Words cannot express how grateful I am to you...
- Wendy C. 
Los Angeles Sexual Crimes Defense Lawyers 
Sex Crimes Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are sex crimes?
- What is the punishment for violating a sex crime law?
- Should I talk to the police if I am under investigation for a sex a crime?
- Can a sex crime conviction be removed from my record?
- What does registered sex offender mean, and what is Megan's law?
- How can I be charged with rape when the victim consented to sex?
- What if the victim in a statutory rape case lied about their age, and I honestly did not know they were under 18?
- In a solicitation of prostitution case, is it entrapment if the female police officer approached me and asked if I wanted to have sex?
- Can I be prosecuted for looking at pornography on the internet?
- What are the defenses to a sex crime?
- What can I do to improve my chances?
- What will your firm do for me?
Frequently Asked Questions
Sex crimes are simply criminal offenses of a sexual nature. They vary in type and by severity of prosecution and punishment. Many of the commonly known crimes that fall into this category are Rape (including Statutory Rape, Spousal Rape and Date Rape), Child Molestation, Sexual Battery, Lewd Conduct, Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography (including on the internet), Possession and Distribution of Obscene Material, Prostitution, Solicitation of Prostitution, Pimping, Pandering, Indecent Exposure, Lewd Act with a Child, and Penetration of the Genital or Anal Region by a Foreign Object.
What is the punishment for violating a sex crime law?
Punishment for a sex crime offender varies by type and level of charge. A misdemeanor sex crime conviction can be punished by up to1year of county jail time. A conviction can also include mandatory counseling, AIDS testing, community service, news publication of the conviction, high fines and probation. A felony sex crime conviction can result in a sentence of 1 year of county jail or state prison to life in prison. Some sex crimes, such as violent sexual assault, are "three strikes" offenses with a third strike resulting in a 25 years to life sentence. Furthermore, a conviction for some sex crimes will result in registration as a sex offender or sexual predator and public disclosure. (See Megan's Law). Severity of punishment can also be affected by other factors such as previous similar convictions, any other prior convictions, whether you are currently on probation or parole, the attitude of the local community or court regarding the particular type of crime, the experience and talent of your Los Angeles sex crime lawyer, the degree of media attention to the case, or other mitigating or aggravating circumstance.
Should I talk to the police if I am under investigation for a sex a crime?
No, you should not talk to the police without having an Los Angeles sex crime defense lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. More importantly, what you say may be misconstrued or misinterpreted and used as evidence for your prosecution.
Can a sex crime conviction be removed from my record?
No, a conviction can never truly be wiped off your record in most cases, but in some situations it can be "expunged". An expungement can result in your conviction being dismissed and/or having your guilty plea set aside. This can aid greatly in getting a persons life back on track. In some cases even more can be done for a person with a conviction. An experienced sex crime attorney can be the difference in moving past a prior conviction for a sex crime.
What does registered sex offender mean, and what is Megan's law?
For over 50 years California has required dangerous sex offenders to register with their local law enforcement agencies. However this information was not available to the public until implementation of Megan's Law in 1996. Megan's Law is named after 7-year-old Megan Kanka who was raped and murdered by a known child molester who had moved in across the street without her parent's knowledge. In the wake of the tragedy there was a wide spread movement that resulted in legislation requiring law enforcement to notify and provide warning to local communities about dangerous sex offenders in the area. A person required to register yearly as a sex offender will do so for the rest of their lives. The sex offenders name will be available to the public and they will have to report their location to law enforcement every time they move. Not all sex crimes require registration, but many do. If you are charged with a sex crime ask our Los Angeles sexual crimes defense attorneys if a conviction will require registration.
How can I be charged with rape when the victim consented to sex?
There are certain situations where persons can not legally consent to having sex. Consent to sex can never be given by minors, mentally disabled persons, and physically incapacitated persons (intoxicated, asleep, unconscious, ill, or drugged) as a matter of law. This comes to play in cases of statutory rape (adult with a minor) or in cases of date rape where drugs such as rohypnol, "roofies" or alcohol are used. Voluntary intoxication by the victim is not a defense to crimes such as sexual assault. Voluntary intoxication by the perpetrator is also not a defense.
Statutory rape is a strict liability offense. A person can be found guilty of the crime even if they honestly believed the other person was 18 or older. They can also be found guilty of the crime even if the victim consented and gave false information regarding their age.
In most cases, no. Police officers are allowed to do many things in prostitution cases that do not result in entrapment, including offering sexual services. The key is what you did to acknowledge that you wanted to engage in a sex for money transaction. This can include verbal or non-verbal communication. Was there an act in furtherance, such as taking out money, going to an ATM machine or taking the officer to a motel. An examination of what "exactly" happened is extremely important in these cases. Please contact our firm immediately if you have been arrested for solicitation in Los Angeles.
Can I be prosecuted for looking at pornography on the internet?
Internet sex crimes are now vigorously prosecuted. Downloading child pornography or obscene material can result in prosecution by state and federal authorities. In some cases individuals who have simply visited internet sites displaying illegal content have faced scrutiny and prosecution.
What are the defenses to a sex crime?
Generally the defenses include insufficient or tainted evidence, factual innocence (mistaken identity), and in some cases consent.
What can I do to improve my chances?
Retain qualified and experienced counsel as soon as possible. Please call our firm at (888) 579-4844. Do not share with others the details of the incident. Exercise your right to remain silent. Write down significant events, potential witnesses and alibis. Don't try to handle things yourself. Gather documentation of your good character (reference letters, employment history etc.).
What will your firm do for me?
Our Los Angeles criminal defense law firm has over 60 years of criminal prosecution, investigation, judicial and defense trial experience. We have handled many "high profile" felony cases in a discrete manner. We will provide a shield for you and yet strongly advocate for your defense. We will provide early preparation, including legal research and defense identification. We will investigate and identify all facts helpful to your defense. We will meet with police and the District Attorney to minimize and in some cases eliminate the need for you to go to court. We will interview witnesses and attempt to remove or reduce bail requirements. We will provide open channels of communication with you so you can remain informed about your case. If you choose to retain our firm we will provide the highest level of criminal defense representation available. An experienced Los Angeles sexual offender defense lawyer is absolutely necessary if you are facing prosecution.
If you have been arrested for a sex crimes offense then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844.
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