VENTURA SEXUAL ASSAULT ATTORNEY
Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Ventura, CA
If you have been accused of a sexual assault, the legal consequences could put your future at risk. The criminal justice system in the state of California imposes heavy penalties on those who are convicted of rape or any other type of sexual assault.
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our team will take immediate action for your defense when we take on your case. We have achieved many victories in court, and hundreds of case dismissals.
What is Sexual Assault?
According to California Penal Code Section 240-248, an assault is defined as “an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.” Although the exact definition of sexual assault varies from state to state, it typically refers to any attack on a person involving the touching of intimate parts for the purposes of sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse. A critical component in sex crimes is consent – without it, you can be criminally charged and face harsh penalties including up to six months in jail and a fine of $2,000-$3,000 for a misdemeanor offense. Felony offenses carry even larger punishments, including imprisonment for one to four years and fines of up to $10,000.
Sexual assault crimes can include:
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Statutory Rape
- Indecent Exposure
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Solicitation
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may face enhanced penalties under certain circumstances. If, for example, your charge includes minor, mentally disabled, or elderly victims, your punishments will be much greater. Further difficulties can also arise if you have prior criminal convictions or if your offense also included weapons.
You stand the best chance of fighting these charges only when you contact a qualified lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law and is familiar with similar cases.
