Glendale sex crimes include several different criminal offenses in which the defendant’s illegal actions were sexual in nature. These types of crimes are taken very seriously and even an allegation that someone has been involved in the commission of a sexual crime can ruin their reputation. Retaining an experienced attorney right away is often critical for those who have been accused of a sex crime in Glendale and Attorney Michael Kraut is highly effective at helping to prevent a wrongful conviction of those accused.
One of the most serious sex crimes in Glendale is rape, which can result in lengthy prison commitments and sex offender registration requirements for those convicted. Rape occurs when certain sexual acts are performed through the use of force, fear, coercion or violence. In Glendale, prosecutors also commonly charge statutory rape when the victim is under the age of 18, child molestation, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, and the dissemination of indecent material online. Sex crimes in Glendale can be filed as either felonies or misdemeanors.
Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in the Glendale area take sex crimes very seriously, and recent changes in the law require those convicted of many of these crimes to register for life as the result of Megan’s Law. Specialized units in law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies dedicate resources to investigating and prosecuting sex crimes and working to secure convictions for these types of offenses
The following are some of the more common sex crimes charged in the Glendale area:
RapeOne of the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in Glendale is rape under California Penal Code Section 261 PC. Rape allegations involve sexual intercourse committed without consent and through the use of threats, force, fraud or coercion. In many cases, there may be no independent evidence of rape and a prosecutor, judge or juror must rely on the victim’s own testimony. When the victim is the defendant’s spouse, prosecutors will file rape charges under California Penal Code Section 262 PC. Merely being accused of rape can be devastating to a person’s livelihood and reputation and those convicted can be sentenced to prison and would have to register as a sex offender for life.
Statutory RapeIn Glendale, a defendant can be charged with statutory rape under California Penal Code Section 261.5 PC, even where sex is consensual but the victim was under the age of 18. Minors legally are deemed unable to provide consent to sex which makes it illegal to have sex with an underage minor. If the age gap between the minor and the defendant is less than three years, the defendant can be charged with a misdemeanor. If the age gap is more than three years, the crime is a “wobbler” which can be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor.
Lewd ConductLewd conduct under California Penal Code Section 647(a) PC is one of the most commonly charged sex crimes in Glendale. Lewd conduct is defined broadly and includes a wide variety of conduct of a sexual nature that is committed in public. In many cases, local law enforcement will conduct sting operations in parks or restrooms or other places and will arrest those looking to engage in sex acts in public. Lewd conduct is a misdemeanor and those convicted can be sentenced to serve up to a year in jail.
ProstitutionProstitution is a misdemeanor offender pursuant to California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC and charges can be filed against those to engage in the exchange of sex for money. Glendale law enforcement agencies will have undercover officers in sting operations intended to catch those looking to pay for sex as well as sex workers.
Indecent ExposureAnother frequently charged sex crime in the Glendale area is indecent exposure pursuant to California Penal Code Section 314 PC. Indecent exposure occurs when a person exposes his or her genitals in the presence of another person in public in a sexual nature. This crime is a misdemeanor that can result in lifetime sex offender registration for those convicted.
If you or a loved are under investigation for a Glendale sex offense or have been charged with a sex crime in Glendale, it is crucial that you discuss your case with a defense attorney skilled in handling these types of cases right away. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Michael Kraut understands that even allegations of these types of offenses can have devastating consequences and works hard to ensure his clients receive the most comprehensive and effective defense possible. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s early involvement in a case has resulted in charges being declined or significantly reduced.
For more information about Glendale sex crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 121 W Lexington Dr, Glendale, CA 91203. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 818-507-9123.