Folsom Sex Crime Attorney

Sex crime charges will impact your entire life, even if you are not convicted. Getting out in front of the investigation is essential to avoid the negative consequences of a possible conviction. You need a strong defense attorney who will protect your rights throughout the case.

Sex crime lawyer Chris Walsh uses his experience on the other side to work for people like you. He knows how the state develops a case against his clients and he uses that information to poke holes in the evidence. Contact Walsh Law for premier criminal defense representation.

Call 916-237-8270 today or reach out via our online contact form for a free consultation.

Sex Crime Charges in California

California takes sex crime cases seriously and concentrates a lot of effort on identifying and prosecuting these offenses. It’s important to understand what you’re facing if you are being investigated or have been arrested for a sex crime in California. A Folsom sex crime lawyer can ensure you understand your charges and explain your legal options.

Sexual Assault and Battery

Sexual assault and battery (California Penal Code Section 243.4 PC) involves non-consensual touching of another person’s intimate body parts for sexual arousal or gratification. This offense is a wobbler and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Rape

Rape (California Penal Code Section 261 PC) involves having non-consensual sexual intercourse with another person. Several activities fall under the umbrella of rape, all of which involve a lack of consent or force to achieve sexual intercourse with another person.

Child Pornography

Child pornography is illegal under California Penal Code Section 311.11. It involves any material that depicts a person under the age of 18 participating in any sort of sexual conduct. That includes images and footage of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or exhibition of the genitals in a way intended to sexually stimulate the viewer.

Child Molestation

Child molestation (defined in California Penal Code Sections 288, 287, 288.2, 288.3, 288.4, 288.5, 288.7, 647.6, and 261.5) involves engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 18. This crime is a wobbler and may be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the child’s age.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure (California Penal Code Section 314 PC) involves willfully exposing your genitals or your naked body in a public place where other people will be offended or annoyed. Most first-time offenders will face a misdemeanor, but previous convictions can result in a felony charge.

Stalking

Stalking (California Penal Code Section 646.9 PC) is not always associated with sexual offenses, but it often accompanies them. It involves following, harassing, or threatening someone to the point that they fear for their safety. Stalking is a wobbler offense and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Engaging in the act of prostitution or soliciting the act of prostitution (California Penal code Section 647(b) PC) involves having sexual intercourse or performing a lewd act with someone else in exchange for money or other compensation. This crime is typically a misdemeanor offense.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in California

The criminal penalties you may face for sex crimes in California vary widely. It depends on the specific charge, the alleged victim’s age, the offender’s criminal record, and other factors.

Some penalties for specific sex crimes include:

• Misdemeanor Sexual Assault and Battery: up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
• Felony Sexual Assault and Battery: up to four years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000
• Rape: up to eight years in prison (unless the victim is under 18, and then up to 13 years in prison)
• Child Pornography: up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Misdemeanor Child Molestation: up to one year in county jail
• Felony Child Molestation: up to life in prison (depending on the statute used to convict)
• Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure: up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Felony Indecent Exposure: up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Misdemeanor Stalking: up to one year in county jail or misdemeanor (summary) probation
• Felony Stalking: up to five years in state prison or felony (formal) probation
• Prostitution and Solicitation: up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

The penalties for sex crimes go beyond incarceration and fines. You may also face additional consequences such as sex offender registration, a tarnished reputation, and immigration issues, to name a few.

Sex Offender Registration in California

In California, sex offender registration is a legal requirement for individuals convicted of specific sex crimes. There is a three-tiered sex offender registration system. The tier to which an offender is assigned is based on the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history.

• Tier 1: Requires registration for 10 years, or 5 years for minors.
• Tier 2: Requires registration for 20 years, or 10 years for minors.
• Tier 3: Requires lifetime registration.

Why Hire a Folsom Sex Crime Lawyer?

Sex crimes are some of the most serious you can face. However, the penalties can be confusing. It’s important to get legal advice from a trusted Folsom sex crime attorney who can explain your charges and potential consequences.

Former prosecutor Chris Walsh now dedicates his legal practice to protecting the rights of people like you. He understands California sex crime laws and will use that knowledge to analyze the evidence against you and create a strong defense in your case.

Walsh Law will be honest about what you’re facing. Sex crimes are not small offenses. They can result in serious consequences that will change your life. However, our Folsom sex crimes lawyers will fight to clear your name and get you the best outcome possible.

Defending Against Sex Crime Charges

Every case is unique and needs a defense strategy catered to the specific facts of your situation. The sex crimes lawyers of Walsh Law will creatively develop an aggressive defense to attack the charges against you.

We may argue one or a combination of:

• Consent: This is often a difficult defense to prove, as it requires you to show that the alleged victim was not only willing to participate in the sexual activity, but also had the mental capacity to consent.
• Alibi: You may argue that you were not at the scene of the crime at the time it was alleged to have occurred. This defense can be supported by evidence such as witness testimony, phone records, or video surveillance footage.
• False Identification: You may argue that the alleged victim mistakenly identified you as the perpetrator. This defense can be supported by evidence such as eyewitness testimony, DNA evidence, or inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s account of the crime.
• Lack of Capacity: You may argue that you did not have the mental capacity to commit the crime. This defense can be based on evidence of mental illness, intoxication, or sleep deprivation.
• Mistake of Fact: You may argue that you believed that the alleged victim was consenting to sexual activity. This defense can be based on evidence of your state of mind at the time of the crime, such as your previous interactions with the alleged victim or your belief about the alleged victim’s age.

Call Walsh Law About Sex Crime Charges in Folsom

Sex crimes are taken seriously by California prosecutors. The state will spend significant time and money on these cases. It’s important to find a sex crime attorney who will work hard for you. Folsom sex crime lawyer Chris Walsh understands what you are facing. He dedicates his practice to defending people like you.

Call Walsh Law as soon as possible to get the best outcome possible. Contact our sex crime attorneys at 916-237-8270 to schedule an initial consultation.