Sex crime allegations can turn your life upside down. If you have been accused of a sex crime, an Emeryville criminal defense lawyer from Silver Law Firm can help protect your future. These cases move quickly and often involve serious legal and personal consequences from the very start.
The consequences of a sex crime conviction can follow you forever. An Emeryville sex crime lawyer from Silver Law Firm can help strengthen your defense and clear your name. Taking action early can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled and resolved.
Why You Need a Sex Crime Lawyer in Emeryville
Sex crime cases are among the most sensitive, high-stakes, and aggressively prosecuted cases in California. You need someone who knows exactly how to handle investigators, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and (if necessary) fight the allegations in court.
A sex crime lawyer in Emeryville can step in immediately to protect your rights, help you avoid crucial mistakes, and build a strategic defense tailored to your situation. The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction will be.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crime lawyer serving Emeryville, call (510) 995-0000
Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions
Sex crime penalties in California are some of the harshest in the state’s criminal code. Depending on the charge, you could be facing:
- Years or decades in state prison
- Felony convictions that never disappear from your record
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Heavy fines and restitution payments
- Lifetime restrictions on where you live or work
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences, including deportation
Sex offender registration alone can alter every part of your life. It limits housing, employment, and travel, and exposes your personal information to the public.
Emeryville Sex Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Potential Defenses in Sex Crime Cases
No two cases are identical. That said, these defenses are commonly used in sex crime cases:
- Consent: This is one of the strongest defenses when the issue is whether the encounter was voluntary.
- False accusations: These cases arise more often than people think, especially in emotionally charged situations involving breakups, jealousy, or custody disputes.
- Mistaken identity: Surveillance footage, eyewitnesses, or digital evidence may be unreliable or misinterpreted.
- Insufficient evidence: Many sex crime charges rely on statements rather than physical proof, leaving room to challenge credibility and inconsistencies.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If investigators searched your property or devices illegally, key evidence may be thrown out.
A strong defense starts with identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and preventing damaging evidence from being misused or taken out of context. A sex crime attorney in Emeryville can help with this.
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Common Types of Sex Crime Charges
Sex-related offenses come in many forms, and each carries its own penalties, procedures, and long-term consequences. Some of the most common charges people face in Emeryville include:
- Sexual battery: This involves unwanted touching considered sexual in nature.
- Rape: This involves non-consensual intercourse or penetration.
- Statutory rape: This involves situations where someone is below the legal age of consent, even if the encounter appeared consensual.
- Lewd acts with a minor: This involves inappropriate contact or behavior involving a minor.
- Possession of child pornography: This involves illegal material that was downloaded, shared, or stored.
- Indecent exposure: This involves willfully exposing oneself in public or in view of another person.
- Sexual assault: This involves unwanted sexual contact or coercion.
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What to Expect After a Sex Crime Accusation
Most people are blindsided when they’re accused of a sex-related offense. Even before charges are filed, investigations can begin quietly and aggressively. Here’s what typically happens:
- Police interviews: Officers may reach out to “hear your side of the story.” This isn’t a casual conversation—anything you say can be used against you.
- Search warrants: Law enforcement may seize phones, computers, or other devices to obtain digital evidence.
- Restraining orders: The alleged victim may request a protective order that limits where you can go and who you can contact.
- Formal charges: The district attorney determines which charges to file, based on the evidence they’ve gathered.
- Arraignment: You are formally notified of the charges and enter a plea.
From here, the case moves into negotiation, evidence review, possible motions, and, if needed, trial.
What to Do If You Have Been Accused
You can damage your case without even realizing it. If you have been accused or think you are under investigation, it’s important to:
- Stay silent: Decline all interviews, statements, and other types of conversations with police.
- Save evidence: Preserve texts, emails, screenshots, and anything else that supports your side of the story.
- Avoid contact with the accuser: Even innocent communication can be twisted and used against you.
- Limit your online activity: Delete nothing, but stop posting or messaging about the situation.
- Get legal representation: The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the more options you will have for your defense.
Get Help from a Sex Crime Lawyer in Emeryville
Sex crime allegations carry enormous weight, both legally and socially. However, an accusation is not the same as a conviction. The law requires evidence, and you have the right to challenge the case against you. An Emeryville sex crime attorney from Silver Law Firm can help you do so by gathering evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and defending your rights.
Schedule a free consultation to get help with your defense.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form