Articles Posted in Sex Crime

A 23-year-old male volunteer at a high school in Azusa has been charged with oral copulation with a 16-year-old female student. According to a CBS news report, the man works and volunteers at four different schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Authorities were approached by the girl’s parents who said she was possibly involved in an inappropriate relationship with the volunteer. Police are looking into whether there were other victims. The man was arrested for felony sex charges.

Sex crimes are criminal offenses that are of a sexual nature. The charges that are filed in connection with a sex crime or the punishment for a sex crime really depend on the type or severity of the crime. A misdemeanor sex crime conviction can result in up to one year in county jail. A felony sex crime conviction could result in a jail sentence to life in prison. Some sex crimes can also be considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.

In addition, conviction for some sex crimes could also result in mandatory registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s prior criminal record can also have an impact on the severity of charges filed. If you are facing a sex crime charge, it would be in your best interest not to talk to police without having a Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney present. Remember, anything you say could be misconstrued or misinterpreted and used against you during the trial.

A 25-year-old man was arrested in Los Angeles recently for failing to register as a sex offender. According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, the man, a sex offender from Maricopa County in Arizona, was wanted for probation and failure to register as a sex offender. Officials say he was convicted in 2005 for kidnapping and sexual conduct with a minor. The man was apparently placed on Maricopa County Probation’s list of Top 10 Sex Offender Absconders in 2009 after he failed to update his registration.

California Penal Code Section 290 requires convicted sex offenders in California to register with their local law enforcement agency annually. Sex offenders are also required under the law to update their registration when they move. They are required to do so within five days of the move. In addition, those attending school must register with the chief of police of the college campus. If convicted of failing to register as a sex offender, a defendant may face up to one year in county jail if the original crime was a misdemeanor and up to three years in state prison if the original crime was a felony. A conviction for failure to register may also become a strike under the California Three Strikes Law.

If you have been charged with failure to register as a sex offender in Los Angeles, please contact the Los Angeles sex crimes defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan at 866-430-8383. Very often, we find that these charges stem from the fact that the defendant did not know they had to register. Remember, the penalties of failing to register can be severe and life-changing. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

A 54-year-old man from Orange County, who was a cook at a county jail facility, has been charged with sexually assaulting two inmates he was in charge of supervising. According to a news report on My Fox LA, the man has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, assault, and battery being involved in sexual activity with an inmate in his capacity as a jail employee. If convicted, the man faces up to three and a half years behind bars and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The man is accused of inappropriately touching two inmates. Prosecutors also say he asked two released inmates to e-mail him nude pictures of themselves. Officials are looking into whether there were additional victims.

Penalties for those convicted of California sex crimes vary depending on the type and level of the charges. A misdemeanor sex crime conviction can result in up to one year in county jail. It could also include court-ordered counseling, AIDS testing, community service, probation, and fines. A felony California sex crime can result in a lengthy prison sentence. Felony crimes such as violent sexual assault or rape could be considered a “third strike.” A third strike under California’s Three Strikes Law could result in 25 years to life in prison. The severity of punishment for a sex offense will also depend on other factors, such as the defendant’s prior criminal history.

No sex crime charges should be taken lightly. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Orange County – whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony – please contact the experienced Orange County sex crime defense lawyers of Sitkoff & Hanrahan at 866-430-8383. We have the experience, knowledge, and skill it takes to build a solid defense and obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today for a free consultation.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a woman who was walking by herself on a trail through Arroyo Park in South Pasadena. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the incident occurred the afternoon of January 24, 2011. A witness heard the woman screaming for help, and upon seeing the witness, the suspect fled, and the witness went after the man. The incident was reported to South Pasadena police, who apprehended the teen after an extensive search. Police say both the witness and the alleged victim have identified the man as the assailant.

California sex crimes are some of the most vigorously prosecuted and severely punished offenses in our criminal justice system today. When it comes to sex crimes, there is always the possibility of mistaken identity or false accusations. If convicted of a sex crime such as rape or sexual assault, the defendant faces significant punishment, including a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A sex crime conviction can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to get a job or even housing.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in California, you need an experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney who will aggressively defend you and ensure that your rights are protected. The attorneys of Sitkoff & Hanrahan are former deputy district attorneys who understand both the prosecution and defense of sex crimes. We have more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal prosecution, investigation, and criminal defense. If you or a loved one has been charged with a California sex crime, please call our law offices at 866-430-8383 to discuss your case at no cost.

A 36-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old boy. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the arrest occurred on January 7, 2011 in Lake Forest. Police believe the woman cultivated a relationship with the teenager online. According to the report, the woman drove to the boy’s home in Maryland and engaged in sexual activity. She has been arrested for rape, child molestation, and sexual solicitation of a minor.

California Penal Code Section 261.5 deals with a person who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18. Depending on the age of the victim and the alleged offender, statutory rape could be a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction of statutory rape could result in one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony statutory rape conviction could result in 16 months to four years in a California state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Defending a case involving statutory rape can be a complicated process. There are many questions a skilled criminal defense attorney may ask during the proceedings. Did the accused reasonably believe the alleged victim was of age? Did the minor make statements regarding their age that led to a misunderstanding? Whether or not consent was given is not a valid defense when the victim is underage. A criminal defense lawyer will instead have to prove that the offense did not occur or that the defendant could not have reasonably known the age of the victim.

