Ventura Sex Crimes Attorney

Providing Top-Quality Legal Service in Santa Barbara

Your sex crime charge needs to be taken seriously. If you’re convicted, you could be facing jail or prison time and/or fines. In addition to the criminal penalties, you could also be required to register as a sex offender, an obligation you may be required to fulfill for the rest of your life. As you can imagine, the consequences of being found guilty of a sex crime are far-reaching. Your relationships, reputation, and career could be on the line. Because a conviction can have profound ramifications, it’s crucial to retain the services of a lawyer who will fight aggressively on your behalf and will be committed to working toward a favorable outcome for you.

If you were arrested for a sex crime, contact our Ventura criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Christopher P. Welch right now! Call us at (805) 467-6542 or reach out online. We're available 24/7.

Potential Penalties for Sex Crimes in California

The penalties for sex crimes in California can vary widely depending on the nature of the offense, the age of the victim, and whether the accused has prior convictions. The most common penalties for sex crimes include:

• Prison Time: Prison sentences for sex crimes can be substantial, ranging from a few years to life in prison. For example, a conviction for rape can result in a sentence of 3, 6, or 8 years in prison, while child molestation can lead to sentences of 6 years to life in prison. Other sex crimes, such as sexual battery and prostitution, carry sentences of varying lengths.
• Fines: In addition to prison sentences, many sex crimes are subject to fines. These fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the offense. For example, someone convicted of indecent exposure may be ordered to pay fines as part of their sentence.
• Sex Offender Registration: A conviction for a sex crime in California often results in mandatory sex offender registration. The length of time someone must be on the registry can vary, but it can range from 10 years to life, depending on the offense.
• Probation: In some cases, a convicted individual may be sentenced to probation instead of, or in addition to, a prison sentence. Probation often comes with strict conditions, including regular check-ins with a probation officer, restrictions on travel, and mandatory counseling or treatment programs.
• Parole: If an individual is sentenced to prison for a sex crime, they may eventually be eligible for parole. However, parole for sex crimes is often difficult to obtain, and parole violations can result in the individual being sent back to prison for the remainder of their sentence.
• Restitution: In cases where the victim is entitled to financial compensation for damages or emotional distress, the court may order the convicted individual to pay restitution to the victim. This may include medical expenses, counseling costs, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

Accusations of sex crimes can be challenging to defend, but a Ventura sex crimes attorney can help build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. Common defenses include challenging false allegations, which can arise from misunderstandings or intentional lies. An attorney can also help prove a lack of consent if evidence shows that the alleged victim consented to the sexual act, or if mistaken identity was a factor, highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimony or physical evidence.

We will thoroughly investigate the case to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, potentially leading to charges being dropped. Lack of sufficient evidence, such as unreliable witness testimony or contradictory facts, is another common defense. In some cases, involuntary behavior may be a valid defense, especially if the accused was not in control of their actions. With the right legal representation, these defenses can help protect your rights and ensure a fair trial.

Defense for Rape & Statutory Rape Charges

Rape refers to non-consensual sexual intercourse by means of force or threat of violence. It’s also an offense to have sex with a person who is unconscious or who has not given their consent.

Statutory rape refers to sexual intercourse with a person who is under 18 years of age. Often, this type of conduct is consensual – both parties are willing participants. However, it is still illegal because one person was not legally old enough to make this type of consent.

If you have been accused of rape or statutory rape in Ventura, you will need a defense attorney on your side who can:

• Adhere to the special evidential rules that apply to cases of this nature
• Fully present your side of the story, despite the complex restrictions that apply to these types of cases
• Effectively read the judge and/or jury and communicate in a way that avoids prejudices that may exist

Get a free case evaluation by calling (805) 467-6542!

Defense for Child Molestation and Child Pornography

Child molestation refers to lewd acts committed with a child. The social stigma associated with child molestation can make it difficult to fight charges of this nature, but Mr. Welch has successfully defeated allegations of this kind on several occasions.

Child pornography refers to the possession, production, advertisement, development, duplication, and/or exchange of pornographic films and pictures of anyone under 18 years of age. To catch offenders, California and federal law enforcement officers often conduct sting operations.

Possible defenses to child pornography allegations include:

• Child pornography was accessed or distributed accidentally
• Law enforcement officers overstepped their boundaries and/or violated search and seizure laws
• Constitutional protections against entrapment
• Mistaken identity

Why Work With Attorney Welch?

Mr. Welch handles sex crime charges with integrity and privacy, applying his decade of experience working in the legal field to the defense of his clients. He is widely recognized for his skill, having earned a top rating from Avvo and successfully defended many clients.

Aggressive Defense for Your Rights in Ventura County

Whether you are facing rape charges or child sexual offense charges, the Law Office of Christopher P. Welch can be contacted for help. During your free case evaluation with our Ventura sex crime defense lawyer, you can learn more about the possible methods of defense for your case.

Call our firm today at (805) 467-6542 or submit an online contact form!