The Stigma of a Sex Crime
If you have ever been charged with a sex crime, you probably know how severe a sex crime conviction can be. Prosecutors and law enforcement alike put a lot of effort and time into aggressively pursuing sex crimes, which can cause the penalties and punishment for committing a sex crime in California to be harsher than ordinary crimes.
What Counts As A Sex Crime In California?
While California does not have a specific definition of what counts as a sex crime. Usually, the crimes that fall into this category involve illegal and, in most cases, unwanted sexual acts. It can be anything from touching the intimate body parts of another for pleasure without their consent to soliciting a sexual act, whether in person or online.
The penalties involved with sex crimes and their severity will vary depending on the sex crime committed. Nonetheless, you should know that the California state takes sex crimes as a very serious offense and will aggressively set out to ensure t the offender is promptly brought to justice. Thus, depending on the sex crime committed, the defendant is likely to be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. They may also face additional penalties that may haunt them for the rest of life such as:
- Having to register as a sex offender for 10 years or more depending on the Tier registration.
- A damaged reputation, particularly if the accused has to register as a sexual offender.
- Losing your pre-existing job and finding it difficult to find another job thereafter.
- Having problems renting or leasing a house.
- Loss of immigration status for immigrants leading to deportation.
Here are some of the most common sex crimes an individual can be accused of in California:
Why Are These Crimes Treated Differently?
This is mainly due to the social stigma involved with these crimes. Most people consider taking sexual crimes the worst crime an individual can commit, particularly if they involve children. Most individuals want to see the perpetrators of such a heinous crime pay for the actions and then some. This is why you will find that in most sex crime cases, the defendant will usually be considered guilty even before they have time to sit for their arraignment hearing.
We live in the #MeToo era, where more than ever, women are coming out and speaking about past and present situations of sexual assault and abuse. Sexual assault cases are now in the public eye, with the spotlight on them more than it has ever been before. A hit list has been set out for all potential sexual offenders. Now, the burden of proof no longer lies on the prosecution when it comes to sex-related crime cases instead, it falls on the defense.
With the attitude that most of the public has towards sex crimes offenders in today’s world, instead of the prosecution having to prove that the defendant is guilty of the sexual crime they are accused of, the defendant now has to prove that they are innocent. Plus, since the public is keen to see sex crime offenders pay for the crimes they have committed. Thus, in some sex crime cases, elected officials in the prosecution office, such as district attorneys, are keen to ensure that the perpetrators of sex crimes are effectively brought to justice while also appeasing potential voters.
California Take Sex Crimes Very Seriously
Thus, considering how seriously most courts in California take sex crime offenses and how the public ultimately treats individuals convicted or even charged with sexual offenses. If you happen to be charged with a sex crime, you will need a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of defending these types of crimes in California. A lawyer that understands how to navigate through these cases and can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Are You Accused of a Sex Crime?
Our team of experienced attorneys are well experienced in sex crime cases and have competently defended sexual related crimes for years. Thus, they will review your case to ensure you get the best defense possible. Contact us, and we will do everything in our power to ensure you have the best results possible.
Need an Attorney? CALL NOW: 213-932-8922
Yuliya Kelmansky is an Expert Attorney who has over 15 years of practice defending a variety of cases.
