Being charged with a sex crime can be an upsetting experience. The prospect of being convicted of one of these crimes and how it could impact your life as you know it can seem intimidating when these charges are leveled against you. Your reputation can be destroyed, leading to alienation from friends, family, and the community. However, a capable defense attorney can work with you to create a rock-solid defense plan for when your court date finally arrives. If you have been charged with a sex crime and live in the L.A. area, contact a sex crime defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your legal rights and options as a defendant in a criminal case.
Sex crimes are outlined by different parts of the California Penal Code and the United States Code, but one thing they all have in common is compulsory sex offender registration for people who are convicted of these crimes. Several sections of the state law outline various sex crimes, including rape, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and sexual battery.
Rape is defined under California Penal Code Section 261 as intercourse that takes place without mutual consent. A person may be accused of rape if they had intercourse with someone who did not agree to the act, or who did agree but is considered incapable of providing legal consent (for example, minors may not consent to intercourse under the law, nor can people who are intoxicated). A person could face several years in a state correctional facility and permanent sex offender registration if convicted of this offense.
According to California Penal Code Section 288, sexually motivated acts involving a minor under the age of 14 are unlawful. These charges can vary depending on several factors related to the specific alleged crime. For example, if the lewd behavior involved the use of force or use of threats, the punishment can be more severe if convicted than if the alleged crime did not involve these elements. The penalty for this crime could be up to a decade in a California state penal institution as well as lifelong sex offender registration.
The crime of sexual battery is addressed under Section 243.4 of the California Penal Code. Sexual battery is defined as any non-consensual touching that is aimed at achieving sexual gratification. This includes the accused touching the alleged victim or compelling the alleged victim to touch them. These crimes may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony offenses, but even in misdemeanor cases, if a conviction is reached, the accused may have to register as a sex offender, although this mandatory registration may not be lifelong in some circumstances.
When you are ready to discuss your case with an attorney, a Marina Del Rey sex crime defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter can help. We have offices located throughout Los Angeles county ready to serve you. We will advocate for you in the courtroom and put up an aggressive defense for you, and we can negotiate plea bargains for reduced sentencing in your case, if appropriate. Call today for a free consultation and see for yourself why the Okabe and Haushalter name is associated with courtroom excellence.
It is vital that you provide a solid defense against the sex crime of which you are accused. Fighting the charge means fighting for your liberty, your reputation, and your future. A sex crimes conviction leaves your name stigmatized for the rest of your life. Clearing your name is important to our Marina Del Rey sex crimes attorneys.
There are some defenses that may make sense in your particular situation, depending on the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you. Our attorneys will examine all avenues for your defense to find which defense best applies to your case. Some successful defenses against sex crimes allegations in the past include:
Our compassionate, nonjudgmental Marina Del Ray sex crimes attorneys want to help. You can contact us for a free consultation of your sex crimes case today by clicking here or calling 310-430-7799.
