The crime of molestation may actually refer to one of several criminal offenses outlined by different portions of the California Penal Code. Being accused of one of these offenses can have life-altering consequences, including fines, incarceration, and mandatory registration with the sex offender database, but not every criminal accusation has to result in a conviction. A skilled defense lawyer can help you stand up against the criminal charges you face. If you would like to discuss your legal options as a defendant, a molestation defense lawyer is just a phone call away. Contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your rights and options.
There are various different charges that someone accused of molestation could face under state law, and in many cases, several of these charges may be stacked together. Two common charges related to molestation include the laws outlined under California Penal Code Sections 647.6 and 288.
California Penal Code Section 647.6 states that it is unlawful to molest or annoy a child under the age of 18. Being convicted of this crime could result in penalties such as fines of up to 5,000 dollars and up to one year in a county jail for first-time offenders, as well as court-mandated counseling. However, for repeat offenders (those who have prior convictions of the same crime or a similar crime) the punishments could be more severe and involve several years in state prison if another conviction is reached.
Section 288 of the California Penal Code states that it is unlawful to engage in a lewd act with a minor under the age of 14. Any charges under this statute that result in a conviction could yield imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to and in excess of 10,000 dollars. People who behave in a sexual manner with minors who are age 14 or 15 may also be prosecuted under this law if they are 10 or more years older than the minor party.
Although being charged with a crime is always an upsetting experience, a good defense attorney can help you in court by negotiating on your behalf. Each case is different, but in certain circumstances, the charges against you and their associated penalties could be reduced via a plea bargain, or in some cases, there could be grounds for an acquittal. An attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand which options are available to you.
Contact a molestation defense lawyer in Hawthorne at Okabe and Haushalter if you are facing criminal molestation charges. We aggressively defend our clients against molestation-related criminal charges and have a reputation for our effective defense tactics that yield proven results. We will put our criminal law know-how to work for you so that we can achieve the best outcome possible for your case. Don’t hesitate a moment longer—call today for a free consultation.
