Los Angeles Sex Crime Attorneys
Experienced Defense Against Sexual Charges in Los Angeles County
If you are facing charges for a sex crime in Los Angeles, having an experienced and skilled attorney on your side is essential. At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our Los Angeles sex crimes attorneys understand the serious nature of these charges and the impact they can have on your life. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against sex crime charges. We believe in providing compassionate and aggressive representation to help protect your rights and future. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Are you facing a sex crime charge in California? Call Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today at (818) 643-3093 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sex crimes attorney in Los Angeles!
What Are Some of the Most Common Sex Crime Charges in Los Angeles?
In California, there are several types of sex crime charges that a person can face. Some of the most common sex crimes charges include:
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Lewd or lascivious acts with a child
- Lewd acts in public
- Penetration with a foreign object
- Internet sex crimes, such as child pornography
Our Los Angeles sex crime lawyers at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP are equipped to represent all of these charges, and more. If you are being investigated or have already been arrested for a sex crime, contact us today.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Los Angeles?
The penalties for sex crimes in California vary depending on the specific crime, the circumstances surrounding the offense, and the defendant’s criminal history. Some common penalties for sex crimes include:
- Imprisonment: Depending on the specific sex crime and the circumstances surrounding the offense, a conviction can result in a sentence ranging from a few years to life in prison.
- Fines: In addition to imprisonment, convicted offenders may be ordered to pay fines for their sentence.
- Probation: Some sex crime convictions may result in a probation period, during which the defendant must comply with strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and staying away from victims.
- Community service: In some cases, a convicted sex offender may be required to perform community service as part of their sentence.
- Counseling: Many sex crime convictions require the offender to undergo mandatory counseling or treatment to address underlying issues contributing to the offense.
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender: When convicted of most sex crimes it is mandatory to register as a sex offender. This registry is a public record and anyone can view it and see that you have been convicted of a sex crime. In addition, a registered sex offender’s residential information is a matter of public record.
- Job & housing difficulties: Having a sex crime conviction can limit your job and housing opportunities because employers and landlords are reluctant to take risks when hiring individuals with criminal records. If you are on the registry, you are also not allowed to live or be near certain areas with children, such as schools and parks.
- Negative effect on custody cases: We have unfortunately seen in our years of experience that people too often falsely accuse spouses and exes of sex crimes. Children are sometimes convinced to lie in order to seek some kind of revenge for a break-up. This can have devastating and tragic results.
We understand what is at stake when facing sexual charges. Our sex crimes lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to put our decades of experience defending sex crimes on your side.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender if Convicted in Los Angeles?
In California, individuals convicted of certain sex offenses are required to register as sex offenders under the state’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). The registration requirements are as follows:
- Frequency of registration: The registration frequency depends on the offense’s severity and the offender’s criminal history. Most offenders must register annually, but some offenders may be required to register every 90 or 30 days.
- Information required: Sex offenders must provide personal information such as their name, address, date of birth, physical description, and current photograph. They must also provide information about their criminal history, including the offense(s) they were convicted of and any aliases they have used.
- Duration of registration: The duration of registration depends on the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history. For most offenders, registration is required for life, but some offenders may be eligible to petition for removal from the registry after a certain period of time.
- Public access: Sex offender registration information is made available to the public through the Megan’s Law website. This information includes the offender’s name, photograph, address, and offense(s) of which they were convicted.
It is important to note that failure to register as a sex offender in California is a criminal offense and can result in additional penalties. If you have been convicted of a sex offense in California and have questions about your registration requirements, it is important to consult with an experienced drug crime defense attorney in Los Angeles who can provide you with guidance and advice specific to your case.
Defenses For Sex Crime Charges
Defending against sex crime charges can be challenging, but there are several defenses that a skilled criminal defense attorney can use to protect a defendant’s rights and interests. Some common defenses for sex crime charges in California include:
- Consent: If the alleged victim consented to the sexual act, the defendant may not be guilty of a sex crime.
- False accusations: Sometimes, sex crime allegations are made falsely or for ulterior motives. A skilled defense attorney can investigate the case and present evidence that the allegations are unfounded.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, the alleged victim may identify the wrong person as the perpetrator of a sex crime. A defense attorney can investigate the case and present evidence to show that the defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
- Lack of evidence: Prosecutors are burdened to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If insufficient evidence supports the charges, a defense attorney can argue that the case should be dismissed.
