Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Modesto, California

If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, you may be facing one of the most serious and life-altering situations imaginable. A conviction for sexual assault can lead to severe legal consequences, including long prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a ruined reputation. 

That’s why you need an experienced and aggressive sexual crimes defense attorney on your side, someone who understands the law and will fight to protect your rights.

Attorney Ryan Roth works tirelessly to defend those in Modesto, California, and is dedicated to providing you with a solid defense.

If you've been accused of sexual assault, don't hesitate to contact Roth Legal, A Professional Law Corporation today to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Types of Sexual Assault Charges in California?

California has strict laws when it comes to sexual assault, and the state has enacted a wide range of laws to protect individuals from unwanted sexual conduct. 

Under California Penal Code section 261, sexual assault is generally defined as engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual penetration with another person without their consent. This includes a variety of different acts such as rape, sexual battery, and other forms of non-consensual sexual contact.

There are different types of sexual assault charges, and the specific charges you face will depend on the circumstances of your case. Common types of sexual assault charges in California include:

• Rape (Penal Code § 261): Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse with another person. It can occur when the victim is physically forced into sex, is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol, or is unable to give consent due to age, mental incapacity, or unconsciousness.

• Sexual battery (Penal Code § 243.4): Sexual battery occurs when someone touches another person’s intimate body parts for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse, without consent.

• Sexual penetration (Penal Code § 289): This charge involves non-consensual penetration of a person’s body using a foreign object, body part, or other means.

• Date rape (Penal Code § 261.6): Involves allegations of sexual assault that occur during a date or a relationship where the victim claims they did not consent.

• Indecent exposure (Penal Code § 314): This charge involves exposing one’s private parts in a public place, or in front of another person, with the intent to sexually offend.

• Child molestation (Penal Code § 288): California law also makes it illegal for anyone to engage in sexual contact with a minor (under the age of 18) without consent.

A conviction for any of these crimes can carry severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, registration as a sex offender, and various restrictions on your personal and professional life. 

With these potential consequences in mind, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of a qualified sexual assault defense attorney immediately if you're facing charges.

What Should You Do If You're Accused of Sexual Assault?

Being accused of sexual assault can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. It’s important to understand that an accusation doesn't mean you're guilty. Many people are falsely accused of sexual assault, and even those who are not falsely accused may face serious challenges in defending themselves against the charges.

Some critical steps you should take if you’ve been accused of sexual assault in California include:

1. Don't speak to law enforcement without an attorney present: If you're approached by law enforcement, it's critical to exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to the police can be used against you in court, even if you believe you're innocent. Politely decline to answer any questions until your attorney is present. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself.

2. Seek legal representation immediately: As soon as you're aware of the charges, it’s important to contact a skilled and experienced sexual assault defense attorney. The sooner you begin working with an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense. Your attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate the evidence against you, and develop a strategy for defending yourself.

3. Preserve evidence: If you have any evidence that may support your innocence or disprove the allegations against you, be sure to preserve it. This might include text messages, emails, photos, or videos that could provide context or show that the allegations are false. Your attorney can help you understand what evidence is important to gather.

4. Avoid contact with the alleged victim: In many cases, one of the conditions of bail or release from jail will be a restraining order prohibiting you from contacting the alleged victim. Violating this order can lead to additional charges, so it’s essential to respect any legal restrictions placed on your contact with the alleged victim.

5. Stay calm and do not retaliate: If the allegations are false or unfounded, it can be easy to become angry or frustrated. However, making threats, sending harassing messages, or attempting to intimidate the alleged victim can only hurt your defense. Stay calm and let your attorney handle communications with law enforcement and the prosecution.

Taking these crucial steps can help protect your rights and lay the foundation for a strong defense, assuring that you're prepared to traverse the legal challenges ahead.

How Can a Sexual Assault Defense Attorney Help?

Sexual assault cases are complicated and require an attorney with knowledge in criminal defense. Attorney Ryan Roth is committed to providing you with aggressive and effective representation at every stage of your case. Here’s how a sexual assault defense attorney can help:

• Investigation and case evaluation: An attorney may thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, review all available evidence, and evaluate the credibility of the accuser. This might involve interviewing witnesses, analyzing physical evidence, and identifying any inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

• Challenging the evidence: In many sexual assault cases, the evidence is not as clear-cut as it may seem. An attorney may carefully examine the prosecution’s evidence to identify any flaws or weaknesses. This might include questioning the reliability of forensic evidence, challenging eyewitness testimony, or demonstrating that there was no non-consensual sexual conduct.

• Building a strong defense strategy: There are a variety of defense strategies that can be used to defend against sexual assault charges.

• Negotiating plea deals: If the evidence is overwhelming and you're facing the possibility of conviction, a sexual assault defense attorney may work to negotiate a favorable plea deal. In some cases, this might mean reducing the charges to a lesser offense or securing a more lenient sentence. The goal is always to protect your freedom and minimize the impact on your life.

• Courtroom representation: If your case goes to trial, an attorney may provide aggressive courtroom representation. They'll present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case to the judge and jury.

With a comprehensive approach and dedication to your defense, Attorney Ryan Roth will work to protect your rights, challenge the charges against you, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Defending Your Reputation and Your Future

Sexual assault allegations can have long-lasting consequences beyond criminal penalties. Being accused of sexual assault can damage your reputation, your career, and your relationships. 

That’s why it’s crucial to work with the defense attorney from Roth Legal, A Professional Law Corporation, who understands the law and recognizes the broader implications of these charges.

Attorney Ryan Roth understands that the stakes are high, and he is dedicated to helping clients rebuild their lives after an accusation of sexual assault. He'll strive to protect your rights both inside and outside the courtroom and to give you a strong defense while also safeguarding your future.