Sexual Assault Lawyer in Laguna Beach
Trusted Criminal Defense in Orange County for Sexual Assault Charges
California's sexual battery law defines the crime of sexual assault. Any sexually-related charge is a serious matter that can lead to the loss of your freedom and negatively impact other aspects of your life. If you are being investigated for or have been charged with this offense, it is imperative that you retain the services of a trusted and proven criminal defense lawyer. In Laguna Beach and the surrounding areas, you can turn to my firm, Alan Castillo – Attorney at Law for the help you need.
Arrested for sexual assault? Contact me at (949) 234-6525 as soon as possible to arrange for a free, initial consultation to discuss your situation.
It is critical to remember never to give statements to law enforcement or accept any kind of plea bargain without consulting with a lawyer. As a Laguna Beach sexual assault attorney, I can draw on my 25+ years of experience to help protect your rights and seek a favorable result. The sooner you call me, the sooner I can get to work examining the details of your arrest to find holes in the evidence and build a strong defense for you.
Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in California
Sexual assault is defined in California Penal Code 243.4. The statute criminalizes the unwanted touching of a person's intimate body parts for the purpose of gratification, arousal, or abuse. The law also prohibits touching the intimate parts of a person who is restrained either by the defendant or someone else and the touching is done against the alleged victim's will. It's an offense regardless of whether the act was committed directly on the skin or through clothing.
Depending on the circumstances, sexual assault may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, if the act was done by a medical professional who convinced the victim that it was for medical purposes, the offense is a felony. It would also be likely charged as a felony if the victim was seriously disabled or incapacitated.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault in California
- Misdemeanor offense (without aggravating factors): up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,000 or a fine of up to $3,000 if the victim was employed by the defendant, or probation for up to 5 years, which can include community service, a batterer's program, or other probationary conditions
- Felony offense: 2, 3, or 4 years in a state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or formal felony probation; if the victim was seriously injured, the prison term could be extended by 3 to 5 years
You may also be required to register as a sex offender, which can severely impact many aspects of your life, including employment, housing, and more. If you are a registered sex offender, some of your personal identifying information becomes public, which means anyone can access it.
