Child Molestation, Rape, and Other Sex Crimes

A sex crime is any sexual act committed against another person’s will, without the person’s consent, or a sexual act committed with a minor irrespective of whether the minor wanted to engage in the act.  In California, a minor is defined as any person under 18 years of age. Child molestation, a specific type of sex crime, is also called a lewd or lascivious act with a minor under California law.  Child molestation occurs when any type of inappropriate sexual touching has occurred between an adult and a person who is 14 years of age or younger.  Child molestation can include a touching of the genitals, anus, breasts, or private parts of a minor. 

Common sex crimes include:

• child molestation (lewd or lascivious act with a minor)
• annoying or molesting a child
• sexual abuse
• rape, including:
  
  • marital rape
  • date rape
  • other forcible rape
  • statutory rape (consensual intercourse with someone under 18 years old)
• sodomy
• prostitution
• solicitation
• indecent exposure
• possession of child pornography
• distribution of child pornography

Child molestation, and other sex crimes, are emotionally charged, difficult cases, which often involve young children who may appear sympathetic to a jury. If you have been accused of child molestation, or a sex crime, then you need an aggressive advocate on your side. The Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein has compassion, skill, and experience with fighting and wining all types of sex crimes cases.

Criminal Penalties for Sex Crimes

Sex crimes cases carry extremely severe penalties, including:

• substantial jail or prison time
• mandatory registration as a sex offender for life
• sex offender counseling

Additional penalties can include:

• GPS tracking by law enforcement officials
• limitations on choice of place of residence (having to live a specified distance away from schools and other institutions)
• extreme social stigma (having one’s photo and personal information posted on the Department of Justice Sex Offender Tracking website)

Consequences of Sex Offender Registration

In California, a person who is convicted of a sex crime is referred to as a “sex offender.” Under Megan’s law most convicted sex offenders must place themselves on the Sex Offender Registry Megan’s Law Website for life. This sex offender registry is accessible to the public, which means that future employers, landlords, educational facilities, and neighbors are also able to obtain this information.

Legal Defenses to Sex Crimes Allegations

If you have been accused of a sex crime, then you need a sex crimes defense attorney who understands how to build your legal defense against sex crimes charges. For example, there are many reasons why sex crimes allegations may be fabricated.

Common motives to fabricate charges include:

• divorce by the person alleging a sex crime, or by the parent of an alleged victim
• a custody battle between the supposed victim and alleged perpetrator of a sex crime
• desire for financial gain
• unrequited love and vengeance
• a victim of a sex crime who has been molested by somebody else but is afraid to formally accuse the true perpetrator
• fantasy or imagination on the part of the accuser

Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

When defending against a sex crime charge, it is important to have a solid working relationship with a skilled and experienced, sex crimes attorney. Challenging child molestation accusations, and other sex crimes, requires both an aggressive and an innovative defense. Having an experienced and compassionate female sex crimes attorney at your side helps level the playing field, in particular when dealing with female prosecutors and female accusers. If you, or your loved one, has been accused of, or is being investigated for a sex crimes case, then the Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein can help give you the proper legal advice. Call for a free, confidential consultation at: (888) 445-6313.