Facing a sex crime accusation is a horrific experience with grave implications that may affect your livelihood, freedom, and reputation. Sex crimes become even more serious when they involve violence or a child.

That’s why if you or a loved one is facing such an offense, it’s imperative to take it seriously and work closely with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. The state often prosecutes such cases heavily and the accused are judged harshly before they are found guilty.

Unfortunately, accusations for sexual crimes are made all the time, even when there’s no evidence. The prosecution often aims at the maximum punishment, knowing that only a handful of defenses are available to the accused.

What Are the Common Types of Sex Offenses in Los Angeles?

Sex crimes are criminal offenses involving sexual conduct.

Below are common sex crime offenses registered in the Los Angeles area.

Sexual Assault

It may include unwanted or unwelcome sexual touching of a person.

Sexual Battery

This is improper sexual touching without penetration or sodomy without the person’s consent.

Indecent Exposure

Deliberate display of one’s genitalia in front of others for the sole purpose of sexual gratification.

Rape

Forcing someone into sexual intercourse against their will.

Date Rape

This is having sexual contact without a person’s consent while they sleep, are unconscious, or are under the influence of debilitating drugs.

Statutory Rape

Minors in California can’t give consent to engage in sexual conduct. And this age is set at 18 years. Therefore, engaging in sexual conduct with a person under 18 years is unlawful unless they are married. It doesn’t matter if the minor gave consent or whether it was the minor who initiated it.

Prostitution

It involves sexual acts committed in exchange for compensation like money. It may also include soliciting someone else to engage in prostitution. Pimps, prostitutes, and Johns can potentially face these charges in California.

Child Pornography

This can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case’s specifics and the defendant’s criminal record.

Child Molestation

It occurs when an adult engages in sexual intercourse or sodomizes a child below the age of ten.

Lewd Acts On a Child

This involves touching a child’s private parts or encouraging them to participate in a sexual act. The charge will depend on the child’s age and the difference in age between the adult and the child.

Other Sex Crimes in The California Penal Code

  • Lewd conduct
  • Exploitation
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Human trafficking
  • Forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object
  • Title IX sexual misconduct hearing
  • Revenge porn
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Contacting a child to commit a felony
  • Sodomy with a minor
  • Aggravated sexual assault of a child
  • Pandering and pimping
  • Oral copulation of a minor

Sex crimes may include several actions and situations. There’s a likelihood Los Angeles prosecutors will fight for the maximum sentence in a sex crime. Whatever sex crime you’re being accused of, talk to a Los Angeles sex crimes attorney who can protect your legal rights and fight for your freedom.

What Is a Felonious Sex Crime?

Sometimes a sex crime can turn into an aggravated felonious sexual assault, especially when there’s coercion through threats of physical violence or use of physical strength over the victim.

This situation may also depend on the relationship between the actor and the victim. For instance, if a doctor providing therapy to a victim acts in ways unrecognized as either ethical or acceptable, or uses their power against the victim, that would lead to a felonious rape charge.

What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in LA?

Punishment for sex offenses varies widely, depending on the facts and any existing criminal record. Under California law, a conviction carries harsh penalties. If not well defended by an experienced Los Angeles sex crimes lawyer, you may receive the maximum sentence.

Once a conviction for a sex crime in Los Angeles is handed, penalties may include some or all of:

  • Sentencing in a county jail or state prison
  • Fines and court fees
  • Probation, which may include community service, rehabilitation, counseling, etc.
  • Mandatory sex offender registration

Other consequences of a sex crime conviction may be social or civil due to a strike on your criminal record. For instance, you may lose your professional licenses, or may find it challenging to get a job, or a house, lose custody or visitation rights, or lose your right to own a gun.

What If It’s a False Accusation?

Many sex crimes are largely allegations made out of spite, revenge, or hatred. If you find yourself in such a situation, the best way is to disprove the claims by producing counter-evidence.

Once you can discredit the allegations, the prosecution will have a hard time showing that you are guilty. The job of your skilled sex crimes attorney in Los Angeles is to dilute the prosecution’s evidence as much as possible.

Why Get a Sex Crimes Attorney in Los Angeles?

Your California sex crimes lawyer can investigate your accusations and determine the best defense strategies. Apart from determining the validity and legality of the prosecution’s evidence, your attorney will also determine whether your rights were violated during efforts to collect evidence.

Protect Your Rights and Freedom with The Help of a Skilled Legal Counsel

An experienced sex crimes attorney has the knowledge and skill to challenge the evidence and cross-examine an eyewitness to determine their character. You shouldn’t entrust your freedom to fate but in a criminal defense professional in LA.

If you or a loved one is being accused of any type of sex crime, it’s essential to seek legal counsel immediately. It takes the help of a skilled and experienced Los Angeles sex crimes lawyer to listen to your case and fight for a positive outcome. Take charge of your situation. Get in touch today.