Los Angeles Crimes Against Minors Attorney

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles defense attorneys have the professional skills and legal experience to defend the full range of crimes against minors. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a crime against a minor, we can help. To set up your strictly confidential, no-obligation initial consultation with a California sex crimes defense lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our Los Angeles law office today.

We Defend a Comprehensive Range of Crimes Against Minors

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers provides a full spectrum of criminal defense representation to people facing serious felony criminal charges in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and throughout all of Southern California. We are committed to the notion that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that every person has a right to raise a strong defense. Along with other criminal charges in Los Angeles, our attorneys have the skills and experience to handle:

Statutory Rape Charges in California

Statutory rape is a serious criminal offense in Los Angeles. Under California law (California Penal Code § 261.5), statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of 18 and not the spouse of the perpetrator. California’s statutory rape law is based on the theory that minors are incapable of giving informed consent to sexual activities. California Penal Code § 261.5 strictly adheres to the age criteria, and the prosecution does not need to prove that the defendant used force or that the minor did not consent. The penalties vary depending on the ages of both the defendant and the victim:

Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Child in California (Child Molestation)

Lewd and lascivious acts with a minor—an offense that is far more commonly referred to as child molestation—involve any form of touching a child with the intent of arousing oneself or the child sexually. Under California law (California Penal Code § 288), this is a crime that can be committed through direct physical contact or indirectly through clothing. It is essential to recognize that force does not need to be applied for an act to be considered a lewd and lascivious act. The penalties for committing lewd acts with a minor vary based on various factors such as the age of the child and the specifics of the act. Here is an overview of the penalties:

• Alleged Victim Under the Age of 14: A minor under 14, the defendant faces five to eight years in state prison for each count. Additionally, sex offender registration is required.
• Alleged Victim Age 14 or 15: If the minor is 14 or 15 and the defendant is at least ten years older, it can be punishable by up to three years in state prison. Sex offender registration is also generally required for this offense.

Child Pornography Charges in California

Child pornography charges in California are largely covered by (California Penal Code 311.1). Under state law, it is a serious criminal offense to knowingly send, transport, produce, possess, or duplicate any material that depicts a person under the age of 18 engaging in sexual conduct. Within the statute, the term “sexual conduct” is defined in an expansive manner. It includes a wide range of sexual activities. Penalties for child pornography crimes in California are severe and can vary depending on the nature of the offense. Here is an overview:

1. Possession: Possession of child pornography is usually charged as a felony and can result in imprisonment for up to one year in county jail or 16 months to eight years in state prison, along with a fine of up to $100,000.
2. Distribution or Production: or production of child pornography carries harsher penalties, with potential sentences of three to eight years in state prison and fines up to $100,000. Convicted individuals are also typically required to register as sex offenders, which can have long-lasting effects on various aspects of their lives.

Note: Beyond California state laws, child pornography offenses may also be charged as federal crimes. Federal laws are especially pertinent if the materials crossed state lines—including when imaged as transmitted electronically on the internet or through the U.S. mail system. Under federal statutes, possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in prison for a first-time offender. The penalties for distribution are even more severe, with sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years for a first offense.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements and Violations in California

In California, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders with local law enforcement. The registration process involves providing personal information, including addresses, fingerprints, and photographs. This information is maintained by the state and much of it is made publicly accessible. With crimes against minors, the registration requirement is typically for life. However, under certain conditions, individuals may petition for removal after a minimum period.

Failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements is a serious violation in California. Non-compliance is typically charged as a felony and can result in penalties such as imprisonment for 16 months to 3 years, and substantial fines. Being vigilant in complying with registration requirements is essential to avoid these additional penalties and the further detrimental impact they can have on one’s life. Legal counsel can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of registration and ensuring compliance with all legal obligations.

Three Mistakes to Avoid When Defending a Crimes Against Minors Charge in California

Facing a criminal charge is stressful—especially so if it is a sex-based offense and the alleged victim is a minor. Too many people who have been accused make serious mistakes during this difficult situation that put them in an even worse position. Remember, no matter the severity of the offense, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Here are three of the most common errors that you need to avoid if facing crimes against minors offenses in Los Angeles:

1. Giving a Statement to Law Enforcement: You have the right to remain silent. No person is required to give a statement to police or prosecutors. Make sure you exercise this right. If you are confronted by law enforcement, your instinct may be to clear your name by providing a statement. However, without proper legal counsel, this can be detrimental. The information you provide might inadvertently incriminate you or be used against you in court. You should not give a statement without a Los Angeles defense lawyer by your side.
2. Directly Confronting a Minor in their Family: When facing allegations, emotions can run high. You might feel compelled to directly confront the minor or their family to proclaim your innocence or resolve the issue. Doing so is a very serious mistake. It will almost certainly backfire. Such confrontations can be perceived as intimidation or attempts to influence witnesses, which may lead to additional charges or exacerbate the situation.
3. Not Hiring a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney: Do not take on the criminal justice system alone. California has very strict criminal laws in place for sex crimes against minors. If you or your loved one has been accused of this type of offense in Los Angeles, not seeking the aid of a specialized criminal defense attorney is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make. You have the right to professional representation.

A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with experience in defending against sex crimes is essential in navigating the complex legal process and protecting your rights.

How Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help

There are perhaps no crimes that face deeper stigma than allegations of sex-based offenses involving a minor. No matter the specific nature of the allegations, every person charged with a crime against a minor is presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to raise a strong legal defense. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we are committed to personalized, solutions-focused representation. Among other things, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is prepared to:

• Listen to your story and offer non-judgmental professional legal guidance;
• Investigate the allegations, gathering and preparing relevant evidence; and
• Develop a legal defense strategy that is best suited for your specific situation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Crimes Against Minors Defense Attorney Today

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys have the professional experience and legal knowledge to defend the full range of crimes against minors allegations. If you or your loved one was arrested, we are here to help. Call us now at (213) 985-1120 or connect with us online to schedule your fully private, no-commitment initial legal consultation. We represent clients in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and throughout the wider region.