LOS ANGELES SEXUAL ASSAULT LAWYER 

Protecting the Rights of People Accused of Sex Crimes

Sexual crimes can have serious consequences beyond just going to prison. Even if a defendant doesn’t end up in jail, they may face sex offender registration, hefty fines and fees, professional repercussions, and social stigma that can impact their life permanently. This is why it’s crucial for anyone facing charges of sexual assault or rape in California to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance and support.

At the Tabibnia Law Firm, Cyrus, an experienced attorney who specializes in sex crimes cases, can help defend you against false accusations and lessen the consequences of a conviction for sexual assault or rape. Rest assured that your constitutional rights will be safeguarded throughout the entire process of the sex crime investigation. In fact, in certain situations, having a legal representative may prevent charges from being filed altogether. Contact the Tabibnia Law Firm today at 866-713-2159 or online to schedule a free consultation with an LA defense attorney.

Penalties of Sexual Assault in California:

In California, sexual assault is known as “sexual battery” and is defined by law as any non-consensual touching of the victim for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. If convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery, the penalties can be severe, including:

• up to six months in jail,
• a fine of up to $2,000,
• mandatory counseling,
• probation,
• and community service.

However, there are certain factors that can make the crime even more serious, such as:

• restraining the victim,
• claiming the touching is for a professional purpose like a medical exam,
• or assaulting someone who is disabled or mentally incapacitated.

If any of these aggravating factors are present, a misdemeanor offense can be upgraded to a felony, which could result in up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Potential Defenses to Sex Crime Allegations

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation, it can feel like the odds are against you. However, there are several defenses available that can help weaken the prosecution’s case. These defenses could potentially result in a more favorable plea bargain, an acquittal, or even the dismissal of the case altogether.

• One possible defense is to challenge the credibility of the accuser or any of the prosecution’s witnesses. This may involve pointing out inconsistencies in their statements or questioning their motives for making the accusation.
• Another defense could be to argue that the alleged conduct does not actually constitute a sex offense under the law. This could involve showing that the conduct in question was consensual, for example.
• A third defense may be to allege that the prosecution violated the defendant’s constitutional rights in some way. If successful, this could result in the exclusion of key evidence from the trial.
• Finally, it may be possible to introduce evidence that shows that the defendant could not have engaged in the alleged conduct. This could involve presenting an alibi or demonstrating that the defendant did not have the opportunity to commit the offense in question.

In some cases, the evidence against a defendant accused of a sex offense can be very strong. The victim’s testimony may be supported by physical evidence, surveillance footage, or the testimony of other witnesses. In such situations, having a skilled attorney represent you can be invaluable in mitigating the potential consequences of a sexual assault or rape conviction.

For instance, a conviction for rape or attempted rape automatically triggers lifetime sex offender registration under California Penal Code. Judges have no discretion to waive or reduce sex offender registration requirements in such cases. Therefore, some defendants charged with rape may find it advantageous to accept a plea bargain for a lesser offense with discretionary or no sex offender registration requirements.

However, deciding whether to accept or reject a plea bargain offer can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s essential to discuss your options with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

Contact Sex Crimes Attorneys Defending Allegations of Sexual Assault

An experienced lawyer can assist defendants in carefully evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of accepting a plea bargain, enabling them to make an informed decision about their case. When it comes to sex crime convictions, there are numerous “collateral consequences” to consider, and it’s essential to take them all into account before agreeing to a plea bargain. Some of these consequences can include:

• Facing difficulties in finding an apartment to rent due to a criminal record.
• Encountering challenges when seeking employment due to a conviction on your record.
• Suffering damage to your reputation within your community, potentially resulting in social isolation or stigmatization.
• Being disqualified from certain types of employment, especially if they require a security clearance or involve working with vulnerable populations.

It’s important to involve an attorney as early as possible in your case to ensure protection from any illegal actions by law enforcement officers, investigators, and prosecutors. A skilled attorney can provide effective advice on how to mitigate the direct and indirect consequences of being convicted of a sexual offense. So, the sooner you get an experienced attorney involved, the better off you’ll be.

Call (866) 713-2159 today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer. You can also contact us online.