Child molestation
Ventura Sexual Crimes Involving a Minor Defense Attorneys: Child Molestation
Have you been accused of molesting a child? Child molestation is taken very seriously in the state of California. Unfortunately, these situations can quickly spiral out of control. For example, you could have babysat for your niece and she is now claiming that you touched her inappropriately. Your freedom and reputation are on the line – but you have rights. Don’t let anyone make you think differently.
If you are being investigated for child molestation, or any other sexual crimes involving a minor child, you could face significant jail time and have to register as a sex offender. With so much on the line, you owe it to yourself to choose an experienced, reputable lawyer who has worked on child molestation cases. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are a team of aggressive, experienced Ventura child molestation defense lawyers that will fight tirelessly for your rights.
Understand What Constitutes Child Molestation
First, it’s important to know what constitutes child molestation in the state of California. According to California Penal Code Section 288, child molestation refers to any lewd or lascivious act against a minor for the purpose of sexual gratification. This could be forcing a minor to touch you or themselves. It could also include you touching a minor on clothed or bare skin.
There are three parts to Section 288, which we will discuss below.
- 288(a). Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14. To be found guilty under California Penal Code Section 288(a), the prosecution must prove that you touched a minor’s body, or they were forced to touch their own body, for sexual pleasure. The minor must also be under the age of 14. This conviction carries a $10,000 fine and up to 8 years in prison.
- 288(b). Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor by Fear. You can be found guilty of Section 288(b) if you used force, fear or threats to carry out lewd or lascivious acts against a minor. Because force was used, the stakes are higher. The conviction carries a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison. If bodily harm was done (Section 288(i)), you could face life in prison.
- 288(c). Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Age 14 or 15. To be charged with this crime, the prosecution must prove that you performed lewd or lascivious acts on a child who was 14 or 15 years old for your own sexual gratification. This sentence carries a $1,000 fine and between 1-3 years in state prison or up to 1 year in a county jail.
If the victim was under the age of 10, the penalties are stiffer. This falls under California Penal Code Section 288.7(a). Under this law, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with a child this young. If convicted, you could face up to 25 years to life in state prison.
Our Ventura child molestation attorneys are not here to judge. We are here to help. We know that this is a confusing time for you and your family, and you deserve to have proper legal representation. You have rights, too.
Legal Defenses for Child Molestation
If you are facing child molestation charges, it’s normal to be scared and confused. How will this affect your life moving forward? Will you lose your job or your family? Will you have to register as a sex offender? Our Ventura criminal defense attorneys will review the details of your case and may argue for a reduction or dismissal of charges depending on the circumstances.
Some of the most common legal defenses for child molestation are:
- Contact was accidental
- Contact did occur, but with no intent for sexual arousal
- Child is blaming the wrong person
- Child is lying or mistaken
- No force, fear or threats were made
Importance of Choosing Experienced Ventura Child Molestation Defense Lawyers
Being accused of child molestation is very serious. Not only do the California courts view these crimes as being vicious but also so does the general public. Even if you are not found guilty, you can still lose family and friends over the accusations.
Our Ventura sex crimes defense attorneys understand that there are two sides to every story. Other people may jump to conclusions, but our lawyers will not. What makes these cases so difficult is that the child’s genital area does not have to be touched for it to be considered a lewd act. Rubbing a child’s feet for sexual arousal is considered child molestation.
To protect your freedom, you need a team of experienced Ventura criminal defense attorneys watching out for your best interests. By choosing the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can expect the following:
- Extensive courtroom experience. Our Ventura child molestation defense lawyers are not afraid of the courtroom. We have over 50 years of experience and are well-connected in all of the local courthouses. In fact, many of our lawyers are former judges, prosecutors and police who worked for the state of California.
- Aggressive, knowledgeable. Our criminal defense attorneys are successful at getting cases dismissed and charges reduced. We are able to accomplish this by our understanding of the California laws, our persistent and aggressive approach and the dedication we have to our clients. Child molestation charges are life changing.
- Excellent communication. We are here for you. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, so call anytime to schedule your consultation. All consultations are free and confidential. This time gives us a chance to hear your side of the story and determine the best way to approach your case.
The wrong lawyer can cost you your freedom and reputation. The Ventura child molestation lawyers from our office are experienced in these types of cases. We will aggressively defend your position and ensure that any child testimonies are used fairly in your case.
If you have been accused of child molestation, call or email our Ventura experienced criminal defense lawyers today. With over 50 years of courtroom experience, we are not afraid to fight aggressively for your rights. You deserve the best defense possible for these serious and life-changing accusations. Schedule your free consultation at 1-800-755-5174.
