Those convicted of sex crimes in California face harsh penalties including incarceration, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender in California. Under a new law, which is part of Chelsea’s Law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a lifetime of parole will be required for habitual sex offenders, those convicted of kidnapping a child under 14 years of age with the intent of committing a specific sexual offense, and persons convicted of other specific sex crimes, including aggravated sexual assault of a child. In addition, the new law will also impose a 20-year parole period on those convicted and required to register as sex offenders for rape, sodomy, lewd or lascivious acts, continuous sexual abuse of a child and other sex crimes in which the victim is a child under 14 years of age.
This is a big change from the previous law, under which a prisoner was released on parole for a period not exceeding three years and inmates sentenced on violent felony sex crimes were released on parole for a period not exceeding five years. The maximum parole period of 10 years was reserved for those who received a life sentence for certain specified violent sex crimes.
There is no question that this new law raises the stakes for those facing sex crime charges. Under this law, certain sex offenders can face a lifetime of parole. Parole refers to the early release of prisoners for reasons such as good behavior. Parolees are placed under the supervision of a parole officer and face many restrictions. Being on parole for an extended period of time can have serious consequences on a person’s ability to reintegrate with society or even find gainful employment.
The consequences of a sex crime conviction in California are getting serious with every new law that is passed. If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense lawyer who can vigorously fight the charges made against you while protecting your rights.
The experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys of Sitkoff & Hanrahan have a successful track record getting our clients’ charges reduced or dismissed. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in California, please call us at 866-430-8383 to discuss your case at no-cost.