Sex crimes refer to acts of a sexual nature that you commit against someone else with the intention of obtaining sexual pleasure, arousal, or intentionally bothering the victim. Accusations of sexual offenses often lead to a highly distressing situation for the accused. The legal consequences of a conviction depend on the specific law that has allegedly been violated. If found guilty, the penalties can be severe. Moreover, if you face such allegations, you must contend with the societal stigma of these crimes.

In society, defendants accused of sex crimes are often presumed guilty until proven innocent, even though the justice system presumes you are innocent until proven guilty.

 

Seeking legal representation when facing accusations of a sexual offense in California enhances your chances of having the charges reduced or even dismissed altogether. At Sex Crimes Attorney, we are a reputable firm well-prepared to provide the necessary support and guidance in such cases. We are ready to fight for your rights.

An Overview of Sex Crimes in California

Sexual offenses involve various actions, but some of the most prevalent cases involve non-consensual contact and coerced engagement in sexual acts. Upon being convicted of a sex crime, you might be subjected to both misdemeanor and felony penalties.

These penalties can include serving time in prison or jail, being fined, and losing civil rights, such as the right to possess firearms. Additionally, certain sex offenses may require you to register as a sex offender. Sex offender registration has significant implications for your personal and professional lives.

In California, prosecutors are tasked with presenting compelling evidence that establishes your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each sex offense carries a distinct set of facts or elements that must be proven in court. Furthermore, the penalties imposed upon conviction vary based on the laws you allegedly violated.

Below, find these offenses and their respective legal consequences:

Rape, California Penal Code 261

Under California Penal Code 261, rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished by employing:

  • Force: You could use physical force or violence to compel the victim into the sexual act.
  • Fear: You induce fear in your victim through threats or other forms of intimidation to engage in the sexual act.
  • Taking advantage of the victim's incapacity, such as being asleep, unconscious, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, to engage in sexual intercourse.

Elements to Rape

For you to be charged with a Penal Code 261 violation, the prosecutor must prove the following elements:

  • Lack of Consent

The prosecutor must demonstrate that the sexual intercourse between you and the plaintiff occurred without the victim's consent. Consent should be voluntary, informed, and mutually understood by all parties involved.

  • Force, Fear, or Intimidation

The prosecutor must also establish that you used force, fear, or intimidation to engage in the sexual act. This can involve physical violence, threats, coercion, or manipulation.

  • Knowledge of Lack of Consent

The prosecutor must show that you knew or should have reasonably known that the victim could not consent to the sexual act. This element applies when the victim cannot consent due to intoxication, mental incapacity, or other circumstances.

Penalties, Sentencing, and Punishment

Rape is a felony offense, and its penalties can be severe. Punishment depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the crime, the victim’s age, and your criminal history. Some of the penalties could include:

  • Imprisonment:
    • If your victim was above 18 years old, possible penalty includes a 3, 6, or 8-year prison sentence.
    • Raping a victim between 14 and 17 years old could subject you to a 7, 9, or 11-year prison sentence upon conviction.
    • Your rape charges would attract a 9, 11, or 13-year prison sentence if your victim was under 14.
  • If convicted of rape in California, you must register as a sex offender. Sex offender registration involves providing personal information to law enforcement agencies and abiding by strict reporting requirements.
    • If your victim is 18 years of age or older, you are registered as a sex offender for 20 years. You register for life if there are aggravating factors.
    • Raping a 14 to 17 years old victim subjects you to a lifetime sex offender registration.
    • Your sex offender registration is lifelong if your rape victim is below 14 years.
  • The court may sentence you to probation instead of or in addition to imprisonment. Probation entails specific conditions that must be followed, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and restrictions on contact with the victim.

Common Defenses for Rape

When facing a rape charge in California, you must mount a strong defense to protect your rights and ensure a fair legal process. While the specific defenses available may vary depending on the case's circumstances, some common defenses can be employed. These include the following:

  • Consent

You could defend yourself if charged with rape by arguing that the sexual intercourse was consensual. Prove your innocence by presenting enough evidence, such as witness testimony or communication records, to demonstrate that the alleged victim willingly and voluntarily engaged in the sexual act. This is because consent must be given freely and without coercion or manipulation.

  • Reasonable Belief of Consent

In certain situations, you may argue that you reasonably believed the alleged victim gave consent. This defense typically arises when factors may have led you to believe the sexual act was consensual. However, you should establish that the belief was reasonable based on the circumstances and the communication between the parties involved.

For example, Lucy invites Paul to her place, and they start making out later. This leads to sexual intercourse, and while at it, Lucy feels that what they are doing is wrong and wants them to stop. However, she does not say anything to Paul, who continues with the sexual intercourse.

In this scenario, Paul is not guilty of rape because he had reason to believe that Lucy had consented and had no problem with the sexual act between them.

  • Lack of Force or Fear

If the prosecution relies on force, fear, or intimidation as an element of the crime, you may challenge the evidence they present in court. You could defend yourself by presenting witnesses, video footage, or other evidence contradicting the prosecution's claims.

