What people refer to as molestation can actually be one or more of several different criminal charges under the California Penal Code. Being convicted of one of these crimes can have life-changing consequences such as fines, prison time, and mandatory sex offender registration, but not every allegation has to end in a conviction. A knowledgeable defense attorney can help you fight these charges in court. When you are ready to discuss your legal options, a molestation defense lawyer in Hermosa Beach is just a call or a click away. Contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your rights as a defendant.
There are multiple charges that a person accused of molestation could face under California law. Two common charges that may be brought against the accused include the laws outlined under California Penal Code Sections 647.6 and 288.
California Penal Code Section 647.6 makes it unlawful to molest or annoy a minor under the age of 18. Being convicted of this crime could result in fines of up to 5,000 dollars and up to one year in a local jail for first-time offenders, as well as court-mandated counseling. However, for repeat offenders—people convicted of this crime or a similar crime in the past—the penalties could be harsher and involve several years in state prison for a repeat conviction.
Section 288 of the California Penal Code makes a lewd act with a minor under the age of 14 a criminal offense. Being convicted of these charges could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines exceeding 10,000 dollars depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. People who engage in sexual activity with minors who are age 14 or 15 may also be charged under this law if they are 10 or more years older than the alleged victim.
Although facing criminal allegations is always daunting, an adept defense attorney can help you avoid stacked criminal charges and the harsh punishments associated with them. Every case is unique, but in some situations charges and penalties could be reduced via a plea agreement, or the case could qualify for an acquittal. An attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand which options apply to your situation.
Call a molestation defense lawyer in Hermosa Beach at Okabe and Haushalter if you are facing criminal molestation charges. We vigorously defend our clients against molestation-related allegations and have a reputation for our aggressive defense strategies that yield positive results. We will keep you up-to-date on the details surrounding your legal case every step of the way and will put our criminal law expertise to work for you so that together we can get the best outcome possible for you. Don’t let criminal charges destroy your life—call us for a free consultation today.
