A sex crime charge in Downey can come out of nowhere and throw your entire life off-balance. You’ll likely face a tough fight in court. A conviction for a sex crime can lead to years in prison or jail, high fines, and even a requirement to list your name on California’s sex offender registry.
Individuals who try to fight sex crime charges on their own can end up paying for it for the rest of their lives. You can fight for your future by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our sex crimes lawyers understand the legal system in Downey and we’re here to build your case.
Sex Crimes and the Court System in Downey
The court system in Downey generally separates sex crimes based on the age of the victim. Sex crimes that involve minors can include:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor
- Seduce or Solicit a Minor
- Child Pornography
- Statutory Rape
Sex crimes against other adults are often considered sexual misconduct or sexual abuse. The following are examples of common charges for sex crimes in Downey:
- Indecent Exposure
- Lewd Conduct
- Prostitution / Solicitation of a Prostitute
- Sexual Battery
- Rape
You could also be charged with human trafficking or failure to register as a sex offender in Downey. The penalties for a sex crime conviction are incredibly high. You could face incarceration and steep fines. A skilled Downey criminal defense lawyer can help you fight these charges effectively.
Sex Crimes Against Minors in Downey
Minors are often the victims of sex crimes in Downey. These acts often fall under the umbrella definitions of child molestation or child sexual abuse. You could also be charged with:
Traveling to Meet a Minor
You cannot legally arrange to meet with a minor for lewd purposes in Downey. Lewd purposes can involve child molestation or any touching to the sexual organs of a minor. You can end up facing years in prison if you are convicted of traveling to meet a minor.
Seduce or Solicit a Minor
Seducing or soliciting a minor involves using the internet or a computer to:
- Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor
- Solicit a Minor for Lewd Purposes
- Lure a Child
You can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for attempting to seduce or solicit a minor. You could be fined $10,000 and be sent to prison for 4 years if convicted.
Child Pornography
Sexually explicit images of minors are considered child pornography. You cannot legally create or own child pornography. It is also against the law to distribute sexually explicit images of people under the age of 18.
Statutory Rape
Individuals who carry out sex acts with minors can be charged with statutory rape. You can also be charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor for this act. Statutory rape can be viewed as a misdemeanor or a felony in Downey.
Charges of Lewd Conduct and Indecent Exposure in Downey
Lewd conduct occurs if someone touches their own private parts or another person’s private parts in a public place. Even requesting to have your private parts touched while in public can lead to lewd conduct charges. A conviction for lewd conduct can result in 6 months in jail.
Individuals who reveal their private parts in public can be charged with indecent exposure. You can face misdemeanor or felony charges for indecent exposure. If you are convicted of indecent exposure you could end up spending 3 years in prison.
Prostitution and Human Trafficking as Sex Crimes
Any time you pay someone to perform a sex act you can be charged with soliciting a prostitute. Individuals who accept payment in exchange for sex acts can be charged with prostitution. A conviction for soliciting a prostitute or prostitution can result in 180 days in jail.
Human trafficking is a more serious crime that involves depriving someone of their liberty in order to make them perform illegal actions. Many times these actions are somehow sexual. You could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted of human trafficking.
Downey’s Laws for Sexual Battery and Rape
The crime of sexual battery occurs if someone is touched in a sexual manner against their will. Sexual battery can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony by the court system in Downey. You could face 4 years of prison time and fines of $10,000 if convicted of sexual battery.
Rape is one of the most serious sex crimes in Downey. Anyone forced into sexual intercourse can be considered a victim of rape. Forcing someone into sex can involve drugging them, blackmailing them, using physical force, or making threats.
In some cases, the court will use the charge of date rape. Date rape charges generally apply if non-consensual sex occurred between people who were familiar with one another in a romantic way.
Any act of rape can be charged as a felony. Rape convictions can result in a prison sentence of 8 years. Building a case right away is very important if you are falsely accused of rape. You can get help today with a sex crimes lawyer in Downey.
California’s Sex Offender Registry and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Many times you will have to place your name on California’s sex offender registry if convicted of a sex crime. If you fail to follow this procedure, you can be charged with another misdemeanor or a felony. Failure to register as a sex offender can lead to 3 years in prison.
Fight Sex Crime Accusations Today
Individuals charged with sex crimes face a tough legal battle with very high stakes. You could end up incarcerated for years and with your name on a sex offender registry if you are convicted. The Simmrin Law Group’s sex crimes lawyers can help build your case. Start getting the legal advice you need right now with a FREE consultation.
We’re ready to defend you today. Fill out the form on the right or call (310) 997-4688 to get started.
