Sex Crime Attorney in Manhattan Beach

Facing A Sex Crime Allegation inManhattan Beach? Call Stein & Markus

Being accused of a sex offense in Manhattan Beach or the surrounding South Bay can change your life in an instant. You may be worried about jail, a permanent criminal record, and the possibility of having to register as a sex offender. You might already be dealing with the Manhattan Beach Police Department or the Los Angeles County jail system.

At Stein & Markus, we know how frightening and isolating this situation feels. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience, and our team includes a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor with 33 years of experience. We work to protect your rights from the very first contact with law enforcement and to minimize the consequences you face.

Contact a sex crime attorney in Manhattan Beach at Stein & Markus today. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Call us at (562) 512-7030 or contact us online to start your defense. ¡Hablamos español!

Understanding California Sex Crime Statutes

California's sex crime laws are among the most intricate in the nation. The classification of the offense determines everything from your potential prison sentence to the length of your registration requirement.

Common charges we handle in the South Bay:

• Sexual Battery (PC 243.4): Touching an intimate part of another person against their will for sexual arousal. This can be a misdemeanor or a "wobbler" felony depending on whether restraint was used.
• Rape (PC 261): Accomplishing sexual intercourse through force, fear, or with someone incapable of giving consent due to intoxication or unconsciousness.
• Lewd Acts with a Child (PC 288): Any touching of a minor under 14 with sexual intent. These are among the most serious "strike" offenses in California.
• Statutory Rape (Penal Code 261.5): Officially known as "unlawful sexual intercourse," this involves consensual acts where one party is under the age of 18. Depending on the age gap, this can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Indecent Exposure (PC 314): Exposing one's private parts in a public place with lewd intent. While often a misdemeanor, it can trigger mandatory sex offender registration.

If your case began with an arrest or questioning in Manhattan Beach, you may be booked into a Los Angeles County facility and scheduled for court in a Los Angeles Superior Court location that handles cases from the South Bay. Early legal guidance can influence what charges are filed and how your case is presented from day one.

As your Manhattan Beach sex crime lawyer, we focus on the specific elements of the code. For example, if we can prove there was no "lewd intent" in an indecent exposure case, or that a "mistake of fact" occurred regarding consent in a battery case, we can often secure a dismissal or a reduction to a non-registrable offense.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions

The consequences of a sex crime conviction extend far beyond the courtroom. California utilizes a rigorous sentencing structure and a mandatory registration system that can follow a person for the rest of their life.

Direct Legal Penalties

Convictions often result in significant time in state prison. For instance, a conviction for forcible rape can lead to a sentence of three, six, or eight years. If there are "aggravating factors," such as the use of a weapon or causing great bodily injury, the sentence can be enhanced significantly. Fines can reach up to $10,000 per offense, and defendants are often ordered to pay restitution to the victim.

The Tiered Sex Offender Registry

Since January 2021, California has utilized a three-tier registration system under Penal Code 290:

• Tier 1: Requires registration for a minimum of 10 years (typically for misdemeanors).
• Tier 2: Requires registration for a minimum of 20 years (for more serious offenses).
• Tier 3: Requires lifetime registration (for the most serious violent crimes or repeat offenses).

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the law, a conviction can trigger "civil death." This includes the loss of professional licenses (teaching, nursing, real estate), the inability to live in certain areas due to residency restrictions (Jessica’s Law), and the permanent loss of firearm rights. Furthermore, being listed on the Megan’s Law website makes your personal information accessible to the public, which can lead to social ostracization and the loss of employment opportunities.

What To Do After A Sex Crime Arrest in Manhattan Beach

When police accuse you of a sex offense, every decision you make can affect your future. Many people think they can clear things up by explaining their side, but statements given in panic often end up being used against them. It is critical to slow things down and take strategic steps instead of reacting out of fear.

Immediate steps that can help protect you:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing with officers or investigators.
• Politely assert your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer.
• Do not discuss the case on the phone from jail, in texts, or on social media.
• Avoid contacting the accuser or potential witnesses on your own.
• Preserve any potential evidence such as messages or emails, and share them with your attorney, not others.
• Contact our defense team as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your interests.

Our goal is to step between you and the government as quickly as we can. Drawing on our prosecutorial insight, we work to prevent damaging statements, address warrant or bail issues, and position your case for the best possible result.

How Our Team Defends Sex Crime Charges

Sex offense cases are often built on complex evidence and intense emotions. Allegations may involve relationships, digital communications, alcohol, or events that occurred long ago. We approach each matter with a detailed, methodical strategy that reflects years of work on both sides of the courtroom in Los Angeles County.

Our work often begins by examining how the investigation was conducted. We look closely at interviews, search warrants, and any seizure of phones, computers, or other devices. If police cut corners or violated your rights, we may have grounds to challenge the evidence or ask the court to limit what the prosecution can use against you.

In many sex crime cases, the accuser’s statements are central. We carefully analyze their account, look for inconsistencies, and review texts, social media messages, or prior reports that may shed light on credibility. False accusations, mistaken identity, and misunderstandings about consent are real issues that must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Digital and forensic evidence can also play a major role. Our attorneys work to understand the story that prosecutors will try to tell with DNA reports, phone records, internet activity, or medical findings. We then look for gaps, alternate explanations, and ways to question whether the evidence actually proves what the government claims.

Talk To Our Manhattan Beach Sex Crimes Defense Team

At Stein & Markus, our attorneys bring more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience and the insight of a former Los Angeles prosecutor to every case. We treat clients like family, keep your information confidential, and explain each step in clear terms. Whether you are calling from custody or from home, reaching out is a safe first step.

Call (562) 512-7030 or reach out online now to speak with our defense team in confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk to police if I am innocent?

No, you do not have to talk to police, even if you are innocent. Anything you say can still be misunderstood or used against you. We typically advise asserting your right to remain silent and asking for a lawyer so we can communicate with investigators for you.

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

Registration depends on the specific offense and outcome of your case. Some California convictions require registration, while others may not. In some situations, people can later ask a court to change their registration duties. We review your charges and work to limit registration whenever the law allows.

How confidential is a consultation with your firm?

Consultations with our attorneys are confidential. You can discuss what happened, your concerns, and your goals without fear that we will judge you or share your information. This privacy helps us understand the full picture and advise you honestly about your options.

How soon should I hire a lawyer after an arrest?

In sex crime cases, it is usually best to hire a lawyer as early as possible. Important decisions often arise before the first court date, including what charges may be filed and what evidence is gathered. We are available around the clock so we can begin protecting you quickly.

What if my case started in Manhattan Beach but my court is in downtown Los Angeles?

It is common for cases that begin with an arrest in Manhattan Beach to be heard in a Los Angeles Superior Court location, including courts in downtown Los Angeles. Our firm regularly handles matters throughout Los Angeles County and understands how these courthouses operate and schedule hearings.