Learn the Potential Consequences of Being Convicted of Sex with a Minor

Learn the Potential Consequences of Being Convicted of Sex with a Minor

If a person is convicted of having sex with a minor, they could face time in jail or prison, significant fines, probation, the requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives, civil penalties, and all the other consequences that come from a criminal conviction, such as limitations on where they can live or work and social stigma.

If you are facing charges for any type of sex crime, it is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You can do so easily by calling Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.

Specific Potential Penalties for a Conviction of a Sex Crime Involving a Minor

The potential penalties a person could face if they are convicted of a sex crime involving a minor include up to the rest of their lives in prison, years on probation if they are released from prison, fines in the tens of thousands of dollars, and the requirement to register as a sex offender, in some cases for the rest of their lives.

The Prison Sentence Depends on Many Factors

How much time a person will be forced to spend in jail or prison will depend on the specific act they committed, with intercourse being the most severe and non-physical conduct being the least severe, the criminal background of the defendant, and the age of the alleged victim.

In most cases, a sex crime involving an underage victim will be charged as a felony, which means at least one year in state prison. However, in some cases, these charges are misdemeanors, and that means less than one year in county jail. The longest possible sentence in California is life in prison.

Understanding Civil Penalties in Cases Involving Sex with a Minor

In some states, including California, a person who is convicted of certain sex offenses can be forced to pay fines. The amount of the fine depends on the age difference between the defendant and their alleged victim. If the age difference was less than two years, then the defendant can pay up to $2,000. The highest possible fine is $25,000 if the victim was less than 16 years old and the defendant was over the age of 21.

Defense Options to Charges of Sex with a Minor

There is no one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter answer to these charges. The best defense will depend on the specifics of your case and the ability of your criminal defense attorney. Now is the time to contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation.

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