Okabe & Haushalter
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Okabe & Haushalter

Palos Verdes Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Palos Verdes Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

“Sex crimes” is an umbrella term used to describe any criminal offenses that are sexual in nature, including sexual battery or assault, molestation, and rape. These crimes are defined under different parts of the state law, and the penalties vary depending on several factors, although all of them require sex offender registration if a conviction is reached. Being accused of a sex crime can have a destructive impact on your life, affecting family relationships, friendships and possibly even employment or housing options. If you need to speak to a sex crimes lawyer, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can help. We have several offices located throughout L.A. County, so contact us today to learn more about your legal options and legal rights as a defendant in court.

Different types of sex crimes cases we handle

Each sex crime charge is unique under the California Penal Code, but our attorneys are experienced in handling all types of sex crime cases. Some examples of cases we can take on include:

California laws pertaining to sex crimes

Different sections of the California Penal Code address different types of sex crimes. The charges range from misdemeanors to felonies and the penalties range from probation and fines to incarceration in a state penal facility.

Rape

The crime of rape is outlined under California Penal Code Sections 261 through 269, and it is not a “one-size-fits-all” criminal charge in terms of prosecution or sentencing. For example, a case of “rape by deception” may be charged and sentenced less severely than “rape by force.”

Sexual battery

Sexual battery is described in California Penal Code Section 243.4 as any form of unwanted touching of a lewd nature, either over or under the clothing. This crime could be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. For example, if the alleged victim was restrained at the time the touching took place it would be likely to be charged as a felony.

Lewd acts with a minor

Under California Penal Code Section 288, conducting lewd acts with a minor is illegal. The penalties for this crime are mostly dependent on the age of the alleged victim, and the age difference between the involved parties. For example, if one party is 14 or 15 years old and another party is 10 or more years the senior of that person, they could face several years in prison if convicted.

One thing all these charges have in common is that, if convicted, the person charged would be required to register as a sex offender for life under California Penal Code Section 290.

How a Palos Verdes Sex Crimes Attorney May Defend You

The experts at our Palos Verdes sex crimes law firm do not employ a general or universal approach to these types of cases. We appreciate that every single case is unique. We tailor our defense strategies accordingly.

That said, there are some common defenses that lawyers tend to use when representing clients who have been accused of sex crimes. They include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

You Were Innocent

Further down, this overview will explain why you should always be honest with your lawyer when answering questions they may have about your case. Do not tell your lawyer you are innocent of the crimes which you have been accused of if this is not so.

That said, there certainly are instances in which people are accused of sex crimes they did not commit. If this has happened to you, you will likely have an alibi that explains why the accusations someone has lodged against you are false.

Ideally, others will be able to validate your alibi. For example, if someone accuses you of having committed a sex crime at a time and date when you were with others who can confirm your presence, it will be fairly easy to prove your innocence.

However, sometimes people are accused of committing sex crimes at times and dates when they were not in the presence of others. This does not mean their alibis cannot be used in their defense. A skilled Palos Verdes sex crimes attorney can gather all evidence necessary to show that you were somewhere else at the time when your alleged crime was committed.

Mistaken Identity

Unfortunately, it is far too common for those who commit sex crimes to take advantage of individuals who are intoxicated or who have been drugged without their knowledge. Such individuals may later on struggle to accurately identify those who assaulted them.

Perhaps you have been accused of sex crimes you did not commit because you have been mistaken for someone else. If so, your lawyer will help demonstrate this is the case.

Consent Was Given

It is vital to understand that a person can consent to a sexual act and then decide they do not wish to continue engaging in such act at any point. Even if a person initially gives consent, if they change their mind, sexual contact must stop immediately.

That said, sometimes a person may give consent and never indicate they have changed their mind while engaging in a sexual act, only to later on accuse someone of a crime.

It can be somewhat challenging to prove that consent was given when you are accused of a sex crime. This does not mean it is impossible. An experienced Palos Verdes sex crimes attorney will thoroughly review all details of the case to help you argue that the sexual activity you engaged in with someone else was consensual.

Be Honest With Your Palos Verdes Sex Crimes Attorney

Being accused of any sex crime can be a very intimidating experience. If you are convicted of your crime, the consequences you may face can impact your life for years to come.

In these circumstances, some people believe they can avoid serious penalties by misleading their attorneys. They assume that if they lie about the degree to which they may or may not be guilty of the crimes they are accused of, they can improve their odds of arriving at ideal outcomes when their cases are resolved.

Don’t make this mistake. An experienced Palos Verdes sex crimes attorney needs to thoroughly understand your case to provide you with an effective defense. It is vital that you be honest whenever discussing these matters with your lawyer.

Okabe and Haushalter can defend you against sex crimes charges in court

If you need a sex crimes lawyer in Palos Verdes or anywhere else in the greater Los Angeles area, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter are standing by. Our sex crimes defense experts have the experience and know-how to stand up against the charges that have been leveled against you, and we have earned a reputation for getting our clients real results. Call today for a free case evaluation. We can review your case and discuss your options and together we can work to find the best path forward. Don’t want another minute—contact us now.