Get the Help You Need from a Marin County Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you have been charged with a sex crime, not only do you face incarceration and serious fines, but a conviction could permanently ruin your reputation. Don’t leave your future in the hands of the prosecution. The sooner you contact a Marin County sex crimes lawyer for help, the better your chances of a positive outcome. 

Sex Crimes Can Include a Wide Variety of Offenses

California law criminalizes many different types of sexual offenses, including the following: 

• Rape – Sexual intercourse through force or fear or because the victim is unable to resist due to unconsciousness or intoxication.
• Sexual assault – Touching an intimate part of another person without consent and with sexual motivation.
• Statutory rape – Having sexual intercourse with someone who is under the age of 18.
• Child molestation – This includes a wide variety of offenses, including sexual touching, rape, or committing other lewd acts with or in the presence of a child. 
• Child pornography – Possession of material that contains a visual depiction of a minor engaging in or simulating a sexual act. 
• Prostitution – Committing sexual acts in exchange for money or something else of value. Solicitation of prostitution is a closely related charge. 
• Failure to register as a sex offender – If you have a prior conviction for a sex crime, you are required to register as a sex offender. Failure to register is a separate offense. 

Each of these charges has its own specific elements that must be proven by the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you. Unfortunately, the prosecution is not entitled to disclose any weaknesses in your case. Instead, they will attempt to intimidate you by making their case seem iron-clad and then bully you into pleading guilty. Do not discuss your case with the prosecution until you talk to a Marin County sex crimes lawyer. 

What Happens If You Are Convicted of a Sex Crime?

The penalties you face will depend on the specific crime you have been charged with. Some sex crimes are felonies, while others are misdemeanors. Some sex crimes are “wobblers,” meaning that they can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Felonies are generally punishable by several years in state prison, while misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail. 

For example, rape is punishable by up to eight years in prison. Committing a lewd act, on the other hand, will be punished by no more than up to one year in jail. 

Sex crimes are unique in that you must register as a sex offender once you are convicted. Depending on the nature of the offense, you may need to register for only a few years. In other cases, such as rape or repeat sex offenders, the defendant will be required to register for life once they have been convicted. 

Talk to a Marin County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

Brownstein Law Group provides aggressive legal defense for people who have been charged with sex crimes. To discuss your case and how we can help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.