Mission Viejo Sex Crime Lawyer

About The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman

Nationally known criminal defense lawyer, Jacqueline Goodman, is a fierce and dedicated attorney who has a proven track record handling complex sex crime cases. For her many awards and accomplishments, Attorney Goodman was added to the Wall of Recognition at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist licensed to practice in California and before the United States District Court (Central District of California), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Sometimes Bad Things Happen to Good People

You Need Jacqueline On Your Side

I am committed to providing my clients with the trusted counsel and aggressive defense they deserve. I believe in redemption and helping people get second chances. I devote a significant portion of my practice to criminal justice reform and I have provided pro bono representation in impact litigation to change the laws to benefit every Californian.

No one is perfect, and everyone has flaws. A mistake should not define you, and our Orange County criminal defense attorney is ready to fight to protect your future, no matter the charges. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to get you out of this difficult situation and put you back in the position you were in before your trouble started!

Understanding California Sex Crime Laws

Under California law, sex crimes include a broad range of illegal sexual behaviors. California has several laws covering different types of sex crimes. Many different types of sexually explicit acts, as well as non-consensual touching of a person’s intimate areas, are criminalized. Some of the main sex crime laws in California include:

• Sexual battery. Under Penal Code § 243.4, sexual battery occurs when a perpetrator touches another person’s intimate area without consent to achieve sexual arousal or gratification or to abuse the victim.
• Rape. Rape, as defined by Penal Code § 261, represents non-consensual sexual intercourse achieved through force or intimidation. The victim of the crime of rape does not need to physically resist the attacker, and a lack of consent to the sexual intercourse is sufficient to prove the crime.
• Child molestation. Perhaps one of the most serious sex crimes, this involves lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, typically under the age of 14.
• Statutory rape. Statutory rape includes having intercourse with a minor. Minors legally cannot consent to sexual activity, so whether or not the minor explicitly consented or declined the activity is irrelevant to the case.
• Indecent exposure. Deliberately exposing one’s genitals in a public place or in the presence of other people is indecent exposure. The convicted defendant can face jail time and be required to register as a sex offender.

In 2023, there were 4,050 adult felony arrests for sex offenses, with 1,170 being for lewd or lascivious acts in California. The rape rate that year was 35.1 per 100,000 population.

What To Do When Charged With a Sex Crime

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Mission Viejo, you may be feeling scared and confused. The first thing to do is to remain calm and not say anything to the police or prosecutors without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you at trial, even if you think it will help your case. Refrain from contacting your accuser. This can be seen as harassment or tampering with evidence, even if you feel that you are just trying to clear your name.

Hire a sex crime lawyer immediately. A Mission Viejo sex crime attorney can help you navigate the legal proceedings in your case. Make sure to keep records of everything that happens, do not talk to anyone about your case except your attorney, and do not try to collect evidence by yourself. Follow the instructions from your lawyer and be sure to abide by the requirements set forth by the court, such as showing up to all court dates on time.