A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Calabasas, CA is a person you're probably not excited to call, but if you're facing accusations, you need one immediately. Whatever your situation is, this isn't the time to sit around and wait. The sooner you reach out to an expert, the better your chances are of a positive outcome. You need to get help now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends people accused of sex crimes in Calabasas, CA — with offices across Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties) as well as Central and Northern California (Kern, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Fresno, Tulare, San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, Sonoma, Alameda, San Joaquin, and San Francisco counties, and beyond). We investigate, challenge the evidence, negotiate when that protects you, and try the case when it does not.
We will listen to your side of the story. Call (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to set up a no-strings-attached review of your charges.
President David S. Chesley, Calabasas, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why Calabasas, CA, Sex Crime Cases Are Different
You need an expert Calabasas, CA, sex crimes lawyer to help you fight your case and avoid:
- State prison or jail
- Years (or even a lifetime) on the sex offender registry
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Many collateral consequences
- Extensive fines and restitution requirements
Trying to "clear it up" with police, the accuser, or a school or Title IX office almost always makes the file worse. Get help from someone who will protect your rights.
How to Handle Calabasas, CA, Sex Crime Accusations
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim — Any contact, for whatever reason, is not a good idea. This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Keep quiet during interrogations. Be respectful, but don't answer any questions. Instead, request to speak with your attorney.
- Do not consent to a phone or home search without a warrant and without counsel.
- Preserve everything. Deletion can be a crime in and of itself, and make you look guilty.
- Write a private timeline for your lawyer only: The more your attorney knows, the better defense they can build.
- Obey court orders — breaking these can hurt your case.
- Talk to a professional for help handling the stress — a counselor or one trusted person who will not post about it.
Above all of the above, the main thing you need to do is get help from an expert Calabasas, CA, sex crimes defense lawyer right away. They can help guide you through the rest..
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends All of the Below Sex Crime Charges in Calabasas, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is charged under Penal Code § 261. In Calabasas, CA, it is a felony with a triad of 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison in a typical case, plus fines and usually Tier 3 lifetime registration. Rape is one form of sexual assault. Sexual assault is not defined on its own in California law, but instead is a term used to describe a category of violent offenses of a sexual nature.
California used to have a separate law regarding spousal rape, but this was repealed in 2021.
Child Sex Crimes
In California, child molestation is not covered by a single law, but is a category for acts such as lewd acts with a child and the sexual abuse of a child. California has no general "Romeo and Juliet" defense. Age, force, and the specific code section drive both prison exposure and the registration tier.
Statutory Rape
Whether or not a minor agreed to have sex with an adult, the adult can be convicted of statutory rape (AKA unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor). This charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and prosecutorial discretion. But a prison sentence isn't the only concern: You can also be forced to register as a sex offender, particularly if the alleged offense occurred after December 31st, 2025.
Online and Digital Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes vary widely in nature. Some overlap with child sex crimes (the possession, production, or distribution of child pornography, for example), while others are crimes even if the conduct only involved adults (posting of revenge porn, for example). Defenses often hinge on whether or not the alleged offender was the one to break the law, or if another person was using their computer/profile.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure might not sound like as big of a deal as sex crimes like rape, but you can still face major consequences. This charge alleges that someone intentionally exposed their privates to another person in an offensive way. Most first offenses are only a misdemeanor, but aggravated or repeat convictions can be elevated to a felony. Additionally, even for a misdemeanor conviction, sex offender registration is required. To minimize your chance of long-term consequences, call your Calabasas, CA, sex crimes lawyer right away.
Related Charges
In Calabasas, CA, we also defend human trafficking (PC § 236.1), lewd conduct in public (PC § 647(a)), failure to register (PC § 290.018), prostitution and solicitation (PC § 647(b)), loitering with intent to commit prostitution (PC § 653.22), pimping/pandering (PC §§ 266h, 266i), incest (PC § 285), aggravated sexual assault of a child (PC § 269), and assault with intent to commit a sex offense (PC § 220). Those pages are linked from the list below.
