Pasadena Sex Crimes

Sex crimes in Pasadena include a number of offenses of a sexual nature and these types of crimes are treated very seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors and, judges in the Pasadena area. These matters are extremely sensitive and merely being accused of this type of offense can trigger consequences. As a result, anyone who has been accused of or arrested for a Pasadena sex crime should consult with a skilled attorney immediately. Attorney Michael Kraut is highly effective at defending those accused of sex crimes and helping his client avoid wrongful convictions.

One of the most severe sex offenses in Pasadena is the crime of rape and a conviction for this offense can result in extensive prison sentences as well as lifetime registration on California’s sex offender registry. There are a number of other sex crimes commonly charged in the Pasadena region, including statutory rape, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, and prostitution. Some sex crimes are classified as felonies, while others are misdemeanors or are “wobblers” which can be filed as either felonies or misdemeanors.

Pasadena area prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have units dedicated to the detection, investigation, and prosecution of sex crime offenses and these types of crimes are treated very seriously. As the result of Megan’s Law, defendants convicted of sex crimes must register as sex offenders.

The following are some of the more common sex crimes in Pasadena:

Rape is one of the most serious sex crimes and is a felony-level offense under California Penal Code Section 261 PC. A person can be charged with rape in Pasadena when they engage in unwanted sexual intercourse with the victim by use of threats, force, fraud or coercion. When the victim is the defendant’s spouse, rape charges under California Penal Code Section 262 PC are applicable. A mere accusation of rape can have a devastating impact on a person’s life and reputation even where no criminal charges are filed. If convicted of rape, a person can be sentenced to prison and would have to register for life as a sex offender.

Under California Penal Code Section 261.5 PC, charges of statutory rape can be filed when the defendant has sex with a minor under the age of 18. Consent is not a defense to statutory rape because minors are considered legally unable to provide consent. When there is an age gap of over three years between the defendant and the victim, statutory rape is a wobbler offense that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. When the age gap is less than three years, statutory rape is a misdemeanor.

Lewd conduct pursuant to California Penal Code Section 647(a) PC is a frequently charged sex crime in the Pasadena area. Law enforcement agencies will conduct sting operations in public parks and restrooms in order to bust individuals engaging in lewd conduct. This is a misdemeanor crime that can lead to a public criminal record for those convicted.

Law enforcement in Pasadena will often conduct sting operations targetting sex workers and clients engaging in prostitution in violation of California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC. It is illegal to exchange sex for money in California and both sex workers and “johns” can be prosecuted under this statute. Prostitution is a misdemeanor level crime and those convicted can be sentenced to jail sentences of up to a year.

Even though indecent exposure is a misdemeanor level offense, a conviction under California Penal Code Section 314 PC triggers an automatic sex offender registration requirement under Megan’s Law. In order to be convicted of indecent exposure, the prosecution must be able to prove that the defendant exposed his or her genitals in the presence of another person with the intent to sexually gratify his or herself or to offend the other person.

If you or a loved one are being investigated or have been arrested for a sex crime, it is imperative that you discuss your case with an effective criminal defense attorney right away. Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who previously was a Senior Trial Attorney in the District Attorney’s Pasadena Branch Office. Mr. Kraut works hard on behalf of his clients facing sex crime prosecution and in many cases, his early intervention has led to charges being rejected or significantly reduced.

For more information about Pasadena sex crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 790 East Colorado Boulevard, 9^th Floor, Pasadena, CA 91101. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 626-345-1899.