Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Orange County, CA
Getting accused of a sex crime in Santa Ana or Orange County is a serious issue. Under California law, a sex crime is any illegal act that forces sexual contact or conduct. These are serious offenses that often carry severe legal penalties.
If you are convicted of sex crimes in California, you could face jail or prison, strict probation, and other terms based on the alleged offense. You might also be required to register as a sex offender due to California Penal Code section 290.
If so, then you will be required to annually update your registration with local law enforcement as long as you live in, work in, or attend school in the state.
You will have your name, address, and picture released to the public as a sex offender, and face additional criminal charges if you fail to register as a sex offender.
Our team of highly skilled and experienced sex crimes defense lawyers is here to provide you with the best legal defense.
We can assist you with a comprehensive range of sex offenses you might be charged with, including child molestation, prostitution, solicitation, sexual battery, and sexual intercourse with a person who cannot legally consent.
Common Sex Crimes in Orange County
Sexual battery occurs when one person touches another person intimately without their consent. The alleged engages in this activity for their own arousal or gratification. As a wobbler sex offense, sexual battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and a conviction will require you to register as a sex offender.
Solicitation of a prostitute in California involves asking or encouraging someone to engage in prostitution. No sexual act needs to be performed in order to be charged for solicitation. Both crimes carry penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum of six months in jail.
Indecent exposure is the purposeful act of exposing yourself to someone with the intention of annoying them or for your own sexual gratification. This crime can also be charged with lewd conduct in public. Conviction requires registration as a sex offender for at least ten years.
Common Sex Crimes Involving Minors
Statutory rape occurs when an adult has sex with somebody who is younger than 18 years old. This is illegal regardless of the age difference between the two parties. Consent is not a valid defense.
This sex crime can also be charged as a misdemeanor or felony sex crime at the discretion of the prosecution and based on the facts of the case.
Child pornography involves owning, sharing, duplicating, or producing obscene material that involves a minor engaged in sexual acts.
This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of your case. Multiple counts can also be charged if there are numerous pictures or videos.
Lewd or lascivious acts with a child charges apply when an individual commits a lewd act on a minor under 14 years old with the intent to arouse, gratify, or offend. Penal Code 288 is heavily prosecuted, especially when evidence points to repeat incidents or predatory behavior.
Annoying or molesting a child (PC 647.6) makes it a crime to annoy or molest any child under the age of 18, with the intent to disturb or humiliate the child. This statute is designed to protect minors from behavior that is not necessarily physical but still poses a threat to their well-being.
Other Common Sex Crimes in Orange County
- PC 261 Rape
- Human Trafficking
- Revenge Porn
- PC 286 Sodomy
- Contact a Minor for a Felony
- Arrange Meeting with Minor
- Continuous Sex Abuse
- Lewd Acts by Caretaker
What are the Potential Penalties?
Sentencing for sex and lewd conduct crimes in Orange County will vary based on the severity of the offense, prior criminal history, and the specifics of the charges. However, the penalties can include the following:
- Convictions for misdemeanors like indecent exposure may result in up to six months in county jail. In contrast, felonies such as lewd acts with a minor under Penal Code 288 can lead to lengthy state prison sentences. The specific length of the sentence will depend on the severity of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. For instance, a first-time offender of a misdemeanor might receive a lighter sentence, while a repeat offender or someone convicted of a felony might face a more severe punishment.
- Certain convictions require mandatory registration under California's Sex Offender Registry for 10 years, 20 years, or potentially for life, based on California's three-tier registration system.
- Judges may impose probation terms that come with limitations on residency, employment, or access to certain areas like schools or parks.
- California Penal Code 264 PC sets forth the sentencing rules for rape convictions under Penal Code 261.
Orange County, CA Courts
Local law enforcement agencies in Orange County, including the O.C. Sheriff's Department and police departments in cities like Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Irvine, actively investigate and enforce sex crime laws.
While enforcement occurs at the city or county level, prosecution is handled in California state courts. Law enforcement collaborates with the Orange County District Attorney's Office to bring forward charges.
The DA's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Orange County, including sex crimes. They review the evidence provided by law enforcement and decide whether to file charges against the accused.
This decision-making process is crucial, as it determines whether or not you will face trial and potentially be convicted of a sex crime. Accused individuals may find themselves navigating a complex legal system, which underscores the importance of seeking professional representation.
The urgency and necessity of seeking legal help cannot be overstated in these situations.
Whether your charges originate in Newport Beach, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, or Garden Grove, your best chance of a favorable outcome is to hire a California criminal defense attorney with experience in Orange County sex offense cases. The primary criminal courts in Orange County, California, include the following:
- Central Justice Center - 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- North Justice Center - 1275 North Berkeley Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832
- Harbor Justice Center - 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660
What are the Possible Defenses?
Our highly experienced criminal defense attorneys in Orange County are adept at using various strategies to challenge allegations of sex and lewd conduct crimes. These strategies include challenging the evidence, arguing a lack of intent, and showing that the alleged victim consented to the conduct.
For example, we might challenge the reliability of a witness's testimony or argue that the alleged victim's behavior indicated consent. We are also skilled at identifying and challenging any violations of your rights during the investigation and arrest process, such as an illegal search or arrest.
Perhaps we can challenge the evidence. Our defense lawyers may argue that evidence like surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony is insufficient, unreliable, or illegally obtained.
Perhaps we can argue there was a lack of intent. Many sex crime charges depend on proving intent. If the accused did not act with criminal intent, such as in accidental exposure, a strong defense could be made.
Showing that the alleged victim consented to the conduct can be a valid defense against charges like sexual battery. Police must follow strict rules when investigating sex crimes. Criminal charges can be challenged if rights were violated during a search or arrest.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our criminal defense law firm, Cron, Israels & Stark, based in Los Angeles, CA. We are here to help you navigate the complex legal system and defend your rights.