Many people are not sure how to handle accusations of child sexual abuse in Santa Clarita. These accusations can lead to serious criminal charges. You may face fines and jail time if you are convicted as well as lasting social consequences.
A child sexual abuse lawyer in Santa Clarita can help you take charge after you are accused of this criminal act. Let the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group go over your case now. Our legal team can start focusing on defending you today.
Child Sexual Abuse: California’s Definition
Child sexual abuse does not refer to one specific action in the state of California. Any sex crime involving a child can be considered child sexual abuse. The court system uses a number of criminal charges to prosecute anyone who sexually abuses a child.
Individuals may face child sexual abuse charges if they:
- Expose Themselves to Minors
- Engage in Intimate Contact with Minors (Regardless of Whether the Contact Involves Genitals)
- Show a Minor Pornographic Material
- Take Part in Any Sex Act Involving a Minor
For a free legal consultation with a child sexual abuse defense lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Child Sexual Abuse: Criminal Charges in Santa Clarita
As we mentioned, there are multiple criminal charges used to prosecute child sexual abuse accusations in Santa Clarita. These charges may include:
California Penal Code Section 288(a): Lewd Acts with a Minor
Individuals may be charged with lewd acts with a minor if they:
- Touch a Child for Sexual Purposes
- Make a Child Touch Themselves for Sexual Purposes
- Make a Child Touch Someone else for Sexual Purposes
For PC 288(a) charges to apply, the minor must be under the age of 14. A conviction under PC 288(a) can lead to:
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Prison Time: Up to Life in Prison
California Penal Code Section 243.4: Sexual Battery
Sexual battery involves touching another person for sexual purposes against the person’s will. PC 243.4 charges may apply if the victim is a minor over the age of 14 or an adult. Penalties for a PC 243.4 conviction can include:
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Prison Time: Up to Four Years
California Penal Code Section 647.6: Child Molestation
PC 647.6 is a law that allows for the prosecution of anyone who annoys or molests a minor. Any sexually motivated conduct involving a minor could be prosecuted under PC 647.6. A conviction could result in:
- Fines: Up to $5,000
- Jail Time: Up to Six Years
You need to get professional help on your side regardless of the specific child sexual abuse charge you are facing. Make sure you have the best chances of successfully resolving these charges by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Clarita now.
Santa Clarita Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Child Sexual Abuse: California’s Sex Offender Registry
Many child sexual abuse charges in Santa Clarita will require you to join California’s sex crime registry upon conviction. A reputation as a registered sex offender can impact where you can live and even where you can work.
However, it is important that you do not try to avoid the registry. Individuals who fail to properly register can face criminal charges. You could be subjected to a period of incarceration and additional fines for failure to register as a sex offender in Santa Clarita.
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Child Sexual Abuse: Getting Help from a Professional Legal Team
Dealing with child sexual abuse allegations on your own can end in disaster. You can increase your odds of beating these accusations by reaching out to a child sexual abuse lawyer in Santa Clarita. Depending upon your situation, your lawyer could:
Help You During Interviews
You will almost certainly need to speak with law enforcement officers and prosecutors after you are accused of child sexual abuse. Do not speak about your case without first contacting a criminal defense lawyer. You can damage your defense by discussing your charges without legal representation.
Work to Block Evidence
The prosecution can work to gather evidence to use against you. The Simmrin Law Group may be able to block some evidence if it was not collected properly. This can strengthen your defense and increase the odds that you will get a verdict in your favor.
Fight for You in Court
Child sexual abuse charges can lead to a tough legal battle. Our child sexual abuse lawyers can offer you dedicated support in the courtroom. Let us argue your case in front of a judge and jury in Santa Clarita.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Call a Santa Clarita Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
You can get professional help dealing with child sexual abuse allegations by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Let our child sexual abuse lawyers in Santa Clarita start constructing your defense now with a FREE case evaluation.
Call us at (310) 896-2723, or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form