- Police misconduct: In some cases, law enforcement officers may have violated a defendant’s constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest. If this is the case, a defense attorney can argue that the evidence should be suppressed or the case should be dismissed.
Contact Our Los Angeles Sex Crimes Attorney Today
The challenge is that a sex crime usually involves just two people and it is the word of one against another. You want to make sure that the criminal defense attorney whom you hire is aggressive, experienced, cannot be fooled and will not fail to fight for your rights. Our firm has over 50 years of combined experience defending clients. We are not afraid to go to trial when we cannot get the case dismissed or charges dropped.
Contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today to schedule a FREE case review with our sex crimes lawyer in Los Angeles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes
How does the legal process for sex crime charges work in Los Angeles County courts?
After a sex crime arrest in Los Angeles County, you are booked (fingerprinted and photographed) and typically appear for arraignment within 48 hours (excluding weekends/holidays). At arraignment, charges are read, you enter a plea (usually "not guilty"), and the court sets bail or release conditions, often including protective orders. For felonies, a preliminary hearing follows within 10 court days (if in custody) or 60 days (if released), where the judge assesses probable cause. If held to answer, the case advances to Superior Court for further arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and plea negotiations; many cases resolve here through reductions or dismissals. Unresolved cases proceed to jury trial, handled by the DA's Sex Crimes Division. The process can take months to years.
An experienced attorney can advocate at bail hearings, challenge protective orders, file key motions, and pursue favorable resolutions in LA County's busy system.
How can a defense attorney help if the evidence seems overwhelming?
Even in cases with substantial evidence, a skilled defense attorney can identify weaknesses, such as violations of your constitutional rights during evidence collection (e.g., improper searches or interrogations), inconsistencies in statements, or alternative explanations for forensic findings. Attorneys may file motions to suppress evidence, retain independent experts to challenge prosecution analyses, or negotiate reduced charges based on mitigating factors. In Los Angeles, where prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, experienced counsel may also be able to uncover procedural errors or biases that create reasonable doubt, which could lead to favorable outcomes like charge reductions or acquittals.
How confidential is my consultation with a sex crimes defense attorney?
Consultations with a defense attorney are fully protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning anything you discuss cannot be disclosed without your explicit consent; even to law enforcement, courts, or family members. This privilege applies from the moment you seek legal advice and covers all communications related to your case. Reputable firms like ours prioritize discretion, offering secure phone lines, virtual meetings, and private offices to ensure your privacy in sensitive matters like sex crime accusations.
What is the “mistake of age” defense in statutory rape cases under California Penal Code 261.5?
Under California Penal Code 261.5, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor is charged based on age differences, but a "reasonable mistake of age" defense may apply if you genuinely and reasonably believed the individual was 18 or older. This requires evidence that the belief was both honest and objectively reasonable (e.g., based on appearance, statements, or documentation). The defense is generally not available if the minor was under 14 or if force was involved.
Can entrapment be a defense in Los Angeles online sex sting operations?
Yes, entrapment can be a valid defense if law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you were not predisposed to commit. In common Los Angeles-area online stings, entrapment may apply if police initiated explicit conversations, used persistent pressure, or coerced actions beyond merely providing an opportunity. The key is proving a lack of predisposition and improper inducement by authorities.
How does consent work as a defense in rape or sexual battery charges (PC 261 or 243.4)?
For charges like rape (Penal Code 261) or sexual battery (Penal Code 243.4), consent is a complete defense if it was freely and voluntarily given and could be withdrawn at any time. The prosecution must prove lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt. Evidence of affirmative consent, through words or actions, can refute allegations, especially in non-forcible cases involving prior relationships or communications. Courts consider the totality of circumstances, and a reasonable belief in consent may also apply in certain situations.
Are false allegations common in sex crime cases, and how can they be defended against?
While the majority of sexual assault reports are credible, false allegations do occur, often stemming from motives like custody disputes, revenge, or regret. Defenses include demonstrating inconsistencies in the accuser's statements, establishing alibis, uncovering evidence of motive (e.g., via communications or witnesses), or using forensic experts to challenge physical claims. Thorough investigation by private investigators and cross-examination can expose fabrications, leading to dismissals or acquittals.
Each case is unique, and professional legal analysis is essential to handle such defenses sensitively and effectively.