Sex Crimes Attorney in Modesto, California

Sex charges can be some of the most difficult to handle due to the social stigma associated with them. California prosecutors take sex crimes very seriously, but that doesn’t mean that those who are accused should lose their right to a fair legal proceeding. By working with Roth Legal, A Professional Law Corporation, you’ll be treated with compassion and respect regardless of your charges. As a resident of the community for decades, Attorney Ryan Roth serves clients in the Modesto, California region including Modesto, Stockton, Manteca, Merced, and throughout California. He’s committed to providing everyone with skilled and experienced legal representation. If you need a criminal defense attorney to help you contend with a sex crime charge, call today for a consultation.

Types of Sex-Related Crimes

There are a number of charges that fall under the category of sex-related crimes, and even within each charge there are varying levels of penalties depending on the specifics of your situation. Sex crimes refer to any criminal act of a sexual nature and can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. They range from less severe charges like lewdness or exposure to the most serious accusations of sexual violence, aggravated sexual assault, and rape.

Many defendants are rightfully concerned about what the penalty for sex-related crimes might be. These can include prison time, fines, the loss of civil rights, and a requirement to register as a sex offender. These consequences can be far reaching, extending beyond any time spent in jail, and could potentially affect you for the rest of your life. Penalties are also more severe when the victim is a minor. For example, your prison time and fines for an indecency with a child charge will be higher if the minor was under the age of 14. It’s therefore essential you retain a criminal defense attorney who understands how the different charges may affect you.

There are several lines of defense that can help minimize your charges—or in some cases, have them thrown out completely. Perhaps you were falsely accused or you were under the impression that you’d received consent. In other cases, there’s a lack of evidence or a faulty witness.

Defining Consent in California

Many charges hinge on the concept of consent which can be a blurry line for both the victim and the accused. Under California law, consent means positive cooperation in regards to a sexual act and each person must be acting freely and voluntarily. Consent cannot be given if the person was threatened or under duress. In California, you must be 18 years old to give consent, and if you’re over the age of 18 and have sex with someone under the age of 18 —even with consent—you could be charged with statutory rape. A skilled lawyer can explain how these consent laws affect your case.

Steps to Take After a Sex Crime Accusation

Since sex crimes are treated so harshly both in the public and legal spheres, the first thing you need to do is reach out to an attorney. Until you do this, you shouldn’t speak with any authorities. You should also preserve any evidence or documentation that could aid in your defense including witnesses or alibis. Under no circumstances should you speak with your accuser, as anything you say can be used against you by the prosecution.