Sex crime allegations can derail your life. If you’re facing them, a Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer can act as your legal advocate.
A sex crime conviction can result in life-changing penalties, including years in prison, hefty fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. With the stakes this high, you need strong representation.
The team at Simmrin Law Group has decades of combined legal experience. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, a Newport Beach sex crimes lawyer can defend you.
Why Hire a Newport Beach Sex Crimes Attorney?
If you’re facing charges, a sex crimes lawyer in Newport Beach can:
- Protect your rights: From the moment you’re under investigation, you need someone making sure law enforcement doesn’t violate your constitutional rights.
- Challenge evidence: Sex crime cases often rely on digital evidence, witness testimony, or forensic reports. A lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s case and identify errors or inconsistencies.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: In some cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed through negotiation.
- Build a strong defense: Every sex crimes case is unique. A skilled lawyer can develop a personalized defense strategy for you.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Newport Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Sex Crimes in California
California law covers a wide range of sex offenses, each with its own legal definition and potential penalties. Some of the most common types of sex crimes include:
- Rape, or non-consensual sexual intercourse by force, threats, or fraud
- Sexual battery, which involves the unwanted touching of another person’s intimate parts for sexual gratification
- Child molestation, or engaging in sexual conduct with a minor
- Statutory rape, which is defined as sexual intercourse with someone under 18 (even if the relationship appeared consensual)
- Indecent exposure, or intentionally exposing one’s genitals in public
- Possession or distribution of child pornography, which entails viewing, sharing, or producing illegal sexual material involving minors
What are Internet Sex Crimes?
The rise of new technologies like social media, artificial intelligence, and online gaming has led to an increase in internet-related sex offenses. Examples of internet sex crimes include:
- Online solicitation of a minor, which involves communicating with someone under 18 for sexual purposes through chatrooms, text, or social media
- Child pornography, which entails downloading, sharing, or creating explicit images or videos of minors
- Revenge porn, which is defined as posting or distributing intimate images without consent
- Sexual exploitation through apps or social media, which involves using digital platforms to exploit or coerce victims
Convictions for internet sex crimes can result in prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Newport Beach Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Sex Crimes in California
The consequences of a sex crime conviction can be severe and long-lasting. Depending on the charge, you could face:
- Incarceration: Many sex crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences.
- Fines: Convictions often result in thousands of dollars in fines.
- Sex offender registration: This is required under California law for many offenses, often for life.
- Probation or parole: The conditions of your parole may include counseling, GPS monitoring, and restrictions on where you can live or work.
- Loss of rights and reputation: A conviction can impact your ability to secure housing and employment. It could also damage your personal relationships.
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How Does the Criminal Defense Process Work?
If you are accused of a sex crime in Newport Beach, the legal process generally involves:
- Investigation and arrest: Law enforcement gathers evidence and potentially places you under arrest.
- Arraignment: You appear in court, hear the charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial proceedings: This stage includes motions, discovery (exchange of evidence), and potential plea negotiations.
- Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case goes before a jury or judge.
- Sentencing: If you’re convicted, the judge will impose penalties.
A sex crimes attorney in Newport Beach can defend your rights at every stage of this process.
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What is the Best Defense Against a Sex Crime Charge?
The best defense for you will depend on the facts of your case. That said, defenses commonly used in sex crimes cases include:
- Consent: Your lawyer can demonstrate that the alleged act was consensual.
- False accusations: Your attorney can argue that the accuser has a motive to lie or that the accusation is mistaken.
- Insufficient evidence: Your lawyer can challenge whether the prosecution has enough evidence to prove guilt.
- Mistaken identity: Your attorney can use evidence to prove that you were not the person who committed the alleged crime.
- Violation of rights: Your lawyer can work to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or improper questioning.
A Newport Beach criminal defense attorney can review your case and put together a winning defense.
What is the Definition of Rape in California?
Under California Penal Code § 261, rape is defined as sexual intercourse with another person against their will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury.
The absence of consent is central to this definition. Even if the parties know each other, rape can still be charged if consent was not freely given.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime
If you are accused of a sex crime in Newport Beach, how you respond matters. It’s important to:
- Avoid speaking to police: Politely decline to speak to police until your lawyer arrives. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Contact a lawyer: The earlier an attorney is involved, the stronger your defense will be.
- Avoid contact with the accuser: Any communication with them can only make your situation worse. In some cases, it could even result in additional charges.
- Preserve evidence: Save messages, emails, or any other information that may support your defense.
- Listen to your attorney: Your lawyer will guide you through the process and help you avoid mistakes.
Get Help From a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Newport Beach
Sex crime accusations can change your life overnight. But being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty, and you have the right to a strong defense. A Newport Beach sex crimes attorney from Simmrin Law Group can fight to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.
Book a free case evaluation today to discuss your situation and start building a defense.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form