Sex Crimes Lawyer in Pasadena, CA
Recently, we have seen the authorities become increasingly aggressive in the investigation and prosecution of sex offenses and internet child pornography crimes in Pasadena, California. Prosecutors and judges at the state and federal levels are seeking and imposing particularly harsh sentences, followed by sex offender registration for life, under Penal Code 290.
Our Pasadena sex crime defense attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable, and steadfast in protecting your constitutional rights. We know how to protect your reputation and your future.
Getting accused of committing a sexual offense, such as rape, child molestation, sexual assault on a child, statutory rape, or oral copulation with a child, indecent exposure, is a potentially life-changing event. You could face the possibility of a long prison sentence, as well as job loss, inability to find housing, and a ruined reputation.
Many people have been wrongfully convicted of a sex crime. This often occurs because the evidence to convict a person of a sex crime is the testimony from a biased victim or a child who other adults have typically influenced.
Prosecutors pursue sex crimes with a determination to convict using the fullest extent of the law. Often, no plea bargain is acceptable because it will require you to register as a sex offender.
Common Sex Offense Charges
It is crucial for anyone charged with a sex crime to have an experienced and aggressive attorney fighting back on their behalf. Some common offenses prosecuted in Pasadena are discussed below.
- PC 647.6 - Annoying or Molesting a Child. This law makes it a crime to annoy or molest any child under the age of 18, with the intent to disturb or humiliate the child. This statute is designed to protect minors from behavior that is not necessarily physical but still poses a threat to their well-being. A conviction can result in up to one year in county jail for a misdemeanor or several years in state prison for a felony offense, and triggers mandatory sex offender registration.
- PC 314 - Indecent Exposure. Exposing your private parts in public with the intention of sexual gratification or offending someone is considered indecent exposure. You can be charged even if physical contact does not occur. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to six months in jail.
- PC 243.4 - Sexual Battery. The crime of sexual battery occurs when an individual touches another person's intimate parts against their will for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. This crime can range from misdemeanor charges to felonies, depending on aggravating factors like the use of force, threats, or intoxication. Penalties include jail time, fines, restitution to the victim, and mandatory sex offender registration.
- PC 288 - Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child. This law criminalizes lewd or lascivious acts upon a child under the age of 14 when motivated by sexual intent. The statute is a felony that is prosecuted aggressively, and penalties for conviction typically include lengthy state prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
- PC 261 - Rape. Under California Penal Code 261 PC, rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, threats, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or mental impairment. Rape is a serious felony, and penalties include substantial prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a strike on your record under California's "Three Strikes" law.
Other Common Sex Crimes in Pasadena
- Human Trafficking
- Statutory Rape
- Pimping and Pandering
- Failure to Register
- Prostitution
- Revenge Porn
- Massage Parlor
- Peeping Tom
- Lewd Conduct
- Arrange Meeting with Minor
- Continuous Sex Abuse
Sex Crime Enforcement in Pasadena
Local and county law enforcement agencies, such as the Pasadena Police Department, enforce sex crimes in Pasadena. Police officers often patrol popular areas like Old Town Pasadena or community hubs in Linda Vista to monitor for criminal activity.
After an arrest, cases are prosecuted in the Pasadena Courthouse at 300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, California 91101.
Furthermore, the Burbank courthouse will refer all felony cases that proceed past the preliminary hearing to the Pasadena courthouse.
Therefore, this is a busy courthouse with many of the more serious cases that occur in that jurisdiction, and they are very harsh when it comes to violent felonies and cases involving sex crimes.
The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. Given the complexity and stigma of these cases, they are often vigorously pursued by prosecutors to deter future crimes in the region.
What are the Possible Defenses?
If you've been accused of a sex crime, a strategic defense is critical. Our Pasadena criminal defense lawyers can employ several strategies to challenge the prosecution's case.
Perhaps we can challenge the evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, video recordings, or physical evidence, by scrutinizing them for inconsistencies, improper collection, or procedural errors. For crimes where consent is a potential defense, establishing that both parties willingly participated can weaken the prosecution's case.
Several sex crime statutes require proof of intent to commit the offense. Demonstrating a lack of intent can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search and seizure, the resulting evidence may be suppressed. We might be able to negotiate that you will agree to plead guilty to a lesser offense to reduce your penalties or avoid mandatory sex offender registration.
This approach can be effective when applied to multiple counts or crimes, or when the offense is a "wobbler" that could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For more information, contact the Hedding Law Firm, located in Los Angeles, CA.
