Sex Offenses | Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates

A felony sex offense charge requires immediate intervention by a criminal defense attorney who knows how to protect your rights and negotiate the best possible result according to the facts and applicable law. Do not delay. If you have been charged with a felony sex offense, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney.

Defending Sex Crime Charges

The consequences of a conviction for a sexual offense can last a lifetime. That is why it is imperative to retain an attorney who has experience fighting — and winning — cases for clients charged with sex crimes.

To learn more about sex crime defense, please review the information below and visit the sex crimes section of this Web site. For intelligent defense of sexual offense allegations, please contact the criminal defense lawyers of the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates in San Diego, California.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sex Offenses

Q: How are sex offenses punished?

A: Punishment for a sex offense can vary dramatically depending on the category of crime. A misdemeanor sex crime conviction (such as indecent exposure) may receive less than a year of jail time, a fine, community service, counseling or probation. A felony, on the other hand, may be punished by a lengthy prison term (up to a life sentence). Additionally, released sex felons must register as sex offenders and multiple convictions often lead to greater punishments.

Q: Is consent a defense?

A: Consent may be a defense to sex crimes, in some cases. However, some individuals are not considered able to consent to sex under the law. For those individuals, even if they explicitly agree, their agreement is not legally valid. For example, minors, the mentally disabled and unconscious or intoxicated people (even if they willingly became intoxicated) typically cannot provide valid consent. Statutory rape or date rape charges may result.

Sex Offenses - An Overview

Sex offenses include a myriad of criminal sexual behaviors, ranging from prostitution to rape. If you or one of your family members is facing a sex-offense charge, it is very important to obtain the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney like one at Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates of San Diego, California. The penalties for a sex offense conviction can be serious and life-changing, but many defenses are available. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible allows the evidence to be evaluated and witnesses to be questioned soon after the event.

What Is A Sex Offense?

Sex offenses include all forms of illegal sexual activity, ranging from the crime of rape, usually defined as sexual penetration without consent, to the crime of prostitution, usually defined as sex for hire. The most serious crimes involve the sexual assault of children or include physical injury. Other sex offenses include public indecency, voyeurism, prostitution, solicitation, pornography, date rape, lewd acts, pandering, pimping, statutory rape and unlawful sodomy.

Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory Rape

Unwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as "sexual abuse" or "sexual assault." A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a nonlegal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals found guilty of these sex crimes. Prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation.

Sex Offender Registry

All states require sex offender registration of some kind. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their addresses with law enforcement. Sex offenders must also send updates whenever they change addresses and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail or more frequently if deemed violent predators. States have different requirements regarding what offenses require registration and for what periods of time. Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those who commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact a knowledgeable attorney from our firm for help and advice.

Sex Offenses Resource Links

SafetyCops
Online source for crime prevention and personal protection information.

The Sentencing Project
National leader in the development of alternative sentencing programs and in research and advocacy on criminal justice policy.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
Education program with an anti-drug, anti-violence message.

Family Violence Prevention Fund
Working to prevent violence within the home and in the community.

CDC: Division of Violence Prevention
Resources dedicated to prevention of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual crime and youth violence.