A sex crime conviction can result in many negative consequences. Even if you are cleared of all charges, you might find that many people who know of your arrest will never look at you in quite the same manner as they did before. If you are facing a sex crimes charge, a Costa Mesa sex crimes attorney may be able to help you avoid the worst of the consequences.
Fighting a sex crime charge is never something you should attempt to do on your own. The potential consequences of a conviction are far too great to take any chances. At the Simmrin Law Group, we are dedicated to helping our clients fight back against these charges. We may be able to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or beat them outright in court.
Protecting Yourself After an Arrest
If you get arrested for a sex crime in Costa Mesa, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself. The first thing you should do is remain silent. When an officer arrests you, they will read you your Miranda Rights, including your right to remain silent. You should invoke that right and not speak to the police until you have a lawyer present.
The next most significant step in protecting yourself is contacting a lawyer. An experienced sex crimes lawyer can advise you of your rights and help guide you through any police interrogation. After these initial steps, your lawyer will work to build your case and either negotiate a plea deal on your behalf or fight the charges against you in court.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Costa Mesa, call (310) 896-2723
Sex Crimes Against Minors
Sex crimes against minors are considered among the most heinous of crimes. Both society and the courts look down on these crimes with contempt, and those convicted of these offenses face harsh penalties.
Common sex crimes charges involving minors include:
- Child pornography
- Child molestation
- Child sexual abuse
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Seduction or solicitation of a minor
- Statutory rape
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
The penalties for these crimes can vary significantly. However, all of these crimes have the potential to land you behind bars and on the national sex offender registry. A criminal defense lawyer can help you fight back. Your lawyer may be able to beat the charges against you outright or at least help you to avoid the most significant penalties.
Costa Mesa Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Sex Crimes Against Adults
While those who commit sex crimes against adults aren’t typically looked upon as harshly as those who commit them against children, that does not mean that either society or the law is likely to let those convicted of these crimes off easy. The severity of sex crimes can vary significantly, ranging from acts like indecent exposure to rape and human trafficking.
Many crimes fall under the category of sex crimes, including:
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd conduct
- Date rape
- Rape
- Prostitution
- Solicitation of a prostitute
- Sexual misconduct
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual battery
- Human trafficking
- Failure to register as a sex offender
When facing a first offense for a sex crime, the odds that your attorney will be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed are far greater than if you have a prior conviction. However, a Costa Mesa sex crimes attorney can help even if you have been convicted in the past.
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Sex Offender Registration
Anyone convicted of a sex crime must register as a sex offender. There are three levels of sex offender registration.
Tier one offenders are those who committed more minor offenses. A tier one sex offender must remain on the sex offender registry for 10 years or five if they were a minor when convicted. Tier three is made up of those who commit the worst offenses. Tier three offenders remain registered for life.
Registration as a sex offender can make it difficult to find employment or housing. It can also lead to being cut off from your community. If you face sex crimes charges in Costa Mesa, a sex crimes attorney can help you avoid a conviction and keep you off the sex offender registry.
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Sex Crimes and California’s “Three Strikes Law”
Many sex crime convictions result in a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. This sentencing law punishes people for conviction of multiple violent or serious felonies.
Under the Three Strikes Law, a first offense that is considered a strike is prosecuted in much the same way as any other crime. However, a second strike can result in a penalty of double the maximum sentence normally allowed for that crime. Meanwhile, a third strike will mean a prison term of 25 years to life.
A sex crimes attorney may be able to get you a plea deal that lowers the charge you face to one not considered a strike and help you avoid these harsher penalties.
Get a Free Consultation from a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Costa Mesa Today
At the Simmrin Law Group, we believe that everyone is entitled to legal representation. No matter what charge you face, we will take your side and work to ensure you get the best outcome possible. This may mean anything from negotiating a plea deal to getting the charges against you dismissed outright.
If you are facing a sex crimes charge, our team is prepared to help you fight back against a potential conviction. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. We will review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you of your legal rights.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form