  • Lack of Sexual Intercourse

For you to be accused of rape, sexual intercourse must have occurred between you and the alleged victim. If no sexual activity occurred, you could argue that you are being falsely accused.

Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor, California Penal Code 288

In California, engaging in lewd and lascivious acts with a minor means engaging in sexual acts or conduct with a child under the age of 14 or between the ages of 14 and 15 when you are at least ten years older than the minor.

What The Prosecution Must Prove

The elements that the prosecution must establish before the court can convict you include:

  • Sexual Conduct: The prosecution must prove you willfully engaged in lewd or lascivious acts. These acts include touching, fondling, or sexual penetration of the child or oral copulation.
  • Age of the Minor: Also, the prosecutor must show that the alleged victim was under the age of 14 or between the ages of 14 and 15, with a significant age difference between you and the minor.
  • Intent. You must have had the intention of satisfying the urge of:
    • Someone else.
    • The minor.
    • Your lust.

Possible Penalties

Lewd and lascivious acts with a minor is charged as a felony offense in California. Your punishment varies depending on your criminal record, aggravating factors, and the minor’s age. The penalties for this crime include:

  • A 3, 6, or 8-year prison sentence, probation alongside a one-year jail term, and a maximum fine of $10,000 if the victim was below 14 and you used no threat or force.
  • A 5, 8, or 10-year imprisonment, a $10,000 maximum fine, if the minor was below 14 years, and you used the following:
    • Threats.
    • Coercion.
    • Duress.
    • Violence.
  • If your victim was under 14 years old and your lewd act caused bodily harm to them, you attract the following punishment:
    • A 25-year or life imprisonment for causing bodily harm to a 14-year-old or below under PC 667. 61(d)(7).
    • Life imprisonment for causing bodily injury to a victim below 14 years under PC 288(i).
    • Sentencing enhancement for five years under PC 12022.8 for causing great bodily injury.

Common Defenses

Common legal defenses to a PC 288 violation include the following:

  • False Accusations: Your defense attorney may argue that the allegations are false and that the alleged victim fabricated the story for personal reasons, such as revenge, jealousy, or a desire to gain an advantage in a custody dispute.
  • Lack of Intent: In your defense, you may assert that there was no intent to engage with a minor in lewd or lascivious acts. You could argue that any actions were accidental or misconstrued.
  • Mistaken Age: If you genuinely believed that the minor was of legal age or reasonably relied on misrepresentations regarding the minor's age, you could use this defense to challenge the charges.
  • Insufficient Evidence: You can challenge the prosecution's evidence by questioning the reliability or credibility of witnesses, the accuracy of forensic analysis, or the chain of custody of evidence.

Indecent Exposure Crime, California Penal Code 314

California Penal Code 314 states that indecent exposure is the willful and lewd exposure of your genitals in public or in the presence of someone who might be offended or annoyed by such conduct.

Key Elements

The prosecutor must prove the following elements:

  • You willfully and intentionally exposed your genitals, either in whole or in part, to others.
  • The exposure must occur in a public place or in the presence of someone who could be reasonably offended or annoyed by the conduct.
  • The act of exposure must be accompanied by a lewd intent, meaning the purpose is to sexually gratify oneself or to offend or arouse the sexual desires of others.

Penalties for Indecent Exposure

In California, indecent exposure is generally charged as a misdemeanor offense. The penalties could include the following:

  • A misdemeanor conviction if you are a first-time offender. The possible punishment includes no more than a 6-month jail sentence.
  • Up to a $1,000 fine.
  • Sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years per PC 290.
  • Penalties for “aggravated” indecent exposure are either felony or misdemeanor ones.
    • Felony charges attract the following:
      • A 16-month, two or 3-year prison sentence.
      • Not more than a $10,000 fine.
      • Sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years.
  • If you are a repeat offender, you face a felony charge. Note that the penalties are similar to those of aggravated indecent exposure, as expounded above.

Common Defenses

Legal defenses to charges of indecent exposure in California include the following:

  • Lack of Intent: The court could dismiss your case if there was no willful or lewd intent behind the exposure. You can assert that it was accidental or unintentional.
  • False Accusations: You could defend your rights by presenting evidence or testimony to support the claim that the allegations of indecent exposure are false or motivated by malicious intent.
  • Lack of Offensiveness: Even though your conduct technically met the definition of indecent exposure, you can argue that it did not offend or annoy others reasonably.
  • Violation of Your Rights: Your defense lawyer may challenge the legality of your arrest or evidence gathering. They could show violations of your constitutional rights, such as unlawful search and seizure.

Sexual Battery, California Penal Code 243.4

California Penal Code 243.4 defines sexual battery as the intentional and unlawful touching of an intimate body part of someone else without their consent. You commit sexual battery for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse.

Elements to a PC 243.4 Violation

Before the judge can convict you, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • The touching was against the person's will and without their consent. Even a slight touch or contact can be sufficient to constitute sexual battery if it meets these conditions.
  • The touching involves the intimate parts of another person, which can include the genitals, buttocks, breasts, or any other body part that is considered private or sexually sensitive.
  • You must have acted intending to sexually arouse, sexually gratify, or sexually abuse the victim.

