Being accused of committing a sex crime can be a frightening experience. The potential effects that being convicted of one of these crimes could have on your life as you know it can seem intimidating when you have no one on your side. Your reputation can be shattered, and even if you are not convicted you may never recover from the social ostracism that being charged with a sex crime can lead to. However, being accused of a crime does not mean you lose your rights, and a qualified defense attorney can work with you to find a satisfactory outcome for your case when your court date comes around. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Los Angeles County, contact a sex crime defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter who can guide you through your options under the law.
Sex crimes take many forms under California state law and federal law, but all of them can result in permanent sex offender registration for those who are convicted of these offenses. Several sections of the California Penal Code outline sex crimes, including sexual battery, rape, and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.
Section 243.4 of the California Penal Code addresses the crime of sexual battery. Sexual battery is any non-consensual touching that could be construed as sexual in nature, including the accused touching the alleged victim or making the alleged victim touch them. These crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, but even in misdemeanor cases, a period of registration as a sex offender will most likely be required if the accused is convicted.
Rape is defined as non-consensual intercourse under California Penal Code Section 261. Someone can be charged with rape if they had intercourse with someone who did not or was deemed incapable of providing consent (as with certain disabilities or if the individual was intoxicated). A person convicted of rape could face several years behind the bars of a state prison and lifelong sex offender registration.
Sexual acts involving a minor under the age of 14 are illegal under California Penal Code Section 288. These charges can vary depending on the unique circumstances of the alleged crime. For example, if the lewd behavior involved the use of force or fear-mongering, the penalty can be more severe than if the alleged behavior lacked force or threat. Those convicted of these crimes face up to a decade in a California state penitentiary as well as mandatory sex offender registration for life.
When you’re accused of a sex crime, your very liberty is on the line. The state of California is naturally very aggressive in its prosecution of sex offenders. But that doesn’t always mean they are justified in doing so. Because of the serious nature of sex crimes accusations, it is vital that a seasoned Manhattan Beach sex crimes attorney handle your case. An experienced attorney understands the various defense strategies that might be used in your specific case. Although the strategy differs, some potential defenses include:
Your Manhattan Beach sex crimes attorney will also call on the prosecution, jury, and judge to look at other aspects of your life to help judge your character. This might include the fact that you have no previous record of a similar offense, no criminal record for other offenses, is a pillar of the community, and other accolades. Your overall role as a citizen can come into play when you’re charged with a sex crime, including any organizations that you are involved in, your employment history, and other factors.
A conviction for a sex crime can profoundly change your life. Do not trust your freedom, your liberty to an inexperienced sex crimes attorney. You owe it to yourself and your family to put up the fight of your life to avoid a conviction.
When you are ready to fight the charges against you, a Manhattan beach sex crime defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter can help. We know no two cases are alike, and we give each of our clients the respect and unique attention they deserve. We will stand up for you in the courtroom and use aggressive defense tactics to tear holes in the prosecution, and we can negotiate plea agreements for reduced sentencing if appropriate. Contact us today for a no-cost case assessment and find out for yourself why the Okabe and Haushalter name is associated with courtroom excellence.