No one wants to be accused of obscene and lascivious behavior for a variety of reasons. People will think you are guilty just because you have been charged with a sex offense, as is true of any sex crime. To add to the confusion, many individuals are unsure what this charge even entails. Continue reading to learn the facts, and then call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Claremont CA.
What is lewd and lascivious behavior?
Committing a sexual act that offends “community norms” of decency is the legal term. It will almost always include a youngster. Penetration is not required for a person to engage in lewd and lascivious behavior. This is a sex offense that is frequently prosecuted as a felony. For example, groping a youngster by someone over the age of 18 might be considered lewd and lascivious behavior.
Age matters
The activities engaged in obscene and lascivious behavior must be sexual in character and intended to excite. It makes no difference whether they arouse or not. According to California, this only applies if the claimed victim is under the age of 14, or is 14 or 15 years old, and the defendant is at least 10 years older.
The potential consequences of a lewd and lascivious behavior conviction
If a person is found guilty of this offense, they will face serious repercussions. Almost usually, they are felony charges. The length of the sentence and additional punishments will be determined by the age of the accused victim, the specific actions involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether or not force was used. A criminal defense attorney in Claremont CA can work to reduce the charges and/or sentence.
This is a wobbler offense if the victim was 14 or 15 and the criminal was at least a decade older, which means the prosecution can choose whether to prosecute it as a misdemeanor or felony. A minor conviction can land you in jail for up to a year. The offender may face life in prison if the accused victim was under the age of 14 and was badly harmed.
In most cases, a conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct necessitates registration as a sex offender
If convicted of this offense, a person is usually compelled to register as a sex offender. Megan’s Law, which mandates a 20-year registration for first-time offenders in California, demands this. They will have to register for the rest of their life if they are convicted again. There are various alternatives for post-conviction remedies that can alleviate this need.
If you’ve been charged with a sex offense, you’ll need a strong advocate on your side. You need a criminal defense attorney in Claremont CA who will be on your side from the beginning. Chambers Law Firm is what you require. To schedule a free legal consultation, call 714-760-4088.
