Being accused of the crime of molestation can be an intimidating experience. The potential effect on your reputation and the chance of being imprisoned in a penal institution if convicted are daunting prospects for anyone accused of this crime. There are several offenses under various sections of the California Penal Code that outline crimes and punishments related to molestation, and often these charges are stacked together against a single defendant for a single alleged act. If you need a molestation defense lawyer, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can help.
Different areas of the California Penal Code cover laws regarding unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
This portion of the state law dictates that it is unlawful to molest any minor under the age of 18, and this crime can be punished by up to one year in county jail and up to 5,000 dollars in fines if a conviction is reached
This law states that it is unlawful to engage a child under the age of 15 in sex acts or any touching intended to elicit sexual gratification. This offense is a felony, meaning if convicted you could face years in prison as well as steep fines if convicted, and penalties may be even harsher if menace or threat was used to accomplish the alleged act.
Under this law, it is unlawful to have sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 18. This crime is considered a “wobbler,” in that it may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, specifically the ages of the involved parties. For example, if you are 19 and the other party is 17 the offense is less serious than if there are 10 or more years of the age difference between the two parties.
Anyone convicted of molestation or any other sex crime in the state of California can be legally compelled to register as a sex offender. Registering means employers, area schools, and the general public like your neighbors, family and friends would have access to your name, address, date of birth and photo, as well as information about the specific charges you were convicted of.
If you are facing criminal charges related to alleged molestation, you should seek expert legal counsel as soon as possible. Talk to a skilled molestation defense lawyer in Marina Del Rey if you have been charged with molestation and need an attorney in the L.A. area. The attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter have taken on cases like yours and advocated for their clients in the court of law, and we can do the same for your case. We offer free consultations, so call or click now to explore your options under the law today.
