If you have been accused of a sex crime in California, it is critical to exercise your right to remain silent and not answer questions posed by law enforcement without having your attorney present. Get in touch with a California sex crimes attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and start building up your defense. It is critical to have skilled legal representation present during questioning, as your statements can potentially be used as evidence against you.
Sacramento Sex Crimes Lawyer
In Sacramento and surrounding areas, sex crimes are highly criminalized to curb this form of violence in the area and protect vulnerable populations. Those facing charges for sex crimes, however, can be dealing with potential permanent negative consequences that can change their life forever. If you are being charged with a sex crime, a Sacramento sex crimes lawyer from Tully & Weiss can evaluate your case and help you leverage strong legal tactics to fight back.
Sex Crime Charges Our Legal Team Can Support With
Under California rules and regulations, there are a wide range of crimes that can be charged as sex crimes. The experienced criminal defense legal team at Tully & Weiss has years of experience helping individuals charged with sex crimes navigate the legal system and successfully defend their cases. We handle a wide variety of sex crime charges, including:
- Sexual assault. Sexual assault is a general term used to address a variety of unwanted sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetration by force. Sexual assault crimes usually come with felony charges, leading to severe subsequent punishments, such as time in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Sexual battery. Sexual battery crimes are defined under California’s Penal Code 243.4 as physical contact of a sexual nature that is non-consensual. Examples of sexual battery include the groping or touching of another individual’s genitals or intimate areas for sexual gratification or abuse. Sexual battery crimes can either be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on various factors, such as the severity of harm that was inflicted.
- California Penal Code 261 defines rape as sexual intercourse that is carried out against another person without their consent, usually through means such as fraud, force, or threats. Statutory rape is a specific type of rape crime that is defined as sexual activity with a person who is underage and, therefore, cannot legally give their consent. Criminal penalties for rape and statutory rape are harsh – necessitating skilled legal representation.
- Child pornography crimes. In California, child pornography crimes include those that involve either the possession, distribution, sharing, selling, or manufacturing of content that features minors displayed in a lewd manner or engaged in sexual activity. Even accidentally downloading child porn content can lead to felony charges. As such crimes are heavily investigated, prosecuted, and sentenced in the state and country, it is critical to work with a skilled defense lawyer.
- Child molestation. Child molestation crimes in California are defined under Penal Code 288. They include carrying out lewd actions or behavior of a sexual nature with a child. These crimes tend to be some of the more severely punished in the state and can, therefore, result in long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration, with tough restrictions on where offenders can live and work.
- Indecent exposure. Under California Penal Code 314, indecent exposure is defined as showing genitals or private parts on purpose in public or with other people present to harass others or achieve sexual gratification.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor for sexual harassment or more serious child pornography felony charges, a dedicated and skilled lawyer from our firm is here to assess your case and implement an optimal defense strategy. Together, we can push for a positive outcome that minimizes sentencing and other collateral consequences.
The Urgency of Hiring a Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing charges for a sex crime in Sacramento or surrounding areas, you could be facing severe fines, prison sentences, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. California’s Megan’s Law requires certain individuals who are convicted of specific sex crimes to be registered as sex offenders for life. This means that those facing sex crimes could have restrictions on where they can work, live, and even where they can go for the rest of their lives.
Due to the serious penalties that can come with sex crime convictions, along with the severe impact it can have on personal freedoms, it is crucial to work with a skilled and experienced sex crime defense lawyer. A seasoned lawyer from Tully & Weiss can help you leverage critical defense strategies, such as arguing the lack of evidence brought forward by the prosecution, to fight back against your charges.
FAQs:
What Are the Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in California?
Penalties for sex crime convictions in California vary significantly depending on the specific offense. Potential penalties can include time in prison or jail, significant fines, and required registration as a sex offender. In some cases, probation may be an option. Sex crime offenders may also have restraining orders against them, restricting their freedom of movement and ability to contact certain people. Certain severe convictions can come with life in prison.
What Is California’s Sex Offender Registry?
The California sex offender registry was created under Megan’s Law, which requires certain individuals who have been convicted of a sex crime to register as sex offenders in a database. Registration as a California sex offender is required for life and can subsequently impact all aspects of life, including personal and professional circumstances. Individuals registered in the sex offender registry are required to update their information annually or if they move.
Can I Avoid Jail Time for a Sex Crime Conviction in California?
Depending on the circumstances of your sex crime conviction in California, including the severity of the charges and whether you have prior offenses, you may have specific alternatives to jail time. A knowledgeable sex crime attorney can help you understand whether you have options such as rehabilitation programs, community service, or probation in lieu of jail time. They can also negotiate fiercely on your behalf to get a plea deal that minimizes penalties.
Start Building a Strong Defense With a Sacramento Sex Crimes Lawyer
If you are facing charges for sex crimes in Sacramento or surrounding areas, a conviction can severely impact all facets of your life, including your ability to access professional opportunities and the quality of your personal relationships. Therefore, it is critical to fight back with an experienced Sacramento sex crimes lawyer. An attorney from Tully & Weiss can help you leverage relevant legal tactics to champion your case. Contact us today to get started discussing your case.
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