FACING CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES IN SAN FRANCISCO?
Child molestation can mean disaster for the accused—regardless of actual guilt. In California, child molestation is defined as the act of an adult intentionally initiating sexual contact with a minor. While sexual contact has been taken to mean a variety of things in courts, this particular statute focuses mainly on the inappropriate touching of a minor to achieve sexual stimulation.
Even the accusation of molesting a child can destroy your relationship with family, friends, and associates. It can cause irreversible damage to your reputation, career, and future opportunities. As a type of sexual assault, molestation can be associated with many serious sexual offenses. Accusations of molestation are most often made against someone the alleged victim already knows such as a parent, neighbor, relative, teacher, coach, caregiver, or older friend.
Penalties for Child Molestation Conviction
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you could be facing up to a year in county jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. A felony can result in incarceration in state prison for as long as 16 years and a fine of up to $16,000. Additionally, such convictions almost always result in lifetime registration as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290 or the Adam Walsh Act.
There are many key factors that will play a role in the penalties imposed:
- Age Of The Victim
- Prior Criminal Record
- Relationship To The Victim
However, some of the most damaging consequences come at the hands of society.
Trusted Legal Counsel for Your Charges
Due to the substantial penalties that can be imposed at conviction, people who have been accused of child molestation should take any and all measures to avoid a guilty verdict. Okabe & Haushalteris available to assist people throughout San Francisco who have been accused of child molestation. For years, clients have rightfully trusted the experience of our dedicated attorneys in building solid cases that are designed to cast doubt on the prosecutions’ position in the most effective ways possible. Our firm focuses on working closely with clients as well as conducting independent investigations and research that can be instrumental in your case. Our skilled support and representation has minimized and eliminated charges for many and may be the only thing standing between you and your freedom from erroneous child molestation charges.