Take charge of your future if you are accused of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct in San Diego.
The courts in San Diego, CA can hand down harsh penalties if you are convicted of a sex crime. You could be fined and sent to jail or prison for a lengthy period of time. Once you are released from jail, you might be required to register as a sex offender.
These penalties can impact the rest of your life. Fortunately, you can get help handling a sexual abuse allegation right away by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our sex crime lawyers in San Diego can help build your defense if you are accused of any type of sexual misconduct.
Sex Crimes in San Diego: Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Sex crimes involving minors – or anyone under the age of 18 – can be prosecuted very harshly in the state of California. There are a number of charges specifically designed to prosecute child molestation, including:
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
- Statutory rape
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Seducing or soliciting a minor
- Child pornography
These charges make it illegal to engage in any sexual activity with a minor. Even speaking with a minor about sexual topics can result in criminal charges in San Diego. Make sure that you take any child sexual abuse charge seriously by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego right now.
Sex Crimes in San Diego: Non-Consensual Sex Acts
Individuals who force someone else into a non-consensual sex act can be charged with crimes such as:
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery charges apply if someone touches another person in a sexual way without the other person’s consent. Sexual battery charges do not cover non-consensual intercourse. You could face fines of up to $10,000 and up to four years of prison time if convicted of sexual battery.
Rape
Rape refers to the act of non-consensual sexual intercourse. Individuals can be charged with rape if they force someone into sex through violence, threats, or blackmail. Rape charges can also apply if an individual has intercourse with someone who is:
- Sleeping
- Unconscious
- Drunk
- Drugged
Note that California uses rape charges to prosecute date rape. Having non-consensual sex with someone who you are connected to romantically is considered a criminal act. Depending upon the age of the rape victim and the severity of the attack, you could face 13 years of prison time and fines of up to $10,000 for a rape conviction.
Sex Crimes in San Diego: Additional Sex Crimes
There are many other laws on the books in San Diego to prosecute sex crimes. Some of the most common sexual abuse charges that we see here at the Simmrin Law Group include:
Prostitution or Solicitation of a Prostitute
You cannot legally pay someone to engage in a sexual act, or engage in sexual activity in exchange for payment in the state of California. Both prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute can result in jail time of 180 days and fines of $1,000.
Lewd Conduct
Individuals who go into a public place and then touch their own private parts or the private parts of someone else may be charged with lewd conduct. Note that this charge can apply even if all involved parties consent to the touching. You can be fined $1,000 and jailed for six months if convicted of lewd conduct.
Indecent Exposure
Revealing a private area of your body while in public can result in indecent exposure charges in San Diego. Note that this charge should not apply to breastfeeding mothers or to people who “moon” others. An indecent exposure conviction can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to three years in prison.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is an incredibly serious charge that involves restricting the freedom of another person, typically to force them to engage in illicit activity. Human trafficking convictions can result in fines of up to $500,000. You could even face life in prison if convicted of human trafficking.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Finally, some sex crime convictions require you to join California’s sex offender registry. If you fail to register properly, you can be charged with failure to register as a sex offender. A conviction could result in three years of prison time and fines of up to $10,000.
Speak with a Sex Crimes Lawyer in San Diego Today
You can get professional help handling a sex crimes allegation in San Diego. The Simmrin Law Group is here to start working on your defense now. We can begin going over your legal options with a FREE case evaluation.
Call (310) 997-4688 or complete our online contact form to speak with a sex crimes lawyer in San Diego now.