Sex crimes are among the most serious and stigmatizing charges anyone can face. Law enforcement officers often jump to conclusions without completing a thorough investigation to find out the reasons why the complaining witness might have made a false or exaggerated accusation.
Regardless of whatever reason you have been charged with a sex crime, you
San Diego Attorney for Sex Crimes
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you can expect to lose your freedom to live where you want, to choose your employer, and to be registered as a sexual offender. If you or someone you know are accused of a sexually motivated crime in California, then Michael Cindrich offers a free and confidential consultation to discuss the case.
After you learn of the accusation, seek out the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney Michael Cindrich has decades of experience protecting people’s rights, including in cases involving serious sex-related crimes. The Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich serve San Diego County, including the cities of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, National City and La Mesa, and of course San Diego proper.
Contact Michael Cindrich today for a free consultation at (619) 262-2500.
Types of Sex Crimes Prosecuted in California
The term “sex crime” refers to a host of felony and misdemeanor offenses involving sexually motivated crimes. The most common types of sex crimes prosecuted in California include:
- Sexual Assault / Rape
- Sexual Battery
- Statutory Rape
- Lewd Acts with a Child
- Arranging a Meeting with a Minor to Commit a Lewd Act
- Child Annoyance
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Lewd Conduct in Public
- Prostitution / Solicitation
- Human Trafficking
- Revenge Porn
Penalties for Sex Crimes in California
Convictions for sexually motivated crimes in California can result in:
- incarceration in the county jail or state prison system;
- hefty fines and court costs; and
- a possible felony conviction.
Additionally, a conviction for a sex crime in California might require a lifetime requirement to be registered on California Meagan’s Law website as a sex offender.
Sex Offense Registration
Those convicted for qualifying sexual offenses are legally required to register as sex offenders with local law enforcement agencies under California Penal Code Section 290.
This process involves reporting in person to the designated law enforcement authority—often the local police or sheriff’s department—shortly after release from custody or upon moving into a new jurisdiction. Registrants must provide personal information, including their full name, address, photograph, and fingerprints, and keep that information current whenever they relocate, change employment, or alter any other required details.
After initial registration, many offenders must update their information at least once a year, generally within five working days of their birthday. The California Department of Justice maintains the database, and certain offender details are made publicly available through California’s Megan’s Law website, including where sex offenders live.
Defenses to Sexually Motivated Crimes in California
The most common defenses to sexually motivated crimes in California include:
- the touching never occurred;
- the touching did occur but was consensual;
- the victim identified the wrong person as the perpetrator of the crime; or
- the false or exaggerated allegations do not constitute a crime.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can show problems with the prosecutor’s case including a showing that the alleged victim or other witnesses are no credible.
Sometimes the complaining witness is motivated to make a false accusation in order to gain a financial advantage in a pending divorce or child custody battle. Other cases involve mistaken identity or misidentification.
The best defenses often require filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, motions to exclude unduly prejudicial evidence, or motions to dismiss charges not supported by sufficient evidence.
Additional Resources
San Diego’s Sexual Assault Family Protection Unit – Investigators in the Sexual Assault Family Protection Unit work closely with prosecutors handling sexual assault cases in San Diego County. Sexually motivated crimes include child molestation, statutory rape, sexual assault and other forcible sex crimes subject to lengthy prison sentences.
Hire an Attorney for Sex Crimes in San Diego County, CA
Attorney Michael Cindrich has decades of experience protecting people’s rights, including in cases involving serious sex-related crimes. The Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich serve San Diego County, including the cities of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, National City and La Mesa, and of course San Diego proper.
Contact Michael Cindrich today for a free consultation at (619) 262-2500.