Surprising Things That Can Make You a Sex Offender
April 10, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed
Being charged with sex crimes and registering as a sex offender comes with a high price. However, some surprising things can make you a sex offender in Redwood City. Though sex offender lists play a vital role in public safety, committing these actions may make you a sex offender guilty of sex crimes in Redwood City, CA, without ever physically harming another individual.
Consensual Sex Between Minors
Many states have Romeo and Juliet laws for decriminalizing consensual sexual activity between minors. These laws also provide an exemption, stating that an individual within a close age range of a minor who participates in a consensual sexual act with them should not face criminal charges.
No Romeo and Juliet laws exist in Redwood City, CA, similar to those of other states. Participating in any sexual act with a minor in California can result in a sex crime charge and conviction, requiring you to register as a sex offender.
Public Urination
The urge to go can come without warning. However, urinating in public can lead to a criminal offense and make you a sex offender. While no laws in California state that urinating in public is a crime, you may face other charges associated with the act.
A prosecutor may use indecent exposure laws to prosecute you, requiring you to register as a sex offender if a conviction occurs. Where you relieve yourself, such as urinating around a school, daycare, or government building, may also play a role in the harsh penalty.
Flashing or Indecent Exposure
Using indecent exposure laws against you to pursue a sex crime conviction can also occur if you participate in flashing. In some states, parades occur where onlookers are encouraged to flash parade participants in exchange for beads or souvenirs. You may take part in flashing as a dare. However, in California, flashing may result in a sex crimes conviction.
Soliciting a Prostitute
Prostitution is only legal in Nevada. Soliciting a prostitute is punishable as a misdemeanor crime in California when the individual you solicit is an adult. More recent laws in California, however, allow charges of soliciting involving a minor or a minor victim of human sex trafficking to become felony charges. A felony conviction of a sex crime for soliciting a minor requires registering as a sex offender for at least 10 years, according to the Sex Offender Registration Act.
Taking Nude Photos as a Minor
Living in the world of selfies does not prevent the law from applying to minors who may snap nude or indecent photos of themselves. It is against the law to electronically communicate harmful material that depicts a minor engaging in sexual conduct.
While adults may choose to sext with other adults, sending or receiving texts with sexual content can create legal consequences for you and even the sender when they are not of legal age to consent. Remember, even if you are 18 and still in high school, you are still considered an adult.
Having Explicit Computer Content in the View of Minors
Additionally, what you view on your computer or phone may leave you facing sex crime charges if a minor views content of a sexual nature or images that may cause mental suffering. Filing a risk of injury to a minor charge against you may occur.
Often, you may also have other convictions that lead to prosecuting a misdemeanor as a felony, which may make you a sex offender. Wobbler offenses, offenses that are between misdemeanor and felony, like child endangerment, may result in charges of a felony offense instead of a misdemeanor.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney For Help
If you or a loved one has been accused of any type of sex crime, it is crucial to contact a skilled Redwood City, California, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will take the time to understand the details of your case and identify effective defenses tailored to your situation, maximizing your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.
Contact our Criminal Defense Law Firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help
For more information please contact our criminal defense law firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at the nearest location for a free consultation.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500