California Sexual Crime Defense Lawyers

Like other types of criminal charges, sex crime charges vary in severity depending on multiple factors, such as the age of the victim and the details surrounding the alleged crime. For instance, sex crimes that were allegedly committed against children under the age of 14 often come with harsher penalties than other offenses prosecuted in California.

Lewdness is one example of a common charge, though not a common term. The state regards lewd acts with a child to be touching a child anywhere on his or her body for sexual purposes. Penalties for lewd acts with a child include up to eight years in a California State Prison, a strike under the California “Three Strikes” Law, and additional penalties for related offenses.

As each crime has a unique maximum sentence, this is just one example of the myriad consequences that can result from a single conviction involving a sexual offense.

While all of the penalties can be severe, the worst consequence is arguably the mandatory requirement for sex offender registration. You will likely be required to register as a sex offender for even the smallest of charges, which is permanent and requires that you notify authorities every time you move. Your name will be listed in a registry that is accessible by all members of the public – including friends, relatives, landlords, and employers – which can be frustrating, embarrassing, and damaging to your relationships and professional life. Moreover, the failure to register as a sex offender can cause you to be criminally prosecuted.