Contra Costa County Sex Crime Lawyer

Being accused of a sex crime is one of the most serious and life-altering legal challenges an individual can face. In California, sex crimes carry not only severe legal penalties but also significant social stigma, even before a conviction. At O’Connor Law APC, we understand the emotional toll, the fear, and the uncertainty that follows such an accusation. If you’re facing a sex crime charge, whether based on a misunderstanding, false allegation, or an isolated incident, a Contra Costa County criminal defense lawyer from our firm is here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Sex Crimes in California

California law covers a broad spectrum of offenses under the category of sex crimes, each with its own specific elements, penalties, and legal implications. These crimes range in severity from misdemeanors to serious felonies and can involve alleged conduct with adults or minors.

• Some of the most common sex crimes charged in California include:
• Rape – Non-consensual sexual intercourse, which can be based on physical force, threats, or lack of capacity to consent.
• Sexual battery – Touching another person’s intimate parts without consent for the purpose of sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse.
• Lewd acts with a minor – Engaging in sexual conduct with someone under the age of 14 or 15, depending on the age of the accused.
• Possession or distribution of child pornography – Illegal under both state and federal law, even if the accused did not produce the material.
• Statutory rape – Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone below the legal age of consent, even if the relationship was consensual.
• Prostitution and solicitation – Involving payment for sexual acts, which can also include being charged with “pandering” or “pimping.”
• Failure to register as a sex offender – A separate crime that can arise after a prior conviction.

Each of these offenses carries serious consequences, and even being investigated can affect your personal and professional life. Whether you’re under investigation or have already been charged, speaking with a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately is critical.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in California

The consequences of a sex crime conviction in California can be devastating. In addition to jail or prison time, courts can impose large fines, probation, and mandatory counseling. But one of the most enduring penalties—and the one that often changes a person’s life forever—is mandatory registration as a sex offender under California Penal Code § 290.

Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, registration can last 10 years, 20 years, or in the most serious cases, a lifetime. This registration is public, searchable, and can impact your ability to find work, secure housing, and maintain relationships. Certain offenders may be restricted from living near schools, parks, or other areas where children are present.

Penalties vary depending on the specific charge, whether a weapon was involved, the age of the alleged victim, and whether the accused has prior convictions. For instance:

• Rape may carry a prison sentence of up to 8 years, or more if there are aggravating factors.
• Sexual battery can result in up to 4 years in state prison and mandatory registration.
• Lewd acts with a minor could lead to up to 8 years in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

For repeat offenders or those facing multiple charges, the consequences multiply quickly. At O’Connor Law APC, we fight tirelessly to reduce or eliminate these penalties on behalf of our clients.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges

While sex crime charges are intimidating, it’s important to remember that an accusation is not the same as a conviction. Everyone has the right to a strong defense, and many cases can be successfully challenged with the right legal strategy.

There are numerous potential defenses to sex crime allegations, including:

• False accusation – Unfortunately, false claims do happen, often during child custody battles, breakups, or out of revenge or misunderstanding.
• Consent – In many cases, the accused believed the act was consensual. Proving this can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
• Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification, especially under emotional stress, can lead to someone being wrongly accused.
• Lack of evidence – In criminal cases, the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases fall apart when scrutinized.
• Violation of rights – If law enforcement obtained evidence illegally or failed to follow proper procedures, that evidence may be excluded from trial.

Every case is unique, and no one-size-fits-all defense exists. That’s why O’Connor Law APC takes the time to thoroughly investigate the facts, examine all available evidence, and build a customized defense that fits your circumstances. Our goal is always to seek dismissal, acquittal, or the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact a Sex Crime Lawyer Today

If you’re facing sex crime charges in California, your future is at stake—but you’re not alone. At O’Connor Law APC, we bring compassion, discretion, and decades of criminal defense experience to every case we handle. Contact a sex crime lawyer from our firm today for a confidential consultation and find out how we can fight for you.