Understanding Lewd Acts with a Minor Charges

The term lewd acts might refer to many different things. But under California law, when it comes to sex offenses related to minors, a lewd act may involve:

  • Touching a minor below 14 years old on any body part to gain sexual gratification. That means that you can be charged with a lewd act even if you touched a minor over their clothes.

  • A minor touching another person for the sexual gratification of an adult.

It’s also crucial to note that lewd acts don’t necessarily require obvious sexual contact. Put simply, any act involving touching a minor with sexual intent could result in a lewd acts with a minor charge.

The Potential Penalties for a Lewd Acts with a Minor Conviction Can Be Very Severe

This sexual offense is a felony, and the potential penalties are usually based on various factors, such as:

  • The minor’s age
  • The defendant’s age
  • If there’s a pattern of abuse
  • If the act involved threats, fraud, or force

If force was involved, the penalties include up to eight years of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $10,000. If force wasn’t involved, the fine is the same, but the prison time can be up to 10 years. On top of these penalties, a lewd act conviction will lead to a strike in your criminal record based on the three strikes law. Additionally, you will need to register as a sex offender for life, live only in certain areas, and interact only with adults.

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What Our California Lewd Acts with a Minor Defense Lawyer Can Do For You

It’s in your best interest to reach out to our California lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer at Bamieh & De Smeth promptly. Don’t wait for the prosecution to file charges against you. Our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case and persuade the prosecution to drop the charges or give you lesser charges.

They can also put forth mitigating information pertaining to your background, reputation, and history and viable defenses that may apply before the prosecution formally files charges against you. Whether or not your case heads to trial, our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer will work hard to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Seek Legal Help From Our Seasoned California Lewd Acts with a Minor Defense Lawyer

Learn more about how our California lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer can help you by contacting Bamieh & De Smeth and scheduling your free consultation online or at 805-643-5555.

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