Being accused of molestation can come as a devastating blow. These accusations can often involve multiple criminal allegations and the prospect of severe penalties including fines and imprisonment if convicted, not to mention the impact such charges can have on your reputation. If you are facing a molestation-related charge, you should know that you have the right to a legal defense in the courtroom. If you need a molestation defense lawyer in Torrance, Okabe and Haushalter can help. We have offices throughout the greater Los Angeles area staffed by criminal defense experts standing by to aid you with your case.
Under California Penal Code Section 647.6, it is illegal to “molest or annoy” a minor under the age of 18. Under this law, anyone conducting themselves in a manner that displays “unusual sexual interest” in a minor could be fined and jailed if convicted in court. However, for many defendants, this charge does not stand alone and may be accompanied by other charges such as lewd acts with a minor (under Penal Code Section 288) or even rape (under Penal Code Sections 261-264).
People who are convicted of molestation-related charges must, in most cases, register as sex offenders under California Penal Code Section 290. This mandatory registration involves the personal information of the convicted party being made available not only to law enforcement agencies, but also to area schools, employers, and neighbors. The personal information made available by the registry may include full name, residential address, date of birth, photo (i.e., mugshot) and the charges the person was convicted of.
While registration under these circumstances is generally lifelong, there are some circumstances wherein a registered party can request that their registration status be updated to “undisclosed,” which would limit the ability of the general public to view the personal details of the registrant. Contact us to learn more about requesting undisclosed status.
Hiring a good attorney can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. A competent attorney can review your unique case and the letter of the law and craft a defense that will ensure a desirable outcome when your court date finally arrives. Each case is different, and a knowledgeable attorney will create a defense plan tailored to your specific case based on the details surrounding the alleged crime. These defense strategies can lead to reduced charges via a plea bargain or even a reduction in sentence.
If you are facing a child molestation-related criminal charge, a molestation defense lawyer in Torrance is just a call or a click away. The attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can defend you against these charges in court, and will fight to get charges and sentences reduced if you should be convicted. We know the law, and we know how to stand up for our clients and get real results, earning us our reputation for courtroom excellence. We offer case evaluations free of charge, so you have nothing to lose and much to gain by contacting us about your criminal case.
