Los Angeles Sex Crime Attorney

Accused of or Under Investigation for a Sex Crime?

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter. If you are being investigated for or have been charged with a sex crime, call the Los Angeles sex crime lawyers at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners immediately to discuss your legal options. Do not speak to anyone from law enforcement until you have consulted with an attorney from our office.

You have rights; protect them! The key to a successful outcome in sex cases is hiring the right attorney during the criminal investigation and prior to formal charges being filed; and conducting a prompt and complete investigation in order to develop and prepare a strategic defense.

Some examples of California sex crimes include:

• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Child sexual abuse
• Lewd acts in public
• Solicitation
• Prostitution
• Sexual battery
• Child pornography
• Indecent exposure.

“Consent” Defined Under California Law

In sex crime cases where consent is an issue, consent is defined to mean "positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to an exercise of free will." California Penal Code section 261.6. Consent does not include any of the following factors:

• The accused used a condom or other birth control device;
• The victim complied with the act to avoid possible injury or death;
• The victim didn't resist the attack; or
• The accused and the victim are or had been dating.

Internet Sex Crimes

Online sex crimes are a growing area of concern for prosecutors. These crimes often involve:

• Prostitution
• Indecent exposure
• Lewd conduct
• Child pornography
• Solicitation of minors for child abuse

An internet offender can be prosecuted under state and federal law.

Megan’s Law & Sex Offender Registration

Under California's Megan's Law, the names of convicted sex offenders can be viewed on the California website www.meganslaw.ca.gov. This allows the public to view information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement. However, approximately 25% of registered sex offenders are excluded from this public disclosure by law, based on the type of sex crime for which the person is required to register.

Experienced Defense in Los Angeles

Being convicted of a sex crime is a life changer. The penalties for sex crime offenses are harsh and usually come with long prison sentences as well as mandatory lifetime sex registration. Many sex cases are prosecuted even though there is a lack of physical evidence coupled with poor quality law enforcement investigations. In fact, many sex crime cases in Los Angeles are prosecuted on the sole basis of the victim’s testimony such that the case is essentially a she said - he said situation.

Contact the Los Angeles sex crime attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners to discuss your legal situation. With more than 70 years of combined legal experience, we can help you and aggressively defend you against sex crime charges.

Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners can help by:

• Arranging for bail, bail reduction, or release without bail.
• Understanding the possible penalties and likely outcome.
• Hiring an investigator to interview witnesses and gather evidence.
• Arranging for a lie detector test.
• Negotiating with the prosecution for a reduction of the charges.
• Working to eliminate the requirement of lifetime sex offender registration.
• Presenting the best legal defense for your case.
• Vigorously challenging every aspect of the prosecution's case.
• Seeking alternative sentencing programs such as house arrest (electric monitoring), residential treatment, counseling and informal probation.