If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, you may be unsure what to do next. A Huntington Park criminal defense lawyer can take on your case and help you build a defense. Sex crime convictions carry serious penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and sex offender registration. With the stakes this high, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney.
Simmrin Law Group has represented thousands of clients and handled over 100 jury trials. If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, a Huntington Park sex crimes lawyer can help you develop a winning defense.
Why Hire a Huntington Park Sex Crimes Attorney?
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, an attorney can provide critical knowledge and support. Specifically, they can:
- Investigate your case: Reviewing the evidence against you and working to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Develop a defense: Crafting a solid defense based on the facts of your situation
- Negotiate on your behalf: Working to secure reduced charges, a plea deal, or, if possible, a dismissal of your case
- Represent you in court: Advocating for you at trial and fighting for the best possible outcome
A sex crimes lawyer in Huntington Park can act as your advocate throughout the legal process.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Huntington Park, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Sex Crimes in California
California law covers a wide range of sex crimes. Some of the most common ones include:
- Sexual assault: Non-consensual sexual contact or penetration
- Rape: Sexual intercourse without consent (often involving force or coercion)
- Child molestation: Sexual acts involving an individual under 18 years old
- Indecent exposure: Willfully exposing private parts in public or to others without consent
- Possession or distribution of child pornography: Possessing or sharing sexually explicit images of minors
- Human trafficking for sexual exploitation: Forcing or coercing someone into commercial sex acts
Huntington Park Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Sex Crimes in California
Penalties for sex crimes in California vary from case to case. Some of the factors that determine a sentence include the severity of the crime, the offender’s criminal history, and whether the offender poses a threat to public safety. That said, penalties typically include:
- Prison or jail time: Depending on the crime, sentences can range from months in county jail to life in state prison.
- Fines: Courts may impose thousands of dollars in fines.
- Sex offender registration: Convicted individuals are often required to register as sex offenders, which can limit housing and employment opportunities.
- Probation: Offenders may be subject to extended probation periods with strict conditions, as well as parole supervision after release.
A sex crimes attorney in Huntington Park can work to minimize the consequences of your charges.
Click to contact our Huntington Park Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Common Defenses
The best defense for you will depend on the specifics of your case. Common defenses used in sex crimes cases include:
- Consent: Showing that the alleged sexual contact was mutually agreed upon by both parties
- Mistaken identity: Proving that you were not the perpetrator of the crime (often through an alibi or forensic evidence)
- False accusation: Demonstrating that the accusation was fabricated (often due to a personal dispute or ulterior motives)
- Insufficient evidence: Arguing that the prosecution cannot prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
- Constitutional violation: Showing that law enforcement obtained evidence unlawfully or violated your constitutional rights
A Huntington Park sex crimes attorney can assess your case and develop a winning defense.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Does California Define a Sex Crime?
In California, a sex crime is broadly defined as any sexual conduct involving force, lack of consent, coercion, or exploitation.
What Is the New Sex Offender Law in California?
In 2021, California updated its sex offender registration system through Senate Bill 384. The law replaced the state’s lifetime registration requirement with a three–tiered system that breaks down as follows:
- Tier 1: Requires registration for a minimum of 10 years for certain misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses
- Tier 2: Requires registration for a minimum of 20 years for more serious felonies
- Tier 3: Requires lifetime registration for the most severe offenses, including repeat offenses and violent sexual crimes
Under this system, some offenders are allowed to petition for removal from the registry after meeting their minimum time requirement and demonstrating rehabilitation. However, removal is not automatic. Rather, offenders must formally petition the court, and the prosecution can oppose the petition.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime
If you are accused of a sex crime in California, it’s crucial to:
- Avoid speaking to police: Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until your lawyer arrives.
- Contact an attorney: Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
- Avoid contact with your accuser: Direct or indirect contact can be viewed as intimidation or harassment and may result in additional charges.
- Preserve evidence: Keep any text messages, emails, receipts, or other materials that may support your defense. Share these only with your attorney.
- Document your side of the story: Write down your version of events in detail while your memories are still fresh.
Contact a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Huntington Park
Facing a sex crime charge can be stressful. The stigma alone can affect your job prospects, personal relationships, and standing in your community, even if you are never convicted. But you don’t have to fight the accusation alone.
The team at Simmrin Law Group has extensive experience representing individuals charged with sex crimes. If you’ve been accused, a Huntington Park sex crimes attorney can help protect your reputation.
Schedule a free case evaluation to learn about how you can clear your name.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form