Sex crimes are punished harshly in the state of California. The state uses Penal Code 667.71 to prosecute habitual sexual offenders. Habitual sexual offenders are people who are convicted of at least two sex crimes.
Note that not all sex crime charges lead to a “habitual sexual offender” designation. Contact the Simmrin Law Group today to fight the specific criminal charges that could lead to a PC 667.71 violation. Call us at (310) 896-2723.
The Basics About PC 667.71 Charges
PC 667.71 deals specifically with individuals who commit multiple sex crimes. Individuals are declared habitual sexual offenders if they:
- Have a previous conviction for certain sex crimes AND
- Are convicted of another qualifying sex crime
Note that sex crime convictions do not disappear off of someone’s criminal record over time. Instead, these charges remain indefinitely in most cases. However, there are some situations where individuals can get sex crime charges expunged from their records.
Expunged charges should not count as a prior conviction. However, many felony charges or serious sex crime offenses cannot be expunged in California.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723
Charges Covered by PC 667.71 in California
Only certain sex crimes are dealt with under PC 667.71. Individuals should only face this criminal charge if they have a past and current conviction for:
- Rape and spousal rape
- Rape in concert (gang rape)
- Aggravated child sexual assault
- Sodomy
- Forced oral copulation
- Lewd acts
- Continuous child sexual abuse
- Sexual penetration
Additionally, many kidnapping charges are tied to PC 667.71 offenses. Violations under Penal Codes 207, 208, and 209 can all lead to habitual sexual offender charges. These penal codes all deal with kidnapping, especially kidnapping with the intent to commit a sex crime.
Finally, PC 667.71 also deals with crimes that take place in other jurisdictions. For example, say a man is convicted of a sex crime in Nevada. The sex crime includes elements of the offenses covered by PC 667.71. The man then commits rape in California. He could be convicted as a habitual sexual offender.
Get additional information about how to fight PC 667.71 charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our sex crimes lawyers in Los Angeles can provide you with the legal answers you need. Reach out to us for assistance by calling (310) 896-2723.
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Results of a Habitual Sexual Offender Conviction
PC 667.71 is considered a felony-level offense in California. Individuals face harsher charges under PC 667.71 than they would if they were only charged with the underlying sex crimes. A habitual sexual offender conviction can result in life in prison.
The minimum sentence for a habitual sexual offender conviction can be 25 years. You should also know that the court usually does not offer probation for PC 667.71 convictions.
Furthermore, PC 667.71 convictions require individuals to register as sex offenders. Habitual sexual offenders must remain on the sex offender registry for the rest of their lives. Failure to register as a sex offender is a crime in California.
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Defenses for Habitual Sexual Offender Charges in California
Individuals charged with violations under PC 667.71 have legal options here in California. We are ready to help you deal with prosecutors, answers to your legal questions, and other issues.
For instance, we can help you argue that:
- You had the other person’s consent to engage in a sex act
- You were falsely accused of a sex crime
- You were coerced into confessing to a sex crime
We take PC 667.71 accusations seriously. In some cases, our team can get your charges reduced. We’re ready to help with your bail hearing and any plea bargains the prosecution may offer you. Our team can also handle your defense in the courtroom in Los Angeles.
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Talk to a Lawyer About How to Fight Penal Code 667.71 Charges
California uses Penal Code 667.71 to prosecute habitual sexual offenders. The Simmrin Law Group understands the strategies that work to deal with these charges. Contact us now so we can begin working on your defense. Just reach out to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss the specifics of your case with a free consultation.
Reach us at (310) 896-2723. We also have an online contact form.
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