Orange County Sexual Offense Defense Attorney
Sexual offenses are among the most serious crimes. If you are convicted of a sex crime in Orange County, you could be facing serious penalties. For access to immediate defense, contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer from the firm. There are a wide variety of illegal acts categorized as sexual offenses, including the following:
- Rape: This is a type of sexual assault. The penalties are detailed in the California Penal Code § 261-269. According to the law, "rape is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person not the spouse of the perpetrator, under [a variety of] circumstances."
- Statutory Rape: Laws against statutory rape are outlined in § 261.5 of the penal code. This crime involves sex with a minor (someone under the age of 18), regardless of consent.
- Sexual Battery: Battery is any type of unlawful physical force from one person upon another. Therefore, sexual battery can include rape and other violent sexual encounters without consent.
- Child Molestation: The sexual abuse of a child, someone under the age of 18, is called child molestation. A convicted offender will have to register as a sex offender on the state and national registry.
- Lewd Conduct/Indecent Exposure: This crime may be broadly defined, but almost always includes a "lewd" exhibition in public or to an individual without their consent. This can include exposing genitalia or other organs for the purpose of sexual stimulation.
- Prostitution/ Pimping: It is illegal to sell sex or sexual favors in the state of California, especially as an organized business. It is also illegal, according to § 261.9 of the Penal Code, to seek the sexual services of a prostitute.
If you have been charged with any of the above crimes or any other sexual crime, it is very important that you speak with an Orange County sex crime attorney right away to begin your defense. Certain sexual crimes can be categorized as felonies – depending upon the circumstances of your case, you could end up facing years in prison, serious fines, sex offender registration and other harsh penalties.
Understanding the Sex Offender Registry is required for all convicted sex offenders for varying degrees of time that are intended to fit the nature of the crime. For more information on the sex offender registry, view the California Penal Code § 290-294. As a registered sex offender, you could be forced to report your location and other information to law enforcement agents for the rest of your life. Additionally, if you have a felony conviction on your record, you could face many difficulties in your life – such as difficulties obtaining housing, employment, loans and schooling.
Get Strong Criminal Defense for Your Charges
At The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman, they are fully prepared to investigate and research every aspect of your case in order to provide you with a solid defense that is targeted at giving you the best chance at a positive outcome. No attorney can guarantee results, but their legal team has invaluable and vital years of experience in successfully helping individuals through all types of sex crime cases in California.
They are skilled, experienced and aggressive and will fight tirelessly to uphold your rights throughout your case. You will never be shuffled from associate to associate and you will always be able to speak with the lawyer handling your case. Mr. Bridgman believes that every client deserves the best defense and due process. That is why he and his team are dedicated to providing you with the service you need.