Glendale Sex Crime Lawyers
Put Decades of Experience on Your Side
Sex crime allegations are among the most serious and life-changing of all criminal accusations due to their severe and often irreversible consequences. These allegations pose heavy legal penalties and a usually inescapable social stigma upon the accused.
A mere accusation of a sex offense can destroy your reputation, jeopardize employment opportunities, and strain your personal relationships, often long before you have had your day in court.
Furthermore, sex crime penalties can be draconian. Consequences include a strike on your record, prison or jail time, five years of probation, restitution, fines, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and the inability to live your life as you previously knew it. Mandatory sex offender registration can restrict where you can live, work, and travel, effectively altering your life indefinitely.
When accused of a sex crime, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The only way to fight back is with representation from an aggressive and seasoned trial attorney who knows the intricacies of the law and how to create vigorous defense strategies.
At Weiss and Stepanian LLP, our attorneys have specific experience going to trial on sex crime charges. Our team can put decades of criminal defense practice into your case. We believe everyone deserves the best possible defense regardless of the nature of the charges. Our firm is founded on the mission of standing up for your constitutional rights while aggressively applying our knowledge, resources, and skills to seek favorable results.
Discuss your case with a Glendale sex crime attorney in a free consultation. Reserve an appointment by contacting us online or at (818) 619-3337. We also serve clients in Burbank, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.
Why Choose Weiss and Stepanian LLP?
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Personalized Strategies and ResultsWe craft customized legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.
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Free ConsultationsWe offer a free initial consultation, providing individuals with the opportunity to discuss their legal concerns and explore their options with no obligation.
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Aggressive AdvocacyOur approach is characterized by proactive and aggressive representation, advocating for our client's best interests within and beyond the courtroom.
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Client Centered ApproachWe are always on our clients' side, dedicated to protecting their rights and interests with unwavering commitment.
Common Sex Crime Charges in California
“Sex crime” is a label that covers both misdemeanors and felonies that are sexually related. These crimes can range from groping another in public without their consent to forcible rape.
California sex crimes can include but are not limited to:
- Rape (Penal Code 261 PC): Includes imprisonment in state prison for three, six, or eight years.
- Statutory rape (Penal Code 261.5 PC): Unlawful sex with a minor, which is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties range from probation and fines to four years in state prison.
- Child pornography (Penal Code 311 PC): Possession, distribution, or production, with penalties including up to eight years in state prison.
- Sexual assault (Penal Code 243.4 PC): Involves fines and imprisonment in county jail for up to one year or in state prison for two, four, or six years.
- Indecent exposure (Penal Code 314 PC): Generally charged as a misdemeanor with up to six months in county jail, but can be a felony for repeat offenders or if done after entering an inhabited dwelling.
- Lewd conduct (Penal Code 647(a) PC): Involves engaging in or soliciting lewd public conduct, punishable by fines and up to six months in jail.
- Prostitution/solicitation (Penal Code 647(b) PC): Criminalizes the act of engaging in, offering, or agreeing to engage in a sexual or lewd act in exchange for money or other consideration. Penalties include up to six months in jail for a first offense.
- Sexual battery (Penal Code 243.4 PC): Unlawful touching of an intimate part of another person for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse. Misdemeanor charges may result in fines and up to one year in county jail, while felony charges can lead to up to four years in state prison.
How Weiss and Stepanian LLP Can Help
At Weiss and Stepanian LLP, we understand the profound implications of sex crime allegations and approach each case with the seriousness it deserves.
Our defense strategies involve:
- Thoroughly investigating the allegations: Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and constructing a factual timeline to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Evaluating the evidence: Assessing the strength of the evidence against our client, looking for inconsistencies or procedural errors that could lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: When appropriate, we negotiate plea deals to minimize the penalties or charges against our clients.
- Preparing for trial: If a case goes to trial, we prepare meticulously to present a solid defense in search of a not guilty verdict.
We understand the stakes of a sex crime accusation and are committed to providing a vigorous defense. Our mission is to mitigate the immediate and long-term consequences of such allegations.
Get advice and guidance from a Glendale sex crime attorney by emailing us online or calling (818) 619-3337 today.
