Few allegations are as serious as alleged sex crimes. In addition to jail or prison time, an accused individual may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life. If you have been accused of illegal sexual behavior, it is crucial to consult with a reputable Westminster sex crimes lawyer immediately. Your reputation and future hinge on the outcome of your case. Our criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry understand the seriousness of your situation and are committed to providing you with an effective and aggressive defense that helps obtain the best outcome possible.
Types of Sex Crimes in Westminster
With over 40 years of defense experience, our attorneys in Westminster have handled the full range of sex crime cases. We have represented many clients accused of:
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Date rape
- Statutory rape
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
Indecent Exposure
California Penal Code 314 PC makes it unlawful to willfully and lewdly expose genitals or private parts in a public place or in front of a person who could be offended by it. It is also unlawful to exhibit themselves or assist another in exhibiting themselves in an offensive or indecent manner.
Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Perhaps the most severe punishment is the ten-year requirement to register as a tier-one sex offender. However, there are several viable defenses to indecent exposure charges. They include mistaken identity, mistakenly baring genitals or private parts, and being unaware you were in the presence of another individual at the time.Â
Sex Crime Defenses
Being accused of or charged with a sex crime is an extremely serious matter. Consequences are immediate and can be life-changing. Fortunately, one of our skilled lawyers in Westminster could pursue several effective sex crime defenses. Some of these strategies include but are not limited to:
- False accusation
- Mistaken identity
- Victim consent
- Insufficient or uncredible evidence
Sex Offender Registration
If you are convicted of a sex-related offense, you will typically be required to register as a sex offender in the state of California. Per California Penal Code 290 PC, sex offenders must register every year within five business days of their birthday, and every time they move to a new residence. The penalties for failing to register depend on the original conviction. If the conviction was a misdemeanor, penalties include up to one year in jail. If the original conviction was a felony, penalties include up to three years in state prison. A Westminster attorney could help someone avoid the requirement to register as a sex offender by effectively defending them in a sex crime case.
Contact a Highly Regarded Westminster Sex Crimes Attorney Today
Our legal team at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry understands how frightening and stressful it is to be accused of illicit sexual behavior. We have dedicated our careers to fighting tirelessly for our clients who have been accused of serious criminal offenses to ensure they receive a positive outcome.
Contact our highly regarded Westminster sex crimes lawyers today for a free, confidential case analysis. One of our knowledgeable defense attorneys could review the specifics of your case, discuss your options, and take immediate steps to protect your rights, reputation, and future.