Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California

In California, a person could be arrested or indicted for committing any crime of a sexual nature. These include rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, statutory rape, lewd conduct, and child pornography. Unfortunately, sex crime accusations often have devastating penalties and ramifications on the defendant's life, reputation, career, and future.  

If you have been arrested and charged with a sex crime, hiring a highly-skilled and aggressive California criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance. At The Law Office of John Goalwin, we're dedicated to offering comprehensive representation and effective legal guidance to clients facing sex crime charges.  

As your legal counsel, we can investigate all of the facts of your case and outline a solid defense to help maximize the best possible outcome for your unique circumstance. Also, Attorney John Goalwin will dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence and make sure you're given fair treatment in every phase of the legal process. 

The Law Office of John Goalwin proudly represents clients across Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding areas of Compton, Van Nuys, Norwalk, and Torrance.

Types of Sex-Related Crimes in California  

Sex crimes involve different offenses relating to sexual behaviors or sexual activities that can be prosecuted by state courts. Here are some of the most common sex-related offenses in California: 

Rape 

According to California law, rape involves the use of force, threats of force, or fraud to have non-consensual sexual intercourse with someone else. 

Sexual Assault or Sexual Battery 

A person commits the offense of sexual assault or sexual battery if he or she touches another person's intimate part against their will and for the purposes of sexual abuse, arousal, or sexual gratification. 

Indecent Exposure 

Indecent exposure occurs when a person deliberately or willfully exposes their genitals or naked body in a public place to another person who would find it annoying or offensive. 

Lewd Conduct 

Lewd conduct involves touching your own or another person's buttocks, genitals, or a female breast for sexual gratification or to annoy others. 

Statutory Rape  

Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual intercourse with a minor (a person below 18 years) who isn't the person's spouse. Minors are not able to consent to sexual activity. Hence, even if the sexual act was consensual or initiated by the minor, it will be considered statutory rape. 

Possession of Child Pornography 

It is an offense to transport, send, print, duplicate, advertise, or possess child pornography. Also, hiring or persuading minors to partake in making pornographic content is prohibited. 

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested and charged with a sex crime, you need to reach out to a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can assess every last detail of your case, help establish consent as your defense, or craft an effective defense strategy for your unique circumstances. 

Consent Under California Law 

Under California law, consent is described as a person who positively cooperates with something. The person giving consent must act freely and voluntarily and be aware of the nature of the activity they are consenting. 

In California, the legal age of consent is 18 years. Only a competent person who is 18 years or older can legally consent to a sexual act in the state. Nonetheless, any sexual activity or intercourse without consent may result in a sex crime charge. 

Registering as a Sex Offender  

In the state of California, any individual convicted of certain sex offenses is required to register as a sex offender with a local law enforcement agency. The person must: 

• Register every year within five days of their birthday. 

• Register within five days of changing their residence. 

In addition, California uses a three-tiered registration system. 

• Tier one requires sex offender registration for at least ten (10) years. Examples of sex offenses include indecent exposure or misdemeanor sexual battery. 

• Tier two requires sex offender registration for at least 20 years. Examples of sex crimes include lewdness or sodomy with a minor under 14 years. 

• Tier three requires lifetime registration as a sex offender. Examples of sex offenses include sex trafficking, rape, or sex crimes against minors under ten years. 

However, failure to register as a sex offender in California or update your registry is a felony crime and may result in additional penalties and other social ramifications. 

Possible Penalties 

In California, sex crimes usually carry devastating and possibly life-changing consequences. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a sex crime conviction could result in any of the following penalties and consequences: 

• Massive fines 

• Significant time in prison (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• A criminal record/history 

• Registration as a sex offender 

• Loss of personal freedom and social prospects 

• Loss of your rights to carry, own, or possess a firearm or gun 

• Increased difficulty in securing employment or housing 

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits or government assistance 

A reliable California sex crimes defense attorney can review every aspect of your case thoroughly and determine the best defenses to help you avoid the devastating ramifications of a criminal conviction. 

Work With a Dependable Criminal Defense Attorney   

Defending your sex crimes accusations without experienced guidance is never advisable. If convicted, you could be facing devastating penalties, such as lengthy imprisonment, hefty fines, a criminal record, registration as a sex offender, and other life-altering consequences. Therefore, when facing sex crime allegations, it is imperative that you retain a dependable criminal defense attorney for proper guidance and to help build your best defenses. 

With about 45 years of extensive experience, Attorney John Goalwin has devoted his career to handling criminal cases and defending clients wrongly accused of committing a sex crime. Our skilled attorney can work to understand every detail of your specific situation and strategize an effective defense to help fight your charges. In addition, we will help you navigate the California criminal justice system and continue advocating for your freedom and future.