Ventura Lewd Acts with a Minor Defense Lawyer
Sex offenses involving minors are among the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in California. The prosecution is known to pursue the harshest possible penalties, and judges are more likely to agree with the prosecution and the jury when a sex offender pleads guilty or is convicted. One of the most common and confusing charges involving sex crimes against children is lewd acts with a minor.
Being accused of or convicted of lewd acts with a minor could easily ruin not only your reputation but your entire life. But it does not have to. You must, however, act quickly and get started on building your defense. Let our experienced Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer at Bamieh & De Smeth handle your case and fight for your freedom and reputation.
Understanding Lewd Acts with a Minor Charges
The term lewd acts might refer to many different things. But under California law, when it comes to sex offenses related to minors, a lewd act may involve:
- Touching a minor below 14 years old on any body part to gain sexual gratification. That means that you can be charged with a lewd act even if you touched a minor over their clothes.
- A minor touching another person for the sexual gratification of an adult.
It’s also crucial to note that lewd acts don’t necessarily require obvious sexual contact. Put simply, any act involving touching a minor with sexual intent could result in a lewd acts with a minor charge.
The Potential Penalties for a Lewd Acts with a Minor Conviction Can Be Very Severe
This sexual offense is a felony, and the potential penalties are usually based on various factors, such as:
- The minor’s age
- The defendant’s age
- If there’s a pattern of abuse
- If the act involved threats, fraud, or force
If force was involved, the penalties include up to eight years of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $10,000. If force wasn’t involved, the fine is the same, but the prison time can be up to 10 years.
On top of these penalties, a lewd act conviction will lead to a strike in your criminal record based on the three strikes law. Additionally, you will need to register as a sex offender for life, live only in certain areas, and interact only with adults.
What Our Ventura Lewd Acts with a Minor Defense Lawyer Can Do For You
It’s in your best interest to reach out to our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer at Bamieh & De Smeth promptly. Don’t wait for the prosecution to file charges against you. Our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case and persuade the prosecution to drop the charges or give you lesser charges.
They can also put forth mitigating information pertaining to your background, reputation, and history and viable defenses that may apply before the prosecution formally files charges against you. Whether or not your case heads to trial, our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer will work hard to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Seek Legal Help From Our Seasoned Ventura Lewd Acts with a Minor Defense Lawyer
Learn more about how our Ventura lewd acts with a minor defense lawyer can help you by contacting Bamieh & De Smeth and scheduling your free consultation online or at 805-643-5555.