Los Angeles Sex Crime Lawyer

Facing criminal charges of any kind is a serious problem, but sex crimes are widely considered particularly egregious, and Los Angeles and Ventura County prosecutors seek conviction in sex offense cases quite aggressively. Additionally, if you are charged with a sex crime of any kind, you could face personal and professional consequences before your trial even begins. The reality of sex crimes is that criminal actions that run contrary to human nature are widely perceived to be some of the worst offenses a person can commit. Even the mere accusation of a sex crime is enough to damage your reputation.

Whether you have been wrongfully accused of a sex crime or know you made a mistake and broke the law, having reliable defense counsel on your side as you navigate your criminal case is crucial. The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can provide the guidance and support you need to approach a sex offense case with greater understanding and confidence.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles and Ventura County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney?

Every American citizen has the constitutional right to legal representation when charged with a crime. It is essential to understand the importance of this right when you are accused of a sex offense in California. It can feel as though the entire criminal justice system is working against you and that everyone already thinks you are guilty before your case even truly begins. While you might think you can explain your situation when you have been wrongfully accused or clarify a misunderstanding that led to your arrest, you still need an attorney. The reality is that the average person with no formal legal training will not know how to approach a complex criminal case involving sex-related charges.

Hiring an experienced Los Angeles and Ventura County sex crimes defense attorney is the best way to approach any criminal case involving sex offenses. If you cannot afford an attorney or do not wish to pay for a private defense lawyer, the court can appoint a public defender to handle your case. While the majority of public defenders are hardworking and experienced attorneys, the demanding nature of their job prevents them from offering much personal attention to any given client. A private criminal defense lawyer like Attorney James E. Silverstein can offer a more focused and personalized level of defense representation in your case.

Types of Sex Crimes Prosecuted in California

California legislators recently changed the legal definitions of many criminal offenses, going so far as to reduce the penalties for many offenses substantially. However, sex crimes are still some of the most serious criminal charges anyone can face, and conviction can entail a host of penalties. The team at the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can provide criminal defense representation in sex crime cases involving:

• Rape and sexual battery. This offense entails forcing sexual contact onto an unwilling victim and typically carries the harshest possible penalties upon conviction.
• Child pornography charges. It is illegal to produce, possess, or distribute sexually explicit images of children under the age of 18.
• Prostitution. California law prohibits all forms of prostitution. It is possible to face criminal prosecution for attempting to purchase sexual services from someone else or for attempting to sell sexual services to others.
• Statutory rape. California’s age of consent is 18, meaning it is illegal for anyone 18 or older to have sex with anyone under the age of 18, even if the sex is consensual.

Any of these offenses can potentially lead to severe criminal penalties, including fines, jail time, and restitution to victims. Additionally, conviction for a sex crime can mean that you must register as a sex offender. Depending on the severity of your offense, registration may be required for several years or for life. If you’ve been previously convicted of a sexual crime and are on the registry for life, there is potential relief available. You may be able to petition the court to remove your name – even for lifetime registers.

Understanding Sex Offender Registration

Due to the heinous nature of most sex crimes and the threat they pose to public health and safety, California state law requires individuals convicted of sex offenses to register as sex offenders in a publicly accessible database. Lesser offenses can qualify for ten-year registration, and more severe offenses can require 20-year or lifetime registration. Your status as a sex offender entails several restrictions that will interfere with your life in many ways:

• Sex offenders may be prohibited from living in certain areas, such as near schools or daycare centers.
• Sex offender registration will prevent the registered individual from qualifying for certain jobs, such as employment in schools, daycare centers, assisted living facilities, or other sectors.
• The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, and registered sex offenders will not only be visible on this registry to anyone who wishes to check it but are also legally required to disclose their sex offender status in various situations.
• Once your community learns about your sex offender status, it can easily lead to ostracism and substantial loss of standing in the community.

It is difficult to have a sex offender status changed or removed, and only certain individuals will qualify to petition, but new laws are making removal a stronger possibility. If you have been required to add your name to the sexual offender registry, either now or in the past, we can work with you to have your name removed, even if you have been required to register for life. We can help ensure you are treated with dignity throughout the process.

What to Expect From Your Los Angeles and Ventura County Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges for any sex offense requires reliable and experienced criminal defense counsel. If you have been wrongfully accused of a sex crime, your Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney will be instrumental in gathering the exculpatory evidence you will need to prove your innocence and/or disprove the prosecution’s case. If you broke the law, you will need an experienced defense attorney who can help you navigate the plea bargaining process. In some cases, prosecutors are willing to exchange a lighter sentence for a swifter guilty plea to avoid a protracted court battle.

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can provide the comprehensive defense representation you need in serious criminal cases. Our firm has successfully represented many past clients in a wide range of criminal cases and can apply our experience to your situation. If you or a loved one have been charged with a sex crime of any kind and need to speak with a Los Angeles and Ventura County sex crimes defense lawyer, contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein today to schedule a consultation with our team.