Being accused of molestation can come as a shock and can have a devastating impact on your life. These allegations can often involve more than one criminal charge, and the prospect of serious penalties if convicted, including fines and imprisonment. If you are facing a charge related to molestation, you have the right to retain an attorney who can defend you in court. If you need a molestation defense lawyer in Venice, Okabe and Haushalter can take on your case. We have offices throughout the greater Los Angeles area staffed by criminal defense specialists ready to assist you with your case.
It is unlawful to molest or annoy a minor (anyone under age 18) under California Penal Code Section 647.6. According to this law, anyone behaving in a way that expresses an unusual sexual interest in a child could be fined and jailed if convicted in court. However, for many defendants, this charge may be accompanied by other, related, criminal charges such as lewd acts with a minor (outlined in Penal Code Section 288) or even rape (outlined in Penal Code Sections 261-264).
People who are convicted of molestation-related charges face mandatory sex offender registration under California Penal Code Section 290. This compulsory registration means that the personal data of the convicted party is made available to law enforcement agencies, local schools, current and potential employers, and the general public. The personal details made available by the registry may include name, date of birth, address, physical description, and a photo of the convicted party, as well as the specific charges the person was convicted of.
While registration in the sex offender database is typically for life, there are certain circumstances in which someone who has been convicted of a sex crime may petition that their registration status be changed to “undisclosed,” which would limit the registrant’s information to being available only to certain agencies rather than the public at large. Contact us to learn more about petitioning for undisclosed status.
Hiring a knowledgeable attorney with experience in defending cases like yours can make a world of difference in the way your case plays out in court. A skilled attorney can review your case’s details and the applicable laws and create a defense plan that will help facilitate a desirable resolution to your case when your time in court arrives. These defense strategies can lead to reduced charges via a plea bargain or even a reduction in sentence.
If you are facing criminal charges related to child molestation, contact a molestation defense lawyer in Venice at Okabe and Haushalter. Our attorneys can defend you in the court of law and can negotiate a plea agreement if appropriate in order to get charges and sentences minimized in case of a conviction. We offer case consultations free of charge, so contact us today to learn how we can put our criminal law expertise to work for you.
