Legally Reviewed By

Justin E. Sterling

Criminal Defense Attorney

An award-winning trial lawyer specializing in criminal defense and civil rights, Mr. Sterling has dedicated his career to representing the accused as well as those who have been mistreated by law enforcement.

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Sex crimes accusations and convictions carry a unique stigma. In addition to the criminal penalties, people often worry about the reputational damage and the long-term effect a conviction could have on their lives. Although the stakes can seem overwhelming, you should know that there are a lot of potential defenses to sex crime charges. However, it’s important to have an experienced Los Angeles sex crimes lawyer on your side from the very beginning.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we have more than two decades of experience successfully defending Los Angeles residents against sex crimes accusations. We believe in your right to be presumed innocent, and we will fight tooth and nail for the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us today for a free and confidential case review with a trusted California sex crimes attorney. We can help you understand your options and decide on the best path forward for you.

Sex Offender Registration System

The California sex offender registration system has three tiers. Lower-level crimes are placed in tier 1. Mid-level offenses are placed in tier 2, and the most serious offenses are in tier 3.

Tier 1:Offenders must register for at least 10 years.
Tier 2:Offenders must register for 20 years.
Tier 3:Offenders must register for life.

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(818) 995-9452

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“Justin is a dying breed of lawyer. He's fearless and has an innate understanding of what injustice looks like. Never hesitates to speak truth to power.”
-Daily Journal

Why Trust the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling with Your Case?

Our law firm combines a wealth of experience and unparalleled resources to craft strong defenses for our clients.

Our firm provides:

More than two decades of criminal trial experience, including over 100 jury trials tried to verdict
A team of in-house investigators made up of former senior law enforcement professionals
Longtime working relationships with prosecutors, district attorneys, and law enforcement agencies across Los Angeles
An intentionally limited caseload allowing for personalized legal representation and top-quality service

Don’t wait to get the trusted legal advice you need. Contact us today for a free case review with Los Angeles sex crime lawyer Justin E. Sterling.

Common Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. There are many potential defenses in sex crimes cases, though. Some possible defenses include:

The victim consented

Many sex crimes hinge on the element of consent. For certain crimes, such as rape, the case will be dismissed if the defendant can prove the victim gave consent.

The victim was lying

The defense may be able to prove that the victim was not telling the truth about what happened. In many cases, the victim will give one story to the police and then change their story over time.

Mistake of identity

The defendant may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time and has been wrongfully accused.

Mistake of age

If the defendant was charged with a sex crime involving a minor, the defendant may argue that there was reason to believe the victim was 18 or older at the time of the incident.

Call us today for help

(818) 995-9452

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Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction

Not all sex crimes are treated the same, and some are punished more harshly than others. Less serious sex crimes are usually charged as misdemeanors and may result in a maximum jail sentence of 1 year. More serious crimes are charged as felonies, which carry prison sentences over 1 year.

Sentences for common sex crime convictions include:

Aggravated sexual assault: Prison sentence of 2 years or more and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Sexual assault: Misdemeanors carry a jail sentence of up to 1 year and a fine of up to $3,000. Felonies can be punished by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Rape ─A maximum prison sentence of 8 years.
Child molestation: Up to life in prison.
Child pornography: Misdemeanors can result in a maximum jail sentence of 1 year and a fine of up to $2,000. A felony is punished by a prison sentence or up to 8 years and fines as high as $100,000.
Human trafficking:5 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Indecent exposure: A maximum 1-year jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.
Lewd act in public: A 6-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.
Sex for a fee, prostitution: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Pimping and pandering: Penalties vary, but a misdemeanor may be punishable by a 6-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 6 years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Forced oral copulation: Up to 8 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

In addition to prison time and fines, people who are convicted of a sex crime may have to register as a sex offender. Registration is required annually, within five days of a person’s birthday. They must also register within five days of moving residences.

Our Clients Say It Best

Justin is an aggressive lawyer who is committed to his clients. I knew Justin when he was coming up in the Public Defender’s Office and have witnessed him cross-examine police officers as well as give a closing argument. He is excellent. Justin is at the top of his game and it has been a pleasure to watch him establish himself as a dedicated and effective lawyer with a solid reputation within the Los Angeles legal community.

