Have you been charged with a sex crime in the state of California? Being charged with a sex crime is one of the most difficult things that can happen to an individual. When you are charged, the police and public scrutiny can be immediate, intense, and devastating.
No matter the jurisdiction, sex crimes charges are serious offenses with stiff penalties. The moment you learn you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you should immediately retain an experienced attorney. And if you’ve been charged in Alhambra, California, the first call you should make is to the Simmrin Law Group.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime?
The term “sex crime” is a catchall phrase that describes any forced or illegal conduct perpetrated against an individual and, in some cases, the possession of recordings of such conduct. There are numerous offenses that constitute a sex crime in California, which may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Some of the most common include:
- Indecent exposure.
- Lewd conduct.
- Lewd acts involving a child.
- Solicitation of a prostitute.
- Prostitution.
- Sexual battery.
- Sexual abuse of a child.
- Child pornography.
- Incest.
- Date rape.
- Rape.
- Human trafficking.
Depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime, some of these offenses may be prosecuted as misdemeanors. However, most sex crimes are pursued as felonies and may come with extensive jail time and a requirement to register as a sex offender.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Alhambra, call (310) 896-2723
Is Failing to Register as a Sex Offender a Crime?
Failing to register as a sex offender in California is a crime. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor that required you to register as a sex offender, and you failed to register when you moved to or within the state, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
However, if you were convicted of a felony, your failure to register will be prosecuted as a felony. Moreover, whether you were first charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, failing to register a second time will result in felony charges.
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What Are the Possible Legal Penalties for a Sex Crime?
The penalties for sex crimes vary extensively depending on the exact offense and the circumstances. On the low end, an indecent exposure charge may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a county prison sentence of up to six months. But if you were hit with this charge while intoxicated and relieving yourself within view of others, an experienced Alhambra sex crimes lawyer could get this sex crime charge replaced by a non-sexual offense, like public urination or public intoxication, obligating you just to pay a small fine.
On the high end are charges like rape and human trafficking. Rape charges are generally prosecuted as felonies and can result in decades-long jail sentences and sex offender registrant requirements. Human trafficking is a felony in California, and in some cases, the federal government may also pursue federal charges against the accused.
Two areas of particular concern for many parents are statutory rape and child pornography. The age of consent in California is age 18, so high schoolers engaged in sexual activity or recording sexual activity with someone even a day younger than 18 may result in serious charges. In California, if there is less than a three-year age difference between two individuals engaging in sexual activities, the offense may be classified as a misdemeanor; however, that same leniency does not apply to child pornography between 18-year-olds and those younger than 18.
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What are Other Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction?
Conviction of a sex crime carries serious and long-lasting consequences. Beyond potential jail time, fines, and sex offender registry requirements, an individual convicted of a sex crime will have a particularly difficult time reintegrating into society. In general, individuals and institutions are more willing to give individuals convicted of many other crimes a second chance than those convicted of sex crimes.
After release, you may find it difficult to rent an apartment, apply to college, or obtain employment. Landlords, colleges, and employers may fear public backlash, liability for crimes you may commit, or both. Whether these fears are rational or not, they may reject your applications as you attempt to rebuild a life for yourself.
Additionally, if you are an immigrant convicted of a sex crime, you could lose your legal right to stay in the U.S. or become a permanent resident or citizen. If you’re a parent, you may no longer have custodial rights to your children. Or you may be only allowed to visit them under supervision.
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What Are Potential Defenses for a Sex Crime?
Despite the devastating impact the news of a sex crime charge may have, your situation may not be as hopeless as it feels. And even given the public backlash a sex crime charge may bring, ultimately, a sex crime charge is not the same as a sex crime conviction. An experienced sex crimes lawyer in Alhambra can use several defense strategies that may be successful, including:
- Arguing sexual activities were consensual.
- Contesting DNA evidence.
- Showing evidence of mistaken identity.
- Proving the accuser made false allegations.
Depending on the nature of the allegations, one or more of these defense strategies may help you secure an acquittal. However, it takes a skilled attorney with substantive experience with sex crimes cases and knowledge of the local legal landscape to pursue and secure an acquittal successfully. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Alhambra, California, you should call the Simmrin Law Group immediately.
Call a Sex Crimes Attorney in Alhambra Today
At the Simmrin Law Group, you’ll find a team of experienced Alhambra sex crimes attorneys with substantial practical experience, a deep understanding of criminal law related to sex crime, and knowledge of the Alhambra legal landscape. If we take your case on, we can help you in all facets, from helping to secure your release on bail, exploring your plea options, and representing you at trial. We work tirelessly for our clients, fighting to get them the best possible legal outcome, regardless of the circumstances.
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, don’t talk to the police, the prosecutors’ office, or the accuser before you call us. Stay off social media and don’t talk about your case with anyone until you talk with us. Contact the Simmrin Law Group today and let’s discuss how we may be able to help you handle your sex crimes charge.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form