Being charged with a sex crime in San Mateo County, CA, can change your life forever. A conviction could lead to years in prison, steep fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. However, you do have the right to fight these accusations, and a strong legal defense can help you avoid the worst consequences.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have over 30 years of combined experience and have won thousands of cases, including 50+ at trial. We are skilled at challenging sex crime allegations and helping our clients keep their futures intact. Contact our San Mateo County sex crimes lawyers at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Facing Sex Crime Charges in San Mateo County, California
Although prosecutors and law enforcement might treat you as though you’re already guilty, our justice system presumes your innocence. The government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. When you hire our firm, we’ll make sure your rights are respected and your side of the story is heard.
Ways our San Mateo County criminal defense attorneys can assist include:
- Investigating your charges: We’ll look at evidence such as police records and witness accounts, searching for gaps or mistakes in the prosecution’s case.
- Filing motions to strengthen your defense: If certain evidence was collected unlawfully, we can file motions to suppress it.
- Locating exculpatory evidence: We’ll seek out information that may support your innocence, working with private investigators and expert witnesses if needed.
- Seeking reduced or dismissed charges: Depending on the facts, we may negotiate with prosecutors to lessen or drop the charges.
- Protecting your rights: We’ll be by your side at every court hearing, ensuring you know your options and defending you if the case goes to trial.
Call our sex crimes lawyers in San Mateo County, California, today for a free consultation. We’ll explain how we form attorney-client relationships and detail the possible steps we can take on your behalf.
Common Sex Crimes in California
California law covers a wide range of offenses involving sexual conduct. Common sex crime charges in San Mateo County include:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Statutory rape
- Sexual battery
- Child molestation
- Child pornography (possession, creation, or distribution)
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd acts with a minor
Each crime has its own legal elements that prosecutors must prove. Some require evidence of force, lack of consent, or the victim’s age. Even if an alleged victim wants to drop the case, state prosecutors may still proceed. That makes it crucial to have experienced legal counsel on your side.
Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction
The sentences for sex crimes in California vary, depending on the nature of the offense and whether you have prior convictions. Punishments may include:
- Incarceration: Many sex crimes carry prison terms, potentially ranging from months to multiple years—or even life for the most serious offenses.
- Fines: Fines can reach thousands of dollars, adding a financial burden on top of your legal troubles.
- Sex offender registration: A conviction may require you to register as a sex offender. This can severely restrict where you live, work, and travel.
- Probation: In some cases, probation might replace or supplement jail time. You must comply with strict conditions, like regular check-ins and possible counseling.
These consequences can impact your future in serious ways. With an aggressive defense, you may be able to reduce the charges or avoid conviction altogether.
Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
Beyond legal penalties, a sex crime conviction can result in long-term challenges, including:
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Social stigma
- Housing difficulties
- Professional license issues
Avoiding or minimizing these consequences is our priority. We’ll work diligently to protect your rights and help you maintain as much normalcy in your life as possible.
Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges
Sex crime allegations must be proven with a high level of evidence. An experienced attorney can identify and present defenses to weaken the state’s case. Depending on the circumstances, defenses could include:
- Consent: If the alleged victim agreed to the act, it may undercut the prosecution’s argument.
- Mistaken identity: The victim or witnesses might have identified the wrong person.
- False allegations: Sometimes, accusations arise from ulterior motives, such as personal gain.
- Lack of required intent: Most sex crimes specify an intentional or knowing element; if this intent can’t be established, you could avoid a guilty verdict.
- Constitutional violations: If the police gathered evidence illegally, your lawyer can request that a judge rule it inadmissible.
We’ll explore every potential argument to see what best applies to your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced San Mateo County Sex Crimes Attorney
If you were arrested for a sex crime in San Mateo County, putting an experienced defense attorney on your side is critical. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys is qualified to help you from start to finish. Our San Mateo County sex crimes attorneys have spent decades honing their trial skills and have won thousands of cases for our clients in the process.
Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.