Riverside Sex Crime Defense Attorney

Aggressively Defending Against Sex Crime Charges 

Being accused of a sex crime can feel overwhelming and isolating. Many defendants face public scrutiny, damaged relationships, and uncertainty about what comes next. Whether the accusation stems from a misunderstanding, a false allegation, or a complex situation involving consent or intent, you are entitled to a strong defense and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. 

At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand the sensitivity and emotional weight these charges carry and are committed to defending your freedom and future. As a state bar-certified criminal law specialist, our sex crime defense lawyer has met rigorous standards for courtroom proficiency and legal competency. When you choose our firm, you can expect a tenacious defense and empathetic guidance every step of the way. 

If you are facing a sex crime charge in Riverside, our attorney can vigorously defend your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case. Se habla español.

Types of Sex Crimes We Defend Against

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery refers to the unwanted touching of a person’s intimate body parts against their will for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse (Cal. Pen. Code (PC) § 243.4). This is a wobbler offense with varying penalties. 

A misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and $2,000 in fines, while a felony carries 2-4 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Enhanced penalties may apply if the alleged victim is unlawfully restrained, institutionalized for medical treatment, or seriously disabled or medically incapacitated. 

Rape

Rape is defined as nonconsensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, threats, intoxication, unconsciousness, fraud, or where the person is legally incapable of giving consent (PC § 261). 

The penalties for rape depend on the age of the victim and may include:

• Crimes against victims under age 14 carry 9, 11, or 13 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Crimes against victims aged 14-17 carry 7, 9, or 11 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Crimes against victims 18 or older carry 3, 6, or 8 years in prison and sex offender registration for 20 years or life. 

Child Pornography

Producing, possessing, or distributing child pornography is a crime under (PC § 311). Child pornography refers to any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual conduct, including photographs, videos, or digital images. This wobbler offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and $2,000 in fines for a misdemeanor offense, and up to eight years in prison and $100,000 in fines for a felony offense.

Lewd & Lascivious Acts with a Minor

PC § 288 applies when a person willfully commits a lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14 (or under 16 in certain caretaker situations) with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. Physical sexual contact is required, but intercourse is not. 

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under 18 when the parties are not married, regardless of consent. Unlike PC § 288, statutory rape does not require proof of sexual intent beyond the act of intercourse itself and only applies to intercourse. 

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is committed by depriving or violating the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services (PC § 236.1). Penalties include up to 12 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. If the offense involves inducing minors into commercial sex acts, the offender may face 15 years to life in prison. 

Prostitution

Prostitution refers to any lewd act between persons for money or other consideration (PC § 647(b)). A first offense is punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. 

What Are the Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction?

The penalties for a sex crime conviction depend on the circumstances of the offense, prior convictions, and whether the alleged conduct involved force, coercion, or a minor. Some possible outcomes include lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and thousands of dollars in fines. 

A sex crime conviction can also lead to collateral consequences, such as reputational damage, the loss of professional licenses, and restrictions on where you live and work. It can also make it difficult to obtain housing and employment. We can analyze the evidence against you and work diligently to protect your future opportunities. 

When Is Sex Offender Registration Mandatory in California?

Sex offender registration is mandatory for individuals convicted of qualifying sex offenses, including (but not limited to) rape, sodomy, lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, sexual battery, and most sex crimes involving minors (PC § 290). 

The sex offender registry is comprised of three tiers: 

• Tier 1 has a minimum registration period of 10 years.
• Tier 2 has a minimum registration period of 20 years.
• Tier 3 may require lifetime registration, although some offenders may petition for relief after 20 years.   

Registrants are displayed on the Megan’s Law website pursuant to PC § 290.46 and must register with local enforcement, update information annually, and adhere to strict reporting and residency requirements. 

We understand how dehumanizing it can be to face mandatory sex offender registration. No matter the charge against you, our firm is dedicated to defending your liberty and mitigating the long-term impacts of a sex crime conviction on your life. 

What Is the Legal Age of Consent in California?

In California, the legal age of consent is 18 years old. Individuals under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual activity, meaning sexual relations with a minor can lead to statutory rape charges even if the underage party was a willing participant.

Does California Have a Romeo & Juliet Law?

No. While some states have “Romeo and Juliet laws” that permit consensual sex between young individuals who are close in age, California does not have a close-in-age exemption. This means that any person over the age of 18 who engages in sexual relations with a person under the age of 18 can face serious charges. 

While consent is not a valid defense in cases of statutory rape, age can still play a key role in determining the severity of a conviction. For example, if the defendant is no more than three years older than the victim, they may face a misdemeanor charge. However, the charge becomes a felony if the defendant is at least 21 and the victim is under 16. 

Common Legal Defenses Against Sex Crimes

Sex crime allegations are prosecuted aggressively and carry lasting personal and professional consequences, making it crucial to secure a robust defense. Below are some common legal defenses against sex crime charges:

• Insufficient evidence. If there is inadequate evidence to meet the burden of proof, we can fight to dismiss the charge. 
• Consent. If the alleged victim was at least 18 and voluntarily agreed to the sexual activity, we can advocate for a dismissal. 
• Entrapment. If law enforcement enticed you to commit a crime that you would not have committed otherwise, entrapment may be a viable defense.
• Mistaken identity. If you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, we can gather evidence to establish a convincing alibi. 
• False allegations. If you were falsely accused by the alleged victim, we can challenge witness credibility and present clear evidence of any ulterior motives.
• Mental incapacity (insanity). If you were incapable of understanding your actions at the time, we can coordinate with qualified experts to prove insanity. 

Why Choose Our Nationally Recognized Defense Lawyer?

When your freedom and future are at risk, don’t settle for less than strategic representation from our nationally acclaimed defense lawyer. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is the former president of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and has held national leadership roles with NACDL, underscoring her proven experience and results in high-stakes cases. With thousands of cases handled and decades of criminal defense experience, our firm is well-equipped to defend your rights at every turn. 

Don’t leave your future to chance in criminal court. We can tirelessly defend your rights and reputation. Call (714) 266-3945 to schedule a free consultation.