San Diego, Sex Crimes Attorneys, Defending Clients Against Serious Allegations

Are you facing allegations of sex crimes in the San Diego area? If so, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can represent you and guide you through the process. The truth is that sex crimes are some of the most aggressively prosecuted cases in California, and you need to be prepared for a long and challenging legal process. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At Kersey Law, our team is here to help you during this difficult time. Keep reading to find out more about how sex crime charges work in California and what else you need to know.

Sex crime charges are some of the most serious criminal charges, and a conviction has the power to change your life, from being sentenced to prison and placing limitations on where you can live. When you’re facing serious criminal charges, you need a dedicated criminal defense attorney who will vigorously defend your rights, and that’s exactly what we do at Kersey Law. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with a defense attorney to find out how we can help you.

What Are Some Examples of Sex Crimes Charges?

The category of sex crimes is fairly varied, and the charges that fall into this category can include both misdemeanors and felonies. Here are some examples of common sex crimes charges:

Rape: Rape is defined as any sexual intercourse that occurs when one person doesn’t consent to the encounter and is a felony charge.
Sexual assault/battery: Sexual assault charges can be brought against you if you are accused of touching another person in a sexual manner without their consent. Sexual battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Prostitution/soliciting a prostitute: Prostitution is illegal in the state of California, and both the person receiving and giving the money can be charged. These charges are generally misdemeanors, but subsequent offenses may be charged as felonies.
Engaging in lewd conduct in a public place: Lewd conduct is a catch-all term that can be used to describe sexual contact. Having sex or touching yourself in a public place are examples of lewd conduct that could qualify for criminal charges.
Child sexual abuse: Child sex abuse charges can be involved any time the alleged victim is under the age of 17.
Indecent exposure: Indecent exposure is when someone exposes their genitals to others without consent.
Possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography: Charges involving child pornography are felonies and carry some of the most severe penalties of all the sex crimes charges and should be taken extremely seriously.

If you’ve been charged with any of the above crimes, speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. It is possible to fight these charges, but you need a lawyer who understands what these cases entail and is prepared to advocate for your rights and do everything in their power to help you defend yourself. Some of these charges can be either felonies or misdemeanors, and a defense attorney may help you be able to get the charges lessened as part of a plea deal.

What Happens If I’m Convicted?

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will then have a hearing to determine what the sentence will be. The California penal code has specific guidelines for what sentence can be imposed depending on the charge. In general, sex crimes carry three types of penalties: jail time, a fine, and having to be on the sex offender registry. Below is some sentencing information on some of the common sex crimes:

Rape: Up to 8 years in prison
Sexual battery: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for misdemeanor charges and up to 4 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 for felony charges
Child sexual abuse: Up to 8 years in prison
Indecent exposure: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense
Child pornography: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for a misdemeanor charge and up to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for felony charges

While these are the maximum penalties, they can give you an idea of how serious these charges are and the need for a defense attorney. When you’re facing a potential prison sentence of several years and having to be on the sex offender registry for the rest of your life, you need an attorney who is dedicated to representing you and helping you make the right decisions for your future.

While no one wants to plead guilty to a sex crime, the truth is that this may be the right strategy in some cases. With these stiff penalties, accepting a plea deal in exchange for a misdemeanor charge or reduced sentence may give you the opportunity to start fresh after serving your sentence.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

Whether you will be required to register as a sex offender in California depends on the nature of the conviction. If you are convicted of the following crimes, you will be required to register as a sex offender:

Rape
Aiding or abetting a rape
Sexual battery
Pandering a minor
Aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14
Child procurement
Incest
Sodomy
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor through lewd conduct
Sexual abuse of a minor
Distributing, making, or possessing child pornography
Indecent exposure

If you are required to be on the sex offender registry, you will have to provide authorities with your address and other information every year within 5 days of your birthday. If you are labeled as a sexually violent predator, you are required to update your information every 90 days. Whether your full address is listed on the sex offender registry depends on the nature of your conviction, but it is a possibility.

Why Do I Need a Sex Crimes Attorney?

In simple terms: your future and freedom depend on it. Sex crimes carry some of the biggest stigma in society, and they are prosecuted strongly. If you are charged with a sex crime, you can be assured that the prosecution will do everything in its power to secure a conviction. They have multiple investigators, an entire team of detectives, and expansive resources when it comes to investigating and prosecuting these crimes. And this means you also need a strong, experienced legal team who can do the same for you.

If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, call 619-432-3712 today to speak with a member of the legal team at Kersey Law. We understand the serious nature of these charges and have experience successfully defending clients in similar situations. Don’t leave your future to chance. Take the first step today to protect your rights and do everything you can to fight these charges.