Sex crimes in Beverly Hills include a number of offenses involving acts of a sexual nature. Even mere allegations that someone has committed a sex crime can be devastating to the accused and having a skilled attorney involved as soon as possible can be critical. Attorney Michael Kraut is highly effective at helping to keep people accused of sex crimes in Beverly Hills from being wrongfully convicted.
Rape is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses that can lead to prison sentences and lifetime registration requirements. Rape is defined as the commission of sexual acts through force or fear, coercion or violence. In addition to rape, there are a number of other commonly-charged Beverly Hills sex crimes, including statutory rape in which the victim is underage and unable to provide consent, child molestation, prostitution, lewd conduct, indecent exposure and Internet crimes involving illegal pornography. Sex crimes can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors.
These cases are taken very seriously and those convicted are required to register as sex offenders pursuant to Megan’s Law. District Attorney offices and law enforcement agencies have specialized units dedicated to investigating and prosecuting sex crimes and those convicted often receive lengthy jail or prison sentences as well as registration requirements.
The following criminal offenses are some of the more commonly charges sex crimes in Beverly Hills:
RapeRape under California Penal Code Section 261 PC is one of the most serious offenses someone can be charged with and involves allegations of nonconsensual sexual intercourse achieved through threats, force or fraud. When a person is accused of raping his or her spouse, rape charges under California Penal Code Section 262 PC will be filed. Rape allegations can be devastating to one’s reputation and career and can result in lengthy prison sentences and lifetime registration requirements for those convicted.
Statutory RapeUnder California Penal Code Section 261.5 PC, a person can be charged with statutory rape for having sex with someone who was under 18 when the sex acts occurred. The fact that the minor consented to the sex is not a defense to the crime of statutory rape and even other minors can be charged with statutory rape. If the defendants are within three years of the victim’s, statutory rape is a misdemeanor offense. If the age gap is over three years, the offense is a “wobbler” that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
Lewd ConductOne of the most frequently charged criminal offenses in Beverly Hills is lewd conduct under California Penal Code Section 647(a) PC. This includes a wide range of offenses, typically involving public sexual activity. Law enforcement agencies in Beverly Hills often target public parks and restrooms in sting operations intended to catch those looking to engage in public sex. These type of charges are misdemeanors and are punishable by up to a year in jail.
ProstitutionCharges for prostitution under California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC can be filed against those offering prostitution services as well as those looking to procure prostitutes. In many cases, law enforcement agencies in Beverly Hills will use undercover officers to pose as sex workers to catch those looking to pay money for sex. These types of arrests can be very embarrassing and can lead to misdemeanor charges.
Indecent ExposureIndecent exposure under California Penal Code Section 314 PC is a misdemeanor offense that involves exposing one’s genitals or breasts publicly in a sexual nature in the presence of another person. While this is also a misdemeanor level offense, a conviction for indecent exposure requires the defendant to register as a sex offender, potentially for life.
If you or a loved one are currently under investigation for a sex crime in Beverly Hills, it is critical that you meet with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who understands how to effectively defend clients charged with or accused of sex crimes in Beverly Hills. Mr. Kraut understands the sensitive nature of these charges and works hard to ensure his clients receive the best defense possible. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s early intervention has led to charges being rejected or significantly reduced.
For more information about Beverly Hills sex crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. located at 8484 Wilshire Boulevard, #660B, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3220. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at (323) 464-6453 or (424) 457-0899.