Sacramento Sex Crimes Lawyer
Defending Against Sex Crimes in California
Sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses a person can be charged with. They include rape, oral copulation, child abuse, child pornography, and sexual battery. While some can be misdemeanors, others can be felonies. A conviction at either level carries serious penalties, including incarceration and fines. However, sex offenses are unique in that anyone found guilty may be required to register as a sex offender. This requirement means that the individual must report annually to their local law enforcement agency to record their personal identifying information. These details are put into a database; some may be accessible to the public, creating a stigma that makes it hard for the individual to re-enter society.
If you're facing accusations, reach out to our Sacramento sex crimes attorney at the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega. We recognize what the allegations can do to a person's relationship, career, and future. That is why we fight aggressively to seek favorable outcomes for our clients. Our approach involves listening to our clients' sides of the story, as well as their goals, analyzing evidence, and researching relevant case law. Leveraging this method, we can develop comprehensive and thoughtful defense strategies.
Are you facing serious charges for a sex crime? Call the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega today at (916) 249-9417 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our sex crimes attorney in Sacramento.
Common Types of Sex Crimes in California
Sex offenses are acts with sexual undertones. That may include sexual penetration or contact, exposing one's genitals, or lewd and lascivious behavior, among other conduct. California has several laws concerning sex crimes. If you have been charged, it is important that you entrust your case to a lawyer with experience fighting these types of allegations.
At the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega, we provide representation for a range of offenses, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Child sexual abuse: California Penal Code § 288.5 provides that it is a crime for a person to engage in 3 or more acts of sexual abuse on a person under 14 years of age for at least 3 months when the actor lives with or has recurring access to the child.
- Indecent exposure: Under California Penal Code § 314, it's unlawful for anyone to expose their genitals in a public place where others may be offended.
- Lewd and lascivious acts with a child: Engaging in lewd or lascivious acts upon a child's body to arouse or gratify sexual desires is a misdemeanor or felony under California Penal Code § 288.
- Child pornography: California's child pornography laws are contained in section 311 of the Penal Code. They prohibit sending, duplicating, publishing, and producing materials depicting a child engaged in sexual conduct.
- Sexual battery: According to California Penal Code § 243.4, a person commits this crime when they touch another individual's intimate parts for sexual arousal or abuse without consent and when that person is unlawfully restrained.
- Rape: The offense occurs when someone has sexual intercourse with another person who did not consent, was unable to resist, was unconscious of the act, was threatened, or acquiesced because of deceit (California Penal Code § 261).
What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in California?
The consequences of being convicted of a sexual offense will vary. Some crimes are misdemeanors, carrying a jail term of up to 1 year. Others are felonies and can result in a prison sentence for years, decades, or life.
Additionally, those found guilty of certain sex crimes may be required to register as sex offenders. Once a year (and anytime they experience a change in their circumstances), they must report to their local law enforcement agency.
Tiers For Sex Offender Registration
The duration of the sex offender registration requirement depends on the individual's tier. The tiers are determined by risk scores and other factors, including whether the individual is a repeat offender.
Registration durations are as follows:
- Tier one: a minimum of 10 years
- Tier two: a minimum of 20 years
- Tier three: life
Contact Our Sex Crimes Attorney in Sacramento Today
At the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega, our Sacramento sex crimes attorneys aggressively fight to protect the rights and futures of those accused of serious crimes. Leveraging our skills and knowledge, we seek just outcomes for our clients.
Ready to defend your rights? Contact the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega today and partner with a dedicated Sacramento sex crimes lawyer.
Client Reviews Speak Volumes
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"Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you."
Hiring an attorney can be a stressful process. Mr.Vega was very helpful right from the very first phone call. He is very down to earth, and was able to explain things so that I understood. My husband was facing felony drug charges, and a possible 6 year sentence. He took the case seriously and made us feel like we mattered and that we had a voice. Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you. He was able to get a very good deal that we didn't think was possible and in fact were told by other attorneys was out of the question. My husband was able to get all charges but one dismissed, 1 year of county jail , with half, credit for time served and probation and the ability to apply for early release via the work project program. That's amazing. He was willing to negotiate to come up with a payment plan to fit the needs of everyone involved. I'm 100% happy with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.
- Paris -
"Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way"
Mr. Vega is an amazing attorney and I would recommend him to anyone!!! Let me just be frank my case was looking unbelievably scary! I had 150,000 bail was looking at federal charges and my entire life was in jeopardy...multiple felonies. Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way answered every question, every phone call, every time!!! I ended up receiving a misdemeanor and sheriff work release 120 days, after facing 4 years state/ 10 years federal!! Now if my review doesn't convince you then idk what will but he was worth every single penny and I'll love him for life, he saved my life!
- Avant -
"I highly recommend him."
Gilbert was a great help. Things were looking bad. The DA was trying to give me 3 years and a felony on my record. Thanks to Gilbert I was given a misdemeanor until I finish my diversion classes then its expunged from my record. I highly recommend him.
- Nikolas -
"He’s so down to earth and easy to talk to."
I made some stupid choices in 2015 that came back to hunt me January 2016. I was extremely scared of the thought of going to jail for a few years over a stupid choice I made the prior year. As soon as I talked to Mr. Vega, I instantly knew I wanted to hire him to represent me. It’s so unlike me to make such an important decision without doing a lot of research but I knew from speaking on the phone with him that he would be the one to help me. Although I was facing these charges and having to explain to him everything that happened, not one time did he make me feel like a criminal. He’s so down to Earth and easy to talk to. Mr. Vega was able to get me 90 days of house arrest which I was only required to do half of. Forever thankful for your help and would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney!
- Amber -
"He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up."
Mr. Vega did an outstanding job handling a background check error. It almost caused me not to get hired with InShape health clubs. He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up and I was able to start working!! If I am ever in need of an attorney again, I will definitely give him a call. Thank you very much, Mr. Vega!!!
- Nick -
"He has the experience and knowledge of the judicial process."
Atty. Vega provided professional service regarding my case. He has the experience and knowledge of the judicial process in the Stanislaus County judicial system. He was able to get an enhancements charge and a traffic citation dismissed. I would recommend him to anyone needing attorney representation in the Stanislaus County area.
- Patrick -
"I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process."
Mr. Vega and his staff were very supportive and made sure you understood everything about your case. He was available to us 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns we had. I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process. I appreciate his help so much and recommend Mr. Vega if you are looking for a confident and dependable lawyer.
- Monique -
"They helped stabilize my life again."
Mr. Gilberto Vega is a professional that is very compassionate and generous. I am very grateful to him because he helped my case. His assistants were a great help as well. They helped stabilize my life again. Thank you very much.
- Rosa