Sex Crime Charges After A Minor Lied About Their Age
If you met or engaged in sex with someone you thought was an adult, California prosecutors can still charge you with a sex crime, even if the minor lied about their age. What’s worse is that the U.S. Attorney General could also charge you with a federal sex crime. You could face thousands of dollars in fines, years behind bars, and a destroyed reputation. That’s not to mention the possibility of registering on a sex offender registration.
For over 40 years, Wallin & Klarich has defended thousands of clients accused of sex crimes. In many cases, we were able to help them avoid prison. We invite you to check out some of their stories.
Let’s take a closer look at the charges and penalties you could face for sexual interactions with a minor that you believed to be an adult.
Southern California Sex Crime Charges
The prosecutor could charge you with a misdemeanor or felony depending on your criminal record and the allegations against you. There are a variety of charges for engaging in sexual conduct with a minor. Some of the most common charges in cases like these include but are not limited to:
- Lewd acts with a minor – Penal Code 288
- Solicitation of a minor – Penal Code 288.4
- Child pornography – Penal Code 311
- Statutory rape – Penal Code 261.5
Consequences of A Sex Crime Convictions Involving Minors
A conviction for any of the crimes listed above can negatively impact your life in numerous ways. You may lose your career, close relationships, and credibility. On top of your financial and personal struggles, the court can sentence you to numerous penalties, including:
- Expensive fines
- Jail or prison time,
- Misdemeanor or felony probation
- Sex offender registration – which could last for life
Defenses To Sex Crimes Involving A Minor
You shouldn’t go to jail or prison for a crime you never intended to commit. You need a powerful defense to defeat sex crime charges. If you want to increase your chances of success, you should hire a Southern California lawyer who specializes in sex crime defense. With over 40 years of experience, we are incredibly familiar with this area of the law, and we know what works and what doesn’t. Below, we discuss the best defense for cases involving minors who lied about their age.
Consent Is NOT A Defense
It’s crucial for you to understand that the minor’s consent is not a legal defense. The prosecution can convict you of a sex crime even if the minor willingly engaged in sexual conduct. California law states that anyone under the age of 18 is incapable of consenting to sex.
Good Faith Belief Of Age
However, if you reasonably believed the minor was an adult, we could raise a compelling argument for good faith belief of age.
For example, you meet someone on social media who claims to be 19 years old. The individual looks a little young, so you ask to see an ID. You also talk to a friend and their mother, who say the minor is 19. After seeing proof of their age, your mind’s at ease, and you continue with the relationship. However, one day the police show up at your door and arrest you for solicitation of a minor.
In this case, your Wallin & Klarich attorney would gather proof of the alleged victim lying, such as texts or emails between the two of you and testimony from the two people who also lied about the minor’s age. If we’re able to convince the prosecutor, judge, or jury, the court could dismiss your case, and you could avoid the harsh consequences of a sex crime conviction.
How Wallin & Klarich Can Help You
We go the extra mile to ensure a welcoming environment for all of our clients, and we’re dedicated to providing dependable legal representation. You’re guaranteed the one-on-one attention you deserve when you hire us. Our sex crime attorneys have over four decades of experience helping clients in similar situations, so we understand what you’re going through.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Los Angeles, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich sex crime defense lawyer available nearby who is ready to defend you or a loved one.
No one should have to face their legal battle alone. However, we know that criminal charges can place a heavy financial burden on your shoulders. So, we offer payment plans to help you afford a knowledgeable defense lawyer.
We believe that you deserve the best defense! Check out our guide to choosing the best sex crime attorney in Southern California.
Don’t let one mistake ruin the rest of your life! Contact Wallin & Klarich today for your free consultation at (877) 4-NO-JAIL.
