There is a vast array of criminal offenses that are sex-related. A sex offense conviction can have lasting ramifications including social isolation and sex offender registration for the accused.
In our society, non-consensual sexual contact is a criminal offense. Even some forms of consensual sexual acts are criminalized as well. In some instances merely showing too much skin or too much affection in public can be prosecuted as indecent exposure. Engaging in prostitution as the "prostitute" or the "John" is illegal when money exchanges hands, even though it is entirely consensual. People can be guilty of committing a sex crime without even knowing it; for example, when a young man engages in a sexual act with a young teenage girl who is below the age of consent (without being aware of her age), or when one performs certain "acts" in view of the public eye.
Our society is relatively conservative in its sexual practices, and unlike many other countries, you will get into trouble if you show too much flesh, engage in sexual acts in public or have sex with someone that is too young. It is not difficult to break a state law and be guilty of committing a sex crime. Unfortunately, however minor or innocent the offense might have been at the time, you can suffer significant criminal consequences as a result.
These types of crimes vary in degrees and severity. The more force that is involved in the crime and the younger the victim, the greater the criminal penalties. Some sex crimes are prosecuted as misdemeanor offenses and involve no more than one year in jail; however, more serious sex crimes can be prosecuted as felonies and involve incarceration in a state prison for a minimum of one year and can extend for a number of years.
Common examples of sex-related offenses include: sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, forcible rape, molestation, sodomy, child rape, and child molestation, possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. More serious sex crimes such as sexual battery or child rape involve mandatory sex offender registration. Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements can send a convicted sex offender right back to state prison.
Certain sex crimes which involve the use of the internet are considered federal crimes because they cross state lines. These types of sex crimes typically involve crimes against children. Crimes such as possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography are considered federal offenses.
Being accused of a sex offense is very uncomfortable and embarrassing because it questions your ethics and morals. Sadly, as serious as sex crimes are, many innocent individuals are either falsely accused or entangled in a web of lies by the supposed accuser. Innocent fathers can be falsely accused of molesting their daughters by their ex-wife in a bitter child custody battle, or adult men can be fooled into believing an underage girl was over eighteen. It isn't unusual for innocent men to be the target of an unscrupulous and manipulating scheme out of vengeance. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you could be facing serious criminal consequences. Not only that, but a sex crime conviction can have a detrimental impact on your career and future relationships. You have no other choice but to hire a tough criminal defense attorney who can protect your legal rights throughout the criminal process.
Superior Law Center represents clients facing all types of criminal charges throughout San Diego County. With over a decade of legal experience, they can provide you with the dedicated and sound legal representation that you are looking for. They will not take a passive and apathetic approach to your case; instead they will work aggressively on your behalf, fighting for your freedom every step of the way. Their legal team assists people with criminal charges ranging from drug crimes, to juvenile crimes, to sex crimes, white collar crimes and many more. If you would like to speak with a highly experienced attorney about your case, contact a San Diego criminal defense lawyer from their firm at (888) 258-6185 for a confidential consultation.
