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Have you been accused of or charged with sex crimes in Van Nuys, California? A conviction could affect every aspect of your life, so you need and deserve a strong defense. A skilled lawyer can protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Sex Crimes in Van Nuys
If you face sex crime charges in Van Nuys, you should understand the laws that apply to them. Common sex crimes in California include:
- Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse by means of force, threats, or fraud.
- Sexual battery occurs when a person touches another’s intimate parts against their will for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse.
- Statutory rape is sexual intercourse with a minor (someone under 18) who cannot legally consent. The law applies regardless of whether the minor gave consent or the alleged perpetrator believed the minor was of legal age.
- Indecent exposure occurs when someone willfully exposes their private parts in the presence of another person who might be offended or annoyed.
- Possession of child sex abuse materials involves having any material that shows a minor engaging in sexual conduct. This includes photos, videos, or digital images, regardless of whether they were shared or distributed.
The Role of a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
California prosecutors take sex crime charges seriously. A Van Nuys sex crimes defense lawyer can provide crucial assistance to help you through the legal process and work toward a favorable outcome.
An experienced sex crimes defense attorney can:
- Listen to your side of the story
- Analyze the evidence against you
- Conduct a thorough investigation to recover new evidence in your favor
- Develop a strong defense strategy
- Advise you on the potential penalties
- Negotiate plea bargains when possible
- Cross-examine witnesses during trial
- Challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Represent you in court hearings and trials
- Present mitigating factors to reduce potential penalties
- Work with expert witnesses to support your defense
- Protect your rights throughout the legal process
Defense Strategies in Sex Crimes Cases
Sex crime charges in California carry severe consequences, so a solid defense strategy is essential. An experienced criminal defense lawyer could recommend one or more of the following defenses depending on the facts of your case:
- Consent – Arguing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity can be a strong defense. Your lawyer can gather evidence, such as text messages or witness testimony, to show that the encounter was consensual.
- False accusation – In some cases, your lawyer could demonstrate that the charges stem from a false allegation. They can investigate the accuser’s motives and present evidence that calls their credibility into question, such as inconsistencies in their story.
- Mistaken identity – Asserting that you were not the person who committed the crime can be another effective strategy. Your lawyer could show you have a solid alibi, such as eyewitness accounts or surveillance footage, proving you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- Insufficient evidence – Pointing out a lack of sufficient or valid evidence to support the charges can lead to a dismissal. Your lawyer can scrutinize the prosecution’s case and highlight any gaps, weaknesses, or unlawful collection procedures in the evidence presented.
The Impact of a Criminal Conviction on Your Future
A California sex crime conviction could result in harsh penalties like steep fines, jail time, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. When this much is at stake, the importance of hiring a knowledgeable defense attorney cannot be overstated. Reach out to the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for a free confidential consultation to learn how we can safeguard your future.
