Sacramento Sexual Assault Attorney

Defending you against charges of sexual offenses

The experienced Sacramento sexual assault and abuse lawyers of Brennan Defense represent those charged with sexual offenses of all types. Among the offenses considered sexual crimes under California law are:

  • Child molestation
  • Distributing pornography
  • Indecent exposure
  • Internet solicitation of a minor
  • Lewd acts
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Prostitution
  • Rape
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexting
  • Solicitation
  • Statutory rape

Depending on the seriousness of the particular alleged sexual abuse, assault or other offense, you can  be charged with either a felony or misdemeanor. Although there are radically different consequences to each, it is vital that you retain a qualified Sacramento criminal defense attorney. John Paul Brennan has a strong history of both prosecuting and defending those accused of these offenses, and he can advise you on the severity of the penalties you face.

Child sexual offenses and abuse

In both our culture and under the law, charges and convictions of child sexual offenses and abuse are treated harshly. A conviction could result in a prison term of up to eight years and  fines up to $10,000. Some offenses against children are obvious, while others are not quite so clear. Under some circumstances, the simple touching of a child, even if he or she was clothed, can be interpreted as a lewd and lascivious act. Also, a person who fails to protect a child from abuse by a third party can be subject to prosecution for child endangerment Section 273a of the penal code (273a).

Megan’s Law in California requires that all persons convicted of sex offenses be tracked by the California Department of Justice’s Sex Offender Tracking Program.  Under the program, offenders are posted on the Internet for anyone to see. However, about a quarter of registered sex offenders are kept off public lists if they can prove they qualify for exclusions, including a conviction for misdemeanor child molestation charges—as opposed to a felony—and successful completion of some probation programs.

What you stand to lose

Today's laws mean that a sexual offense conviction can have a long-lasting negative impact on your personal and professional life. A felony conviction may lead to many years in prison, destroying your marriage and family life. A sex crime trial may also attract attention from the media, making the accusations against you publicly known. Going forward, you may continue to suffer social stigma even if you are found not guilty. And when you have been convicted of some of the most serious sex crimes, you are officially identified as a sex offender and are legally required to adhere to certain rules and answer to a law enforcement agency regularly forever.

What you are up against

Criminal defense against sex crime charges is often complicated and challenging. Due to public outcry, sexual offenses may be prosecuted with relatively skimpy and subjective evidence. And the law's inclination toward protecting the rights of the victims of such crimes can work against justice for the accused. Sometimes you are assumed guilty just because of the nature of the charges. These and other factors make it particularly important for you to seek advice and representation from a skilled lawyer. Sacramento sexual assault lawyer John Brennan is well-informed in this area of the law and well known for providing strong defense of those accused of sex crimes.

Seek help from experienced Sacramento sexual assault attorneys

If you have been charged with a sex offense — even when you know you are innocent—time is of the essence. You need immediate help from a knowledgeable Sacramento sexual assault and abuse attorney. Contact the office of Brennan Defense today. Your initial consultation is free.