Being accused of a sex crime in La Mirada is an extremely serious matter with consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. These cases involve sensitive allegations that often not only lead to prison time but also mandatory sex offender registration and social stigma.
The nature of sex crime allegations means cases usually move rather quickly because law enforcement tends to treat them as priorities. Even before a trial, people accused of this type of crime typically face damaged reputations, strained relationships, and heightened stress.
Accusations like these leave people frightened and overwhelmed, but a La Mirada sex crimes lawyer can protect your rights. At Simmrin Law Group, we have decades of experience representing thousands of clients in need of a La Mirada criminal defense lawyer.
Common Sex Crime Charges in La Mirada
People can face sex-related charges for a variety of offenses:
- Rape: This refers to non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, violence, duress, or threats.
- Sexual battery: This pertains to touching another person’s intimate parts without consent for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse.
- Lewd acts with a minor: This entails engaging—or attempting to engage—in sexual acts with a minor under the age of 14 years old.
- Statutory rape: Sexual intercourse with an individual under the age of 18—even if it was thought to be consensual—since minors cannot legally consent.
- Possession or distribution of child pornography: This involves the possession, production, or distribution of sexually explicit material depicting minors.
- Indecent exposure: The willful exposure of private parts in a public place or in front of others who may be offended.
- Prostitution and solicitation: This refers to engaging in—or attempting to engage in—sexual services in exchange for money.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor: This points to the use of minors for obscene purposes or to create explicit images.
Each of these charges carries its own set of penalties and consequences depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. Your La Mirada sex crimes attorney will do all that they can to defend you against the charges applicable in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving La Mirada, call (310) 896-2723
Consent and California Sex Crime Laws
Consent is a very important aspect of sex crime cases. California defines consent as “positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to an exercise of free will.”
Consent must be given freely and voluntarily, without force, threats, intimidation, or incapacity, as defined in the following ways:
- Incapacity: People who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or suffering from mental impairment may be deemed unable to provide legal consent.
- Minors: Anyone under the age of 18 years old is legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity, even if they voluntarily engage in it.
- Coercion: Acts performed under threats, force, or authority figures exploiting their position of power are not considered consensual.
Understanding consent under California law is a must because many sex crime cases hinge on whether consent existed.
La Mirada Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Sex Crimes in California
Penalties vary widely depending on the specific charge, prior criminal history, the age of the victim, and whether force or violence was involved.
These are examples of penalties your La Mirada sex crimes attorneys will strive to prevent you from having to endure.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Some sex crimes—such as indecent exposure or solicitation—may be charged as misdemeanors, resulting in the following consequences:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Possible probation
- Sex offender registration requirements, even for misdemeanor convictions
Felony Penalties
Felony sex crimes—including rape, child pornography, or lewd acts with a minor—carry much harsher consequences:
- State prison sentences that range from three years to life
- Heavy fines up to $10,000
- Formal probation or parole supervision
- Mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender
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California Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes
The statute of limitations determines how long prosecutors have to file charges after an alleged offense takes place. California state laws set varying time frames depending on the nature of the crime:
- Rape and sexual assault: Prosecution can occur within 10 years of the offense.
- Crimes against minors: For offenses involving victims under the age of 18 years old, prosecutors often have until the victim’s 40th birthday to file charges.
- No limit: Very serious sex crimes—including aggravated sexual assault of a child—carry no statute of limitations.
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Call Now to Meet With Attorneys at Our Sex Crimes Law Firm in La Mirada
If you or someone close to you has been accused of a sex-related offense, we recognize that you are dealing with a very serious charge according to California state law. It wouldn’t surprise us to hear that you’re facing public stigma in the present time and fears surrounding your future.
We understand how devastating these allegations can be, both personally and professionally. In addition to the weight of mandatory registration, we know that the risk of prison time and the impact of these charges on your reputation can feel unbearable. But you’re not alone.
Let the La Mirada sex crimes lawyers at Simmrin Law Group represent you. Our sex crimes attorneys in La Mirada have defended many people in situations just like yours, and we know what’s at stake.
We’re ready to stand by you and work toward a favorable outcome in your case.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form