ANAHEIM SEX CRIME ATTORNEY

Sexual abuse of any kind is a serious allegation. The stigma surrounding sexual abuse allegations can lead to lifelong consequences, regardless of the court’s final verdict. The first thing anyone accused of sexual abuse should do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman in Anaheim can provide legal assistance for these complex cases without passing judgment.

What Counts as Sexual Abuse?

California State Law defines sexual abuse and sex crimes as any criminal activity of a sexual nature. These actions are non-consensual and unwanted. They can occur between anyone, regardless of their relationship. Some of the more common forms of sexual abuse include:

• Sexual Assault: The California Penal Code defines sexual assault, also known as sexual battery, as the touching of another person's parts, specifically a sexual organ, breast, anus, groin, or buttocks, against that person's will and with the intent to sexually arouse, gratify, or abuse that person. This includes any unwanted grabbing, kissing, or massaging. It often involves compelling the victim to make sexual contact with the offender.
• Elder Sexual Abuse: Unwelcome sexual conduct against an elderly person is referred to as "elder sexual assault." Sexual interaction with an elderly person who is incapable of consenting to or expressing their disapproval of such behavior is also considered elder sexual assault. Dementia or other medical issues make many elderly sexual assault victims more susceptible than younger individuals. They might not be able to express that they have been the victim of sexual assault due to their cognitive state.
• Workplace Sexual Abuse: Workplace sexual abuse, which is sometimes referred to as “sexual harassment,” is any unwanted sexual advances or other sexually explicit visual, verbal, or physical behavior. It also includes any behaviors that intimidate, offend, or create a hostile work environment based on the sex of an employee. The offensive behavior need not be motivated by sexual desire. Instead, it may be based on an employee's actual or perceived sexual orientation, pregnancy, delivery, or other associated medical problems. It can also involve their actual or perceived sex or gender identity.
• Rape: Rape is the act of forcing an unwilling participant into sexual activity through the use of force, violence, threats, malicious intimidation, and/or other means. Rape also includes sexual contact with a person who is intoxicated, unconscious, or asleep and thus unable to object. The utilization of date rape drugs, like Rohypnol, is also considered rape.
• Child Molestation: Child molestation is the action of harassing or molesting a child below the age of 18, usually out of an irrational desire to have sex with that child. Most people typically assume that the phrase "molesting" refers to actual physical sexual abuse. In reality, physical contact is not necessarily required to be accused of this sex crime. For instance, making sexual remarks to a child or engaging in indirect behavior like masturbating in front of them may constitute child molestation as well.

Sex crime allegations range drastically, but all revolve around sexual motivation. These crimes can be pursued as penalties or misdemeanors, depending on the victims and the actions involved in the case. For example, if a person is convicted of rape, this sentence will often be pursued at the felony level. On the other hand, charges like indecent exposure or solicitation, which are often used to pursue prostitution charges, will normally be pursued as misdemeanors.