An Orange County man faces up to 135 years in prison after being charged with molesting a 5-year-old girl. According to a KABC news report, the 43-year-old man has been charged with repeatedly molesting a 5-year-old girl while working as a housecleaner in 1995. The charges were filed after new charges were against the man, alleging he also molested two young girls in Mission Viejo – ages 9 and 10. It is not clear at this time what evidence the prosecutor may have to prove that the man committed these sexual assaults 15 years ago.

California Penal Code 288 makes it illegal to commit lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14. A lewd act is defined as touching a child or minor anywhere on the body with the intention of causing sexual arousal. These allegations carry severe penalties such as a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

In such cases, the prosecution must prove that the defendant willfully touched a minor for the purpose of sexual gratification. These life-changing charges often arise out of false allegations and misunderstandings. The stakes are extremely high in sex crime cases.

A Los Angeles elementary school teacher is facing child pornography charges after several pornographic images of children were found on his computer. According to KTLA News, investigators allege that the Carson fifth-grade teacher downloaded and possibly created images of child pornography. Detectives also stated that the man admitted to viewing and downloading images of child pornography, but he told officials he did not victimize any children. Investigators have confiscated the teacher’s computers and DVDs to look for possible evidence. They are also asking the public for help with identifying possible victims.

There are a number of child pornography laws in California that may be enforced depending upon the circumstances of the case. California Penal Code Section 311.11 makes it illegal to possess child pornography. Penal Code sections 311.1 and 311.2 make it a serious crime to distribute child pornography. Penal Code Section 311.3 places heavy restrictions on exchanging child pornography. Common penalties connected to these charges range from a year of imprisonment for a misdemeanor charge to up to eight years for a felony conviction.

In such cases, prosecutors will have to prove that the defendant knowingly committed an illegal act and that they should have reasonably known that the pornographic pictures were of someone under the age of 18. Anyone facing child pornography charges would be well- advised to speak with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to learn about their legal options. In many ways, allegations of child pornography can be as devastating to an individual as a conviction.

A judge has temporarily blocked a new law which would restrict the distance a sex offender may live from a park or school. According to a news report by The Associated Press, the Superior Court judge said he made the decision because the provision under Jessica’s Law would give convicted sex offenders too few housing options after they get out of prison. If Jessica’s Law survives the temporary block, convicted sex offenders would not be able to live within 2,000 feet of a public or private school or park.

Convicted sex offenders face severe social penalties in addition to any fines or time in jail they may have to serve. Many sex offenders are required to register annually with local police departments. This puts sex offenders on a public Internet database, where neighbors can view where these individuals live and their criminal history with regard to the sex crimes. Sex crime registration is a valuable tool for parents to keep their children safe. However, it can be extremely harsh on a person who has served their time and is trying to lead a life as a productive citizen.

Laws that enforce such harsh penalties on sex offenders make it all the more important for anyone facing sex crime charges to fight the allegations in court with an experienced criminal defense attorney. In many cases, the charges can be reduced or thrown out.

Five law enforcement teams were created throughout California to better track down sex offenders on parole. According to ABC News, these teams were created after police failed to monitor a paroled sex offender who hid a minor for 18 years in his backyard. These well-funded parole teams are working to track down and monitor parolees who are believed to pose the greatest risk to the public. These new parole teams scour the Internet for potential “predators” and also conduct home visits to make sure that previously convicted criminals are obeying the law. So far, 900 convicted sex offenders have already been arrested for violating the terms of their parole in 2010.

Random searches and investigations are just the newest examples of potential penalties for convicted sex criminals. Anyone convicted of a sex crime in California may also be forced to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. This means that they will be required to register with their local police department every year and can go to jail for failing to do so. Neighbors can view details about their location and past crimes by visiting the Megan’s Law official website.

Defendants wrongfully charged with a sex crime in California have it in their best interest to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. It is crucial to speak with an attorney before speaking with the police. Many sex crime allegations result from mistaken identities, ulterior motives and wrongful charges. An experienced attorney will work to have these inappropriate charges reduced or the case dismissed.

The Los Angeles Times reports that officials arrested eighty-one women and seven men on various sex offenses during a raid at downtown Los Angeles hostess club named Club 907 at 9th and Hill Streets. Police conducted a two-month investigation after observing the club was beyond capacity limits during a routine business check. Police have stated that they did not observe sex acts, but that they did witness multiple lewd acts and solicitation of prostitution. Many of the 88 people arrested could be charged with sex crimes such as soliciting prostitution and other lewd acts.

Lewd conduct and prostitution are serious crimes in the state of California. According to California Penal Code Section 647, any person “who solicits anyone to engage in or who engages in lewd or dissolute conduct in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view” is guilty of a misdemeanor. Penal Code 647 also makes it illegal to accept an offer of money or materials in exchange for a sexual act. These are serious sex crime charges that can carry heavy penalties.

When police officers conduct sex offense raids, and make multiple solicitation of prostitution arrests at once, it is possible for mistakes to be made. People have similar sounding names, physical descriptions could differ only slightly, and the arrestee could have been arrested for uttering words that were not intended to be a solicitation of prostitution. Even an earlier misinterpreted conversation with an undercover officer may have resulted in an arrest that lacked probable cause. Individuals may have been arrested who actually committed no crime.