can help you fight for your rights and your future.

The Severity of Sex Crime Allegations

Sex crime charges are different than most criminal charges in that they almost always start with a social stigma attached to the charge before there is ever a trial. Even an accusation can tear relationships apart and ruin lives and careers. It’s also true that a lot of sex crime cases involve issues of credibility, circumstantial evidence, and public pressure.

That is why it’s so important to have an El Monte sex crimes attorney who understands not only the law involved but also the personal stakes. California aggressively prosecutes sex crimes, and our laws are designed to impose severe punishments on those convicted.

So, even if you have a case that really is a simple misunderstanding, a consensual encounter that is later portrayed as non-consensual, or an outright false allegation, the system can appear heavily weighted against you. If you don’t have an experienced attorney fighting to even the odds, you could lose your freedom and your future.

Common Sex Crimes in California

In 2023, the rape rate in California was 36.4 per 100,000. There was also a total of 14,190 rape cases that year. Nationally, 43.6% of women and 24.8% of men report having experienced some form of sexual violence. There are a number of offenses that are considered sex crimes. Some of these include:

• Rape. This is forced, non-consensual intercourse between two individuals.
• Sexual assault. This is a broad term that covers non-consensual sexual activity.
• Statutory rape. This involves an adult engaging in sexual activity with a minor, regardless of whether the minor consented to the act or not.
• Child pornography. This involves possessing, distributing, or creating visual sexual depictions of minors, typically in photo or video form.
• Indecent exposure. This does not necessarily have to involve physical touch with another person, but it involves intentionally showing one’s genitals in a public space.
• Cybercrimes. This includes online internet crimes, such as the online solicitation of minors and sextortion.

Each of these charges is different, but they all have one thing in common: a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. We examine every fact, question the evidence, and work hard to prevent our clients from facing unfair results.

California Sex Crime Laws

California has some of the most comprehensive sex crime laws in the nation. For instance, Penal Code Section 261 broadly defines rape to include any sexual intercourse without consent. Penal Code Section 288 criminalizes lewd acts with a child. Laws enforce mandatory prison terms and permanent registration as sex offenders through Penal Code Section 290.

Registration is one of the most harmful consequences of a sex crime conviction. The defendant may be required to register for 10 years, 20 years, or life, depending on the offense. The public registry affects a person’s ability to choose their residence location, as well as their workplace and travel destinations. Courts may increase sentences when crimes include forceful actions against multiple victims or if the defendant has previous convictions.

Because the laws are designed to be pro-protection of alleged victims, the burden can unfairly shift to defendants. It is necessary to employ an El Monte sex crimes attorney who understands the laws and can expose prosecution weaknesses.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer at Gibbons & Gibbons

At Gibbons & Gibbons, we look at our clients as we would our own family. We have over 60 years of combined experience in defending people throughout Southern California, including El Monte and the surrounding areas. We ensure compassionate representation by employing aggressive tactics without passing judgment on our clients. When you face a serious criminal issue, we are there for you.

We regularly practice in front of the El Monte Courthouse, which is a branch of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, located at 11234 East Valley Boulevard. We ensure your case receives timely and professional handling. Our team can navigate you through unknown situations and deliver justice and peace of mind.

FAQs

What Is the Sentence for First-Time Sex Offenders in California?

Sentences for first-time sex offenders in California range broadly from crime to crime. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in a county jail, while felonies, like rape, are punishable by 3–8 years in a state prison, or more with aggravating circumstances. In most cases, a conviction will also mandate a sex offender registration for either 10 years, 20 years, or life, as per Penal Code 290.

How Do You Fight Sex Crimes?

Fighting a sex crime depends on the strength of a tailor-made defense. Depending on the case, these defenses may involve presenting evidence of consent, discrediting unreliable witnesses, or demonstrating deficiencies in forensic or electronic evidence. If the police violated your rights by conducting an unlawful search or questioning you improperly, your El Monte sex crimes attorney can bring up these constitutional violations as well.

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 charged. The statute of limitations for most sex crimes is 10 years from the date of the offense. But under California law, crimes like rape with DNA evidence or sex crimes against children may be prosecuted at any time. The law is complicated, so whether limitations apply depends on the facts.

Is California Hard on Sex Offenders?

California has some of the strictest sex crime laws in the country. The court can sentence individuals convicted to multiple years in prison together with tough parole terms and require them to register as sex offenders for either 10 years, 20 years, or life. Registration is public and can severely limit a person’s housing, employment, and travel options.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons Today

If you have been charged with a sex crime, don’t delay. Hire a sex crime lawyer at Gibbons & Gibbons. We can help you fight for your future. Contact us today to get started.