California enforces strict laws regarding sex crimes and imposes serious penalties for violators. Being accused of a sex crime in California is a big deal. In addition to facing severe legal consequences, a conviction may also wreak havoc on other aspects of one’s life. Despite the social stigma attached to allegations of a sex crime, these accusations are not always straightforward or clear-cut. False accusations and misleading evidence can often lead to wrongful convictions. The best way to avoid these charges and clear your name is to hire a local attorney with experience in defending against sex crimes.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Riverside
A sex crime is an umbrella term used to describe any prohibited sexual conduct against another individual. This can range from the sexual abuse of a victim to exposing yourself to another person without their consent. If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Riverside, it’s important to understand the potential consequences. Continue reading to learn about the top four penalties you may face.
1. Prison Sentence
Because sex crimes are such grave offenses, they carry heavy prison sentences. For most misdemeanor sex offenses such as indecent exposure or lewd conduct, you may be facing up to 6 months in county jail. However, felony sex offenses carry much longer sentences. Felony rape, for example, is punishable by 3 to 8 years in state prison. Similarly, sex crimes involving minors such as child molestation are punishable by up to 8 years in prison. Moreover, a single act could lead to charges of multiple sex crimes. Therefore, the penalties could be cumulative and result in life sentences in the most extreme cases.
2. Sex Offender Registration
Perhaps one of the most permanent consequences of a sex crime conviction is having to register as a sex offender. Under California Penal Code Section 290, individuals convicted of sex crimes must register as sex offenders for 10 years, 20 years, or even for life depending on the circumstances of the case. The sex offender registry is available to the general public, meaning this information can follow you around for the rest of your life. Sex offender registration can hold negative impacts for future academic or employment opportunities, as background checks will reveal your conviction to potential schools and employers. Furthermore, being registered as a sex offender could limit your housing options and even affect your ability to obtain loans. If you do not register as a sex offender after your conviction, you may be charged with an additional offense of failing to register.
3. Hefty Fines
The amount of fines following a sex crime conviction depend on the circumstances of your case. For most misdemeanors, there is a maximum fine of $1,000. On the other hand, fines for felony offenses can be as high as $10,000. This is on top of all the attorney fees and other legal fees that you will incur in the course of your lawsuit. In addition, if you must miss work or get fired due to a sex crime allegation, you may also suffer from this extra loss of income.
4. Personal and Professional Consequences
Even if you are not found guilty, the mere accusation of a sex crime could destroy your reputation, relationships, and quality of life. Due to the social stigma around sex crimes, it may be difficult to preserve your marriage or friendships or regain standing in your community after an accusation. If you are convicted, your future employment opportunities or dating life may be compromised by your mandatory sex offender registration. In order to protect your livelihood, contact an experienced defense attorney immediately if you suspect that you may be the victim of a false sex crime allegation.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are accused of a sex crime, your life may be turned upside down. To clear your name, you need an experienced defense team on your side. With 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich is your best choice amongst Southern California criminal defense firms. Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients accused of sex crimes with great success. We understand how tough these cases can be, but we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible results so that you never need to worry.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Torrance, West Covina, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you are sure to find an available and convenient attorney near you.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.
