Skilled California Child Molestation, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse & Child-Related Sex Crimes' Lawyer, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney | Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez, LA, CA

CALIFORNIA CHILD ABUSE CHARGE

False Accusation • Child Molestation
Crimes Against Children • Sexual Assault on a Child

Los Angeles Child Abuse Attorney
California Criminal Lawyer for Falsely Accused

An accusation of child abuse or molestation can have serious legal consequences and sex registration for life.

In the past several years, there has been a major increase in accusations of crimes against children. The media is constantly reporting on sexual assaults on children, child abuse, molestation, pornography, neglect and other child-related crimes.

Those accused of child molestation, abuse or sexual assault crimes are despised, ostracized and/or shunned by society—even if the accusation is false. The mere mention or suspicion of child molestation or sexual assault crimes is enough to have someone chased out of the community or thrown out of his/her profession.

A conviction could mean a lifetime registration as a child sex offender.

California Law
Most child abuse or molestation cases are charged under California Penal Code Sections 288(a) and 288.5(a).

Section 288(a) states that “any person who commits a lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14 is guilty of a felony punishable in the state prison for 3 to 8 years.” Each act constitutes one charge. Section 288.5(a) states that “any person who engages in 3 or more acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under the age of 14, or 3 or more acts of lewd and lascivious conduct, is guilty of continuous sexual abuse on a child. This crime is also a felony punishable with 6 to 16 years in the state prison.

The law defines lewd and lascivious act as any touching to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the sexual desires of either party. However, touching is not a required element of the accused offense.

Contact an Attorney Immediately
If you have been falsely accused or suspected of child abuse or molestation, or you’re being investigated or charged formally of a crime against children, it is critically important to entrust your case to an experienced attorney who understands the law and how to defend these types of cases.

Whatever you do, do not attempt to handle this matter on your own or with advice from family members. If you have been contacted by the police for an interview, do NOT speak to them unless your attorney is present. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you.

Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates is experienced in criminal defense for child abuse, molestation, sexual assaults and child-related sex offenses in Los Angeles and Southern California. His team has successfully defended against many cases involving false accusations by children and has kept a number of falsely-accused individuals from going to prison.

Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates NOW for a free evaluation.

Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
633 West 5th Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone
(213) 223-2173

California Child Sex Abuse Charges

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have been falsely accused of child sexual abuse. What should I do?

Immediately contact an attorney before speaking with anyone else, especially the police. Make sure you consult with an attorney with specific experience in the area of child abuse/molestation cases.

2. If I’m innocent of the allegations or charges, can I represent myself?

Child abuse allegations are very serious and are vigorously prosecuted even when there’s very little evidence to support the charges. In fact, you could be arrested and jailed even if the allegations are false. Do not attempt to talk your way out of the situation, and do not believe that telling the truth will help you. You need to let an experienced attorney assist you with this difficult process.

3. What if the prosecution doesn’t have enough to prove their case?

We live in hysterical times, and prosecutors often don’t need much evidence to prove guilt in a child abuse case. Juries often favor the child no matter what. You must work with your attorney and defense team to be sure your case is presented effectively and consistently.

Stephen G. Rodrigues & Associates represents clients in the Southern California (CA) region, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Santa Ana, Fullerton, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura County, Kern County, Bakersfield, San Bernadino, and Riverside County.

Some of the terms that pertain to our practice include but are not limited to: dui, child abuse, identity theft, drunk driving, fraud, domestic violence, grand theft, felony, kidnapping, narcotic, robbery, misdemeanor, restraining order, arrest warrant, theft, hit and run, vandalism, arson, traffic charges, shoplifting, stalking, embezzlement, burglary, extortion, bench warrant, expungement, assault and battery, terrorist threat, sex offenses, solicitation, probation violation, suspended license, carjacking, gun weapon, attempted murder, petty theft, alternative sentencing, lewd conduct, drug possession, clear criminal records, juvenile offense, seal juvenile records, prostitution, rape.

CALIFORNIA CHILD ABUSE CHARGE False Accusation • Child Molestation Crimes Against Children • Sexual Assault on a Child

CALIFORNIA CHILD ABUSE CHARGE

False Accusation • Child Molestation
Crimes Against Children • Sexual Assault on a Child