An accusation of child molestation in California is a very serious matter. These cases often carry a presumption of guilt from the public and can devastate your reputation, career, and future, even if the accusations are false. If you have been accused of child molestation in San Diego, it is critical to seek immediate legal help. Call (619) 231-1830 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney
Why Choose Our Firm?
George H. Ramos, Jr. is a former San Diego prosecutor. After 8 years in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, he opened his defense firm in 2002. With more than 20 years of experience, Attorney Ramos understands how prosecutors build cases and uses that knowledge to develop aggressive defense strategies.
We provide direct, personal representation in every case.
We work tirelessly to reduce or dismiss charges when possible.
If conviction is unavoidable, we fight for the lightest sentencing allowed by law.
Our firm has handled a wide range of complex sex crime and assault cases in San Diego.
Our San Diego sex crimes defense attorneys also offer free consultations to help clients understand their legal situation before making a financial commitment.
Is a Child Molestation Defense Attorney Necessary?
California prosecutes child abuse cases, especially those of a sexual nature, very aggressively.
Attempting to handle child molestation charges without an experienced San Diego molestation lawyer is a dangerous decision; if guilty you will likely face the maximum penalty allowable under California law without the help of legal counsel to argue for leniency and offer evidence that supports your position.
If innocent, you face an extremely difficult road involving evidence gathering, uncovering exculpatory factors in your case, and clearing your reputation of such egregious accusations.
California Child Molestation Laws
California Penal Code Section 288 pertains to the child molestation laws in the state. It is very important to note that child molestation does not apply solely to nonconsensual sexual intercourse with a child. This designation also applies to any touching in a sexual manner.
The California Legislative Information site outlines the statute in detail. Additionally, the Office for Victims of Crime provides resources about penalties and victim rights in these cases.
A perpetrator who uses force that results in bodily injury, sedation with the use of drugs, or commits a sexual act on an unresponsive, mentally disabled, or developmentally disabled child will likely face harsher penalties.
The age of the victim plays a very important role in sentencing in child molestation cases. Generally, offenses committed against children under the age of 10 face the most severe penalties. Depending on the age of the perpetrator, California’s statutory rape laws may come into play.
The age of consent in California is 18. Any nonconsensual sexual act committed by a person older than 18 against a person younger than 18 leads to severe penalties. Penalties can include fines, jail time of ten years or longer, and restitution payments to the victim.
Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges
Anyone facing child molestation charges in California needs a San Diego criminal defense lawyer. A San Diego child molestation lawyer can help navigate the trial process, gather exculpatory evidence, or minimize the sentence as much as possible if convicted.
If someone alleged false accusations against you of a crime of a sexual nature against a child, you need a defense attorney. A San Diego molestation lawyer from Law Office of George H. Ramos, Jr. can find the evidence required to clear your name and avoid severe penalties.
The only possible defenses if you committed a sexual crime against a teen under 18 unknowingly are mistaken identity or the victim’s false reporting of his or her age. However, this may be a shaky defense in court. You would have a responsibility to verify a young person’s age before engaging in any sexual activity with him or her if there is any room for doubt that he or she is over 18.
Contact Our San Diego Child Molestation Lawyers Today
The stakes in these cases are extremely high. Whether you are innocent or guilty of a lesser offense, strong legal defense is critical. Contact George H. Ramos, Jr. today at (619) 231-1830 to schedule your free consultation and learn how our firm can defend you.