Penalties for Sexual Battery

Sexual battery in California is a wobbler. So the prosecution can charge you with a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties include:

  • Misdemeanor punishment: If charged as a misdemeanor, possible penalties may include:
    • Not more than a 6-month jail term.
    • Not more than a $2,000 fine. If the victim was your employee, the maximum fine is $3,000.
    • Summary probation for not more than five years. Conditions of probation could include:
      • A tier one sex offender registration for not less than ten years.
      • Community service.
      • Completing a batterer’s education and sexual abuse programs.
  • Felony penalties: aggravating factors attract felony punishment. Possible penalties are:
    • A tier three sex offender registration for life.
    • Up to $10,000 in fines.
    • Formal probation.
    • A prison sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years. The judge could enhance the sentence for 3 to 5 years if your victim sustained significant physical harm.

Common Defenses

Your defense lawyer could use the following defenses to challenge sexual battery allegations:

  • Consent: There was no non-consensual or unwanted contact if the alleged victim consented to the touching.
  • Lack of Intent: Sometimes touching is accidental or unintentional. If facing charges, you could prove that you did not intend to arouse or gratify yourself sexually.
  • False Accusations: You could demonstrate that the allegations of sexual battery against you are false, motivated by personal vendettas, misunderstandings, or other ulterior motives.
  • Mistaken Identity: At times, victims could misidentify perpetrators. If it is a case of mistaken identity, there is reasonable doubt about your involvement in the offense.

Prostitution and Solicitation, California Penal Code 647(b)

Under California Penal Code 647(b), prostitution and solicitation are acts of exchanging or agreeing to exchange sexual acts for money or other compensation. For you to face conviction, the prosecutor must prove the following elements:

  • Engaging in Sexual Acts: The prosecution must establish that you engaged in sexual acts, including various sexual contact forms, with another person.
  • Exchange for Compensation: You must have willfully engaged in these sexual acts in exchange for money, goods, services, or other forms of compensation.

Punishment  for Prostitution

Prostitution in California is generally charged as a misdemeanor offense. The penalties for this crime can include:

  • A 1st-time offender:
    • Not more than a six-month jail term.
    • A $1,000 maximum fine.
  • A 2nd-time or subsequent offender:
    • Not less than a 45-day jail term as a 2nd-time offender.
    • Not less than a 90-day jail term as a 3rd-time offender.
  • Sex Worker Diversion Programs: If charged with prostitution in California, you may be eligible for diversion programs that provide counseling, education, and support instead of jail time.

Legal Defenses

When facing charges of prostitution in California, several common defenses can be utilized, which include the following:

  • Lack of Evidence: You cannot face conviction for a prostitution charge in the prosecution cannot present enough evidence. Poor evidence includes a lack of proof of a sexual act, the absence of an agreement for compensation, or the credibility of witnesses.
  • Police Entrapment: If law enforcement officers induced or coerced you into engaging in prostitution when they would not have done so, your criminal lawyer may argue entrapment.
  • Lack of Knowledge: You could argue that you were not aware or did not have knowledge of the sexual acts being exchanged for compensation, asserting that you were an unwitting participant.
  • Violation of Rights: California law protects your constitutional right. So, if law enforcement conducted unlawful search and seizure, you could use the defense of rights violation.

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, California Penal Code 269

California PC 269 punishes aggravated sexual assault of a child. The crime involves engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 14. A Penal Code 269 violation is considered a serious offense due to certain aggravating factors. For example, kidnapping, infliction of great bodily injury, or using a deadly weapon during the commission of the sexual assault.

Elements of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

The following are key elements the prosecution must prove:

  • You engaged in sexual acts, including various forms of sexual contact, with a child under the age of 14. The minor should be seven years or younger than you.
  • You committed aggravating factors alongside the sexual assault, such as kidnapping, causing great bodily injury, or using a deadly weapon.

Possible Sentencing

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a felony offense in California, and the possible penalties can be substantial. Sentencing could include:

  • A prison sentence of not less than 15 years to life.
  • Felony probation.
  • Lifetime sex offender registration under tier 3 offenses.
  • Consecutive prison terms if:
    • You face conviction for more than two PC 269 violations.
    • Your victims were two or more.
    • Sexually assaulting the minor more than once.

Legal Defenses to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

When facing charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child in California, several common defenses can be utilized, depending on the case's specific circumstances. These defenses may include the following:

  • Lack of evidence: You could challenge the prosecution's evidence, such as the credibility of witnesses, the reliability of forensic evidence, or the identification of the defendant as the perpetrator.
  • Mistaken identity: The defense may assert that the defendant was misidentified as the perpetrator and provide evidence to support an alternative explanation.
  • No child victim: One of the elements of this crime is a “child under the age of 14.” So if your victim was above 14 years during your crime commission, the court could not convict you of a PC 269 violation.

Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney Near Me

At Sex Crimes Attorney, we understand the seriousness of a sex crime charge and the impact it can have on your life. Our dedicated and experienced attorneys are ready to assist you in navigating the legal complexities, protecting your rights, and seeking the best possible outcome in your case. Feel free to contact us at 888-666-8480 for professional legal assistance and support in California.