- I.W., Attorney at Law

Justin’s knowledge of the law, trial experience in LA County courthouses, and respect among judges and prosecutors is a point of difference between him and other defense attorneys. Outlawyered everyone in the courtroom. Case dismissed!

- I.R., Former Client

I met Mr. Sterling over 2 years ago when he represented my brother in a very serious case. I attended all court hearings and met with Mr. Sterling numerous times during the course of the case. I am happy to write this recommendation of Mr. Sterling because he is a gifted lawyer who can help. Experienced, knowledgeable, and he actually cares. In court he was aggressive and effective. My family and I basically credit Mr. Sterling with saving my brothers life. The case went to trial and he was acquitted of the most serious charges. If you are looking for a responsive lawyer who has the ability to get results, I would not look beyond this attorney. Mr. Sterling loves what he does, which is pretty evident in the level of service he provides.

- Former Client

It’s no coincidence that year in and year out Mr. Sterling is recognized by his clients, peers, and third party rankings as one of the best in his field.

- J.P., Attorney at Law

When Justin wins he WINS BIG. It is this truth that enables him to achieve impossible results quickly and quietly for his clients.

- H.L., Superior Court Judge (Retired)

Justin is an excellent trial lawyer who cares deeply for his clients.

- Superior Court Commissioner

Justin has unwavering commitment in what he does.

- R.E., Attorney at Law

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Our Criminal Defense Case Results

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we know results matter. It’s your life and your future on the line. We have successfully defended individuals facing serious criminal charges, secured dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and achieved life-changing outcomes in both state and federal courts. While every case is unique, these examples reflect our experience and commitment to justice.

Sex Crimes Defense Cases

Rape Charges

DISMISSED

Rape by intoxicant charges dismissed after extensive investigation, witness interviews, and digital evidence analysis. Client avoided 8 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration.

Aggravated Sexual Battery

CASE DISMISSED

Jury deadlocked 7–5 in favor of acquittal after a 6-day trial. Court denied retrial and dismissed all charges.

$2.25 Million Recovery

Represented multiple women sexually assaulted by a Deputy Sheriff while incarcerated. Federal civil rights litigation resulted in significant institutional reforms.

$1 Million Settlement

Civil rights case involving sexual abuse of a detained minor by a probation officer. Criminal charges were filed against the officer, resulting in jail time.

Types of Sex Crime Cases We Handle

Our Los Angeles criminal defense forms has a long track record of getting sex crimes charges dropped and reduced. We work with people who have been charged with:

Aggravated sexual assault ─ Felony charged under California Penal Code 243.4
Rape, including date rape, statutory rape, and spousal rape ─ Felony charged under California Penal Code 261
Child molestation ─ Felony charged under California Penal Code 288
Child pornography ─ Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the crime, charged under California Penal Code 311
Human trafficking ─ Felony charged under California Penal 236.1
Indecent exposure ─ Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the crime, charged under California Code 314
Lewd act in public ─ Misdemeanor charged under California Penal Code 647(a)
Sex for a fee, prostitution ─ Charged as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 647(b)
Pimping and pandering ─ Felony charged under California Penal Code 266
Oral copulation by force ─ Felony charged under California Penal Code 288
Soliciting a prostitute ─ Charged as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 647(b)
Failure to register as a sex offender ─ Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the crime, charged under California Penal Code 290

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Dedicated Sex Crimes Attorneys in Los Angeles Prepared to Defend Your Rights

Although an arrest on a sex crime offense may seem like the end of the world, you can get through this. Even when police and prosecutors act like they have an airtight case against you, there are always options. An experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney from our firm can review your case and explain all your options for fighting the charges against you.

In many criminal cases, we are able to get charges reduced or dropped altogether. In cases where a plea deal is the best option, we fight fiercely for the minimum possible sentence. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome in your unique case.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we believe that the lawyer-client relationship is built on communication and trust. We commit ourselves from Day One to dedicating the time and energy that your case deserves. You will have 24/7 access to attorney Justin E. Sterling, and we are always here to walk you through where we are in your case.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we have more than two decades of experience defending residents in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We understand the unique challenges posed by sex crime allegations, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible defense. We serve clients in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Century City, Los Angeles Airport, Marina del Rey, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Valencia, West Los Angeles, and Woodland Hills. Contact us today for a free and confidential case review with a trusted California sex crimes attorney.

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Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles