Getting charged for a sex crime offense or just being accused of one can negatively impact your life, not forgetting the hefty penalties you could face if convicted.
A conviction for sex crimes in San Diego has severe, life-changing consequences and a strong stigma that you may have to face for the rest of your life. The sex offender registration laws make the situation even worse as anyone with internet access can see the crime you were convicted of.
Unfortunately, many innocent people today are wrongly accused of sex crimes while others are exaggeratedly charged. If you or someone you know is facing charges for a sex crime, the best action to take is to hire an experienced sexual assault lawyer in San Diego to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
What is a Sex Crime?
A “sex crime” is any criminal offense that’s sexual in nature, has a form of sexual assault, or portrays a sexual motive.
Generally, California is responsible for charging and prosecuting sex crime offenses. However, the federal government takes over the case when the crime goes beyond the state lines, violates federal law, or involves a minor.
San Diego sex crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and the punishments could be minimal like probation or serious, like life imprisonment.
Below are some of the sex crimes frequently charged in San Diego:
- Sexual Assault: This involves sexual intercourse with someone else without their consent and is normally regarded as a class 2 felony.
- Sexual Abuse /Child Molestation: It involves having sex with someone less than 15 years of age.
- Prostitution: Whether you’re offering or accepting prostitution services, it is an offense and considered a crime in California. Despite being rated as a class 1 misdemeanor, one still has to serve a minimum jail sentence if convicted.
- Rape: Rape involves having sexual intercourse with another person forcefully and without their consent. They may fail to give consent because of their mental status, intoxication, unconsciousness, minor illness, or deception.
- Child Pornography: Also referred to as sexual exploitation of a minor, child pornography involves distributing, possessing, or producing the visual depiction of a minor engaged in exploitative exhibition or other sexual conduct.
- Statutory Rape/Sex with Minor: Statutory rape involves having sex with someone under the age of 18.
All of these sex crime offenses can lead to heavy penalties. Luckily, your San Diego sexual assault lawyer can help you develop a strong defense.
What Are The Penalties For A Sex Crime Conviction In San Diego?
Crime sex conviction punishments in California are severe and stringent, showing how serious these offenses are taken in the state.
Despite 95% of sex crime arrests involving first-time offenses, judges and prosecutors still enforce sex crime statutes. In most instances, being a first-time sex offender doesn’t guarantee you minor penalties as it does for drinking under the influence.
Generally, the penalties vary depending on the type of sex crime committed, the victim’s age, and the defendant’s criminal history. The penalties can potentially include:
- Long jail terms of up to life imprisonment
- Hefty fines that could go up to six figures
- Registering as a sex offender:
Also, if you’re convicted of a sex crime or sex-related crime in San Diego, you may:
- Face a jail term
- Lose your child custody and visitation rights
- Lose your right to vote
- Lose your rights to own a firearm
- Be subjected to a compulsory AIDS testing
- Incur financial penalties
- Be required to attend counseling sessions
- Register for a lifetime sex offender
- Get tracked
- Be placed on probation or parole
In case you need any clarifications or explanations regarding these sex crime offenses and their penalties, do not hesitate to contact Superior Law Center’s sexual assault lawyers today.
Even though each sex crime case is different, we understand that every client deserves the best possible presentation.
What is Megan’s Law?
One of the greatest fears of those people charged with a sex crime in San Diego is that they will have to register as sex offenders.
According to Megan’s law, if you’re convicted of a sex crime in California, you’re supposed to list your name and address on a nationwide sex offender registry and alert your local law enforcement anytime you move to a new location.
Most people dread being listed as sex offenders as this comes with a strong stigma and may even drastically reduce their chances of getting employment.
A great depiction of this stigma is witnessed every day in our communities, where we see many sex offenders forced to search for new living premises because of their neighbors’ actions.
"Eric is very good at being your voice in the field of law. If you need some that is responsible, when it come to taking care of your legal needs. This lawyer has gone the extra mile for me and so has the great people he works with. I thank you."
Michael Weise
San Diego
Contact the Best Sexual Assault Lawyer in San Diego Today
If convicted of a sex crime, your reputation will be ruined, you could potentially have a sex criminal record, and your living and working opportunities may be limited.
As a defendant, you have the right to confront your accusers and review the evidence against your case. To further protect you against police harassment or abuse by judges or prosecutors, consult with an experienced San Diego sexual assault lawyer through all the stages of the criminal process.
Superior Law Center law firm is located in San Diego and provides services to clients throughout Southern California. Our sexual assault lawyers will fight for your rights using strong defense strategies for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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