Sex offense charges

Sex Offense Charges: Understand the Three Most Common Categories

By May 9, 2019 May 22nd, 2019 No Comments

If you have been charged with a sex offense, this is probably an extremely challenging time for you and your family. These types of matters can be very sensitive, and unfortunately, people are accused of sexual offenses all the time. Whether you have been accused of rape, molesting a child, or other types of assault or abuse, you need an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights.

False accusations can lead to an enormous amount of stress, judgment from the public, and even shunning from family and friends. Along with all the surrounding stress, being arrested and charged with a sexual offense can be a frightening experience. While such activities are considered very grave offenses anywhere in the US, they are taken very seriously in California, with convictions often resulting in jail time and mandatory registration with local law enforcement agencies and sex offender registries. The most common types of sex offense charges, enforceable by misdemeanor or felony, are as follows:

  1. Statutory Rape – while this can be a deliberate act, in many cases an individual may engage in sexual intercourse with someone they did not realize was under 18 (yet older than 14). Statutory rape is a crime whether the younger individual gave their consent or not—and their cooperation is not required for a conviction, making some social situations confusing as it is legal to date someone younger, but not engage in sexual intercourse with them. This is a serious offense though and it could result in significant jail time if you are convicted.
  2. Lewd conduct – this covers a wide range of offenses, usually related to exposure-type offenses occurring in and objectionable in public, often discovered in public bathrooms, parks, and areas like beaches. These charges usually consist of misdemeanors but can result in jail time.
  3. Sexual Battery – while any types of sexual offenses will look bad on your record, sexual battery is even worse because it is often construed as a mixture of a sex crime and assault, making the implications worse. Sexual battery is a broad term, however, ranging from physical touch or harm, which often occurs due to forceful interaction or threats that may intimidate and coerce an alleged victim.

If you have been accused of or charge with a sex offense, please call the Dolan Law Offices now. We will listen carefully to your concerns, review your case, and offer advice based on many years of experience. John Patrick Dolan understands California’s complex criminal defense laws and our office will provide the experience you need to help you fight for your rights and best interests. Call us at (760) 775-3739 or contact us online as soon as possible.

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