There are a number of different criminal offenses of a sexual nature that are chargeable in Burbank. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in the Burbank area take these types of offenses very seriously and even accusations or investigations into this type of conduct can cause significant damage to a person’s reputation. It is critically important that anyone who has been accused of or is under investigation for a sex crime in Burbank speak with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Michael Kraut understands how to effectively represent those accused of sex crimes in order to help them avoid a wrongful conviction.
In Burbank, one of the most serious sex crimes is rape and those convicted can be sentenced to prison in addition to lifetime registration on the sex offender registry. Other commonly charged sex crimes in Burbank include statutory rape, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, and prostitution. Sex crimes can be felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the charge and the conduct alleged.
Sex crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, who receive specialized training and have units solely dedicated to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of sex crime offenses. Those convicted of certain sex crimes may be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, and their information and home address would be posted publicly on the Megan’s Law website.
The following offenses include some of the more frequently filed sex crimes in Burbank:
RapeIn Burbank, rape pursuant to California Penal Code Section 261 PC is one of the most serious sex crimes with which a person can be charged. Rape is defined as unlawful sexual intercourse performed without the victim’s consent in which the defendant uses threats, force, fraud or coercion. A person can be charged with rape involving his or her spouse under California Penal Code Section 262 PC. Even an accusation of rape can have devastating effects on a person’s reputation or career and conviction can result in heavy criminal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and required lifetime registration on California’s sex offender registry.
Statutory RapeStatutory rape in Burbank under California Penal Code Section 261.5 PC can be filed when a person engages in sex with a minor under the age of 18. Consent is not a defense to statutory rape as minors are considered unable to consent to sex under the law. When there is an age gap of over three years, statutory rape is a “wobbler” that can result in felony or misdemeanor charges. If the age gap is less than three years, statutory rape is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
Lewd ConductOne of the most commonly charged sex crimes in Burbank is lewd conduct in violation of California Penal Code Section 647(a) PC. Lewd conduct includes a variety of activities committed in public and arrests often stem from law enforcement stings conducted in public parks and restrooms. These types of charges can be devastating to a person’s reputation and are misdemeanor level offenses punishable by up to a year in jail.
ProstitutionUnder California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC, prostitution is a criminal offense in Burbank and charges can be filed against those offering prostitution services as well as “johns” looking to procure prostitutes. Undercover officers will often pose as sex workers or customers in sting operations intended to net prostitution arrests. Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense that can result in jail sentences of up to a year.
Indecent ExposureIndecent exposure under California Penal Code Section 314 PC is a frequently charged sex crime in the Burbank area. This crime involves the willful exposure of one’s genitals with the intent of sexually arousing himself or offending another person. This is a misdemeanor level crime that is punishable by up to a year in jail. In addition, those convicted of indecent exposure are required to register as a sex offender.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a sex crime in Burbank or have been accused of one of these types of offenses, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is highly regarded by judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers in the Burbank area and who works hard to protect his clients facing sex crime allegations. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s early involvement and intervention have led to the dismissal or reduction of charges.
For more information about Burbank sex crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, CA 91505. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 818-563-9810.