Being accused of a sex crime can be staggering, especially since the penalties for these crimes are multi-faceted and often severe for those convicted. People charged with sex crimes may experience social ostracism after being accused, and may even face the loss of employment or housing and even incarceration and sizeable fines, as well as having to register as a sex offender for life. A competent defense attorney can help you navigate the law and get you informed about your legal rights. If you have been charged with a sex crime in the L.A. area, contact a sex crime lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your rights as a defendant.
Multiple crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies are included under the umbrella of “sex crimes” in the state of California. A few of the more common charges include:
Some sex crimes are considered misdemeanor offenses, which means someone who is convicted of these crimes will not face more than one year of jail time if they are sentenced to incarceration. However, other sex crimes are considered felonious and may be punishable by large fines and years of imprisonment in a state correctional facility.
All sex crimes require sex offender registration under California Penal Code Section 290. This compulsory registration means that current and potential employers, landlords, and higher learning institutions will have access to your personal data. Also, the general public—including your neighbors—will be able to access your name, address, date of birth, and mugshot photo online if they look you up via the Megan’s Law website. For some people, the social ramifications of sex offender registration can be even more impactful on their quality of life than incarceration or having to pay fines.
Although all of these potential consequences of being charged with a sex crime may make you balk, there is good news: a capable criminal defense attorney can aid you in the courtroom, whether or not your case goes to trial. An expert lawyer can review the applicable laws and argue for reduced charges and sentencing or even for acquittal where appropriate. An aggressive defense attorney can help you achieve the best result possible in the courtroom.
A sex crime lawyer in Santa Monica is just a click away if you are facing criminal charges in the greater Los Angeles area. The attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can advocate for you in court and may be able to help negotiate reduced charges or minimized sentences if convicted, so you can get your life back on track sooner rather than later. Don’t wait another minute—qualified legal experts are ready to help you right now. Contact today.
