What is a sex crime?
A sex crime is an illegal sex act, or illegal form of human sexual behavior, as defined by the state and federal government. People who are convicted of sex crimes are called “sex offenders”. In the state of California, all sex offenders must list them selves on the Sex Offender Registry for an indefinite amount of time. This Registry is accessible to the public, which means that future employers, landlords, educational facilities, and neighbors will be able to obtain this information.
Frequently Committed Sex Crimes
There are a variety of sex acts that are considered illegal. Commonly committed sex crimes include: rape, statutory rape, date rape, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, sexual abuse, sexual assault, child pornography, child molestation, prostitution, pandering, and distribution of illegal pornography.
California Sex Crime Legal Penalties
Of all crimes, sexual offenses tend to be the most vigorously prosecuted by law enforcement and district attorneys. Once a person is convicted a sexual offense, he/she may be punished with:
- • imprisonment
- • large fines
- • restitution
- • court ordered counseling
- • community service
- • probation
- • parole
- • mandatory Sex Offender Registration
If the defendant is a repeat offender, or if the victim was a minor (person below the legal age of 18), the defendant may be subject to enhanced criminal charges and sentencing. Due to the life-altering legal consequences that are involved, it is always in a person’s best interest to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the legal background and knowledge it takes to successfully fight sex crime charges.
