Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter. If you are being investigated for, or charged with a sex crime contact an experienced sex crime defense attorney immediately to discuss your options. Do not speak to anyone from law enforcement until you have consulted with an attorney! You have rights. Protect them.

California Sex Crimes

Sex Crimes and sex offenses cover many behaviors, all with serious consequences. In California, sex crimes include the following behaviors by and among adults.

If a person is accused of a sex offense and is proven guilty, he/she can be convicted of a felony and face serious penalties, but the laws are complex. The penalties for sex crimes can range anywhere from informal probation, fines, treatment programs, sex offender registration for life, county jail and even state prison. In addition, the accused or convicted person faces a lasting social stigma and often loses the ability to find work or housing.

California Law

Under California Penal Code Section 261.6, in determining whether or not a sex crime has been committed, it must be determined whether the victim consented to the act in question. Consent does not include:

• The accused used a condom or other birth control device
• The victim complied with the act to avoid possible injury or death
• The victim didn’t resist the attack
• The accused and the victim are or had been dating.

Internet Sex Crimes Are Federal Offenses

Online sex crimes are a growing area of sex offenses. These crimes mainly involve children and may include disseminating indecent materials to minors via chat rooms, child pornography, and endangering the welfare of a child by advertising child prostitutes. Because these offenses cross state lines via the Internet, a convicted person could face a tough combination of state and federal penalties.

Megan’s Law And Sex Registration

Under California's Megan's Law, the names of convicted sex offenders can be viewed on the California website www.meganslaw.ca.gov. This allows the public to view information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement. However, approximately 25% of registered sex offenders are excluded from this public disclosure by law, based on the type of sex crime for which the person is required to register.

How The Right Attorney Can Help You

As you can see, sex offenses are serious, complex crimes that require complex defenses. There are a number of possible defenses available to a California sex crime charge, including:

• Proven consent
• Insufficient evidence
• No witnesses
• Mistaken identity
• Lack of physical evidence (such as DNA).

If you have been accused of a sex crime, hiring the right criminal defense attorney is absolutely critical for the best outcome of your case. . . and your life. Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn can help you if you are charged with a sex crime by:

• Arranging for bail, bail reduction, or for being released on your promise to return and appear in court (“OR” release)
• Understanding the possible penalties and likely outcome of the case
• Hiring an investigator to interview witnesses and gather evidence favorable to your case
• Arranging for a lie-detector test
• Negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduction of the charges and sentence including elimination of sex registration
• Presenting the best legal defense for your case and vigorously challenging the prosecutor to prove their case
• Seeking alternative sentencing programs such as house arrest (electronic monitoring), residential treatment, counseling, and informal probation.

Los Angeles Sex Crimes Attorney

The criminal defense at attorneys Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn have extensive experience in handling these types of cases – over 70 years of combined criminal defense experience. We can help defend you against these serious charges. Call the office and arrange for a free consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case and all your legal options.