La Palma Sex Crimes Lawyer

La Palma Sex Crimes Attorney

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter. Accusations can be made from a misunderstanding or a false accusation. No matter the case, having a La Palma sex crimes lawyer can dramatically improve your chances of a favorable future and outcome. Gibbons & Gibbons can fight for your rights.

California Sex Crime Laws

A sex crime is any criminal offense that includes a sexual element to the crime or is committed without the other person’s consent, with a minor, or in a way that otherwise violates California criminal laws.

Sex crimes can include serious charges, such as rape, child molestation, and human trafficking, or other offenses, such as indecent exposure or possession of child pornography. Sex crimes carry serious penalties, including jail or prison and sex offender registration, and are, therefore, vigorously prosecuted.

California has some of the strictest sex crime laws in the country. Penal Code Section 261, for example, widely defines rape as any sexual intercourse without consent. Penal Code Section 288 makes it a crime to commit a lewd act with a child. Laws provide mandatory prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration under Penal Code Section 290.

Penalties for Sex Crimes

Convictions for sex crimes in California can have devastating and lifelong consequences that impact all areas of your life. The penalties will depend on the specific offense, criminal history, and other factors, but some of the most common consequences of a sex crime conviction include:

• Incarceration. A misdemeanor sex offense may result in a county jail sentence of up to one year, while felonies like rape and child molestation can lead to 25 years to life in a state prison.
• Sex offender registration. Penal Code 290 requires sex offenders to register for 10 years, 20 years, or for life, depending on the offense.
• Fines and probation. In addition to jail or prison, the court may order heavy fines, restitution to the victim, and probation or parole with strict conditions.
• Employment and housing restrictions. Sex offender registration often comes with restrictions on where you can live and work. Additionally, many employers will not hire a registered sex offender.
• Additional consequences. A conviction may lead to professional license revocation and immigration problems, cause harm to one’s reputation, and impose limitations on child custody rights or visitation privileges.

The rape rate in California in 2023 was 36.4 per 100,000. In that same year, California experienced 14,190 total rape cases. In the US, 43.6% of women and 24.8% of men report having experienced some form of sexual violence.

Because these penalties can be so severe and far-reaching, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney who can aggressively protect your rights and fight for your future.

What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime

If you have been accused of a sex crime in California, it is important to act fast to begin to protect your future. You should keep quiet during police interactions because what you say can become evidence against you in court. Wait until your La Palma sex crimes attorney is present before answering any questions.

Additionally, avoid all contact with the alleged victim, as this could be interpreted as intimidation or obstruction of justice. It’s crucial to consult an experienced sex crimes defense attorney quickly to receive guidance on protecting your rights and formulating an effective defense strategy.

Early intervention can also prevent costly mistakes down the road that could damage your defense. Given how serious a sex crime conviction is, including potential prison time and sex offender registration, it’s absolutely essential to act quickly by getting professional legal help.

About Gibbons & Gibbons

Defending people throughout Southern California, including La Palma and the surrounding areas, our attorneys have over 60 years of collective experience providing compassionate, non-judgmental defense services.

We have lawyers who are regularly in court at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Downey (Downey Courthouse), which is the closest courthouse to La Palma that hears felony and other serious sex crime cases. If you have been charged with a crime or you are dealing with a sensitive issue, we can stand by your side and walk you through the process, step by step.

FAQs

How Are Sex Crimes Proven?

Sex crimes are proven by showing that a person has engaged in sexual conduct without consent, with a minor, or in a manner in violation of California law. Prosecutors most frequently utilize witness statements, along with physical or forensic evidence, text or email communications, and confessions, to build their cases. The burden is on the prosecution to prove each and every element beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction.

What Can Sex Offenders Not Do in California?

Registered sex offenders in California are severely restricted. For example, they cannot live near schools, parks, or daycare centers. They are also prohibited from certain types of employment, particularly jobs that involve children. Many are prohibited from possessing firearms. Some offenders may be restricted from traveling outside of the state.

What Three Crimes Have No Statute of Limitations in California?

California law does not set a statute of limitations for murder, child rape involving victims under 14 years old, and particular cases of ongoing child sexual abuse. The state acknowledges the enduring nature of the damage done by such offenses and permits legal action to be taken at any point.

Can a Sex Offender Get Off the Registry in California?

In some cases, an offender can petition to be removed from the registry, but approval is not guaranteed. In most cases, only those convicted of specific misdemeanors or low-level felony offenses who have completed all terms of their sentence and can show they have been rehabilitated can petition to have the requirement removed. The courts review these petitions carefully, and lifetime registration is usually required for more serious felonies.

Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you were accused of a sex crime, hire a sex crimes lawyer today. Gibbons & Gibbons can help you. Contact us today for a consultation.