Get Legal Support From a Calabasas, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer With All of the Below Charges
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child · AI-Generated / Deepfake Sexual Content · Annoying or Molesting a Child · Arranging a Meeting With a Minor · Assault with Intent to Commit a Sex Offense · Child Molestation (PC 288) · Child Pornography · Enticing a Minor · Failure to Register · Human Trafficking (Sex Trafficking) · Incest · Indecent Exposure · Lewd Acts · Lewd Conduct in Public · Loitering to Commit Prostitution · Oral Copulation by Force · Oral Copulation or Sodomy With a Minor · Penetration by Force · Pimping and Pandering · Prostitution / Solicitation · Rape · Revenge Porn · Sex With a Minor / Statutory Rape · Sexting Involving Minors · Sexual Abuse · Sexual Assault · Sexual Battery · Sodomy by Force
Step-by-Step Guidance From an Experienced Calabasas, CA, Sex Crimes Attorney
Pre-filing and investigation. Your defense doesn't begin when charges are filed — you should call a sex crimes lawyer in Calabasas, CA, if you even think you are under investigation. We can help you set up your future case for a positive outcome, or avoid court entirely.
Discovery and forensics. Evidence can play a major role in sex crime cases. We'll not only look at everything that the state has discovered, but also conduct our own investigations to find anything that can help your defense.
Motions. Suppression. The right motions can set your case up for success. In addition to motions we commonly file (like suppression and dismissal), in sex crime cases we often file a motion to suppress identification. Unfortunately, misidentification can occur more often than it should in criminal cases, and sex crimes are no exception.
Negotiation. Many criminal charges in Calabasas, CA, end in plea deals. With relationships in courts across California, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are ready to negotiate on your behalf.
Trial and sentencing. If the case should be tried, we try it. If there is a conviction, we litigate strikes, enhancements, and PC 290 placement.
What to Look for in Your Calabasas, CA Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Direct experience with your statute (PC 261 is not the same case as PC 288.4)
- Readiness to help right away, no matter what stage your case is at
- Ideas for how to approach defense in your case
- A positive reputation with former clients
- A record of results in Calabasas, CA, courts — not just a list of charges
Penalties (General Statutory Ranges)
| Charge | Statute | Level | Typical Custody Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | PC § 261 | Felony | 3, 6, or 8 years state prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| Statutory Rape | PC § 261.5 | Misd. or wobbler | Up to 1 year jail, or 16 months–4 years (facts-dependent) |
| Sexual Battery | PC § 243.4 | Misd. or felony | Up to 6 months jail, or 2, 3, or 4 years prison |
| Lewd Act With a Child Under 14 | PC § 288(a) | Felony | 3, 6, or 8 years (higher if force or younger child) |
| Arranging a Meeting With a Minor | PC § 288.4 | Wobbler | Up to 1 year jail, or 2, 3, or 4 years prison |
| Indecent Exposure | PC § 314 | Misd. or felony | Up to 1 year, or 16 months–3 years |
| Child Pornography Possession | PC § 311.11 | Wobbler / felony | Jail, or 16 months–3+ years; registration often Tier 3 if felony |
| Prostitution / Solicitation | PC § 647(b) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail; fine up to $1,000 |
While these numbers represent typical, general ranges, they can be altered by enhancing factors. Every case is individual. However, a jail sentence is often over long before the other main consequences of a sex crime conviction: Being placed on the sex offender registry.
Sex Offender Registry Tiers in California
Not every sex crime in California requires a person to register as a sex offender (prostitution, for example, normally does not). When it is required, though, it typically falls into one of the below three categories:
- Tier 1 — normally a 10-year period on the registry. 5 years in some juvenile cases. Examples: many misdemeanor sexual battery and indecent exposure convictions; some PC § 261.5 convictions for offenses on or after January 1, 2026, under SB 680.
- Tier 2 — generally 20 years. Examples: lewd acts with a minor under 14 and some sodomy cases.
- Tier 3 — lifetime for the most serious offenses (e.g., forcible rape, many child-victim force cases, many felony child pornography convictions) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
Life on the sex offender registry is difficult — the public is able to look up your information, and it can impact employment opportunities, and leave lasting impacts long after a prison sentence. Talk to a sex crimes attorney to get help once you're eligible for removal.
Effective Defenses Versus Sex Crime Charges in Calabasas, CA
- Consent applies in several sex crime charges, since many are only illegal if a party did not consent
- False or motivated accusation False accusations — sometimes, it can be just as important to show why the person is making the accusation as it is to show your innocence. If an ulterior motive is revealed, this can be a powerful part of a defense startegy
- Misidentification — unfortunately, misidentification can result in false accusations, even if the alleged victim is not acting maliciously
- Insufficient proof of a required element — you have the presumption of innocence on your side
- Illegally acquired evidence
- Entrapment or lack of intent in sting cases
- Technical issues with the way the case was filed
This isn't just about defense strategies; this is about telling your side of the story in a convincing way, whether it's too a district attorney, a judge, or a jury.
Past Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. We protected our client's record after being accused of solicitation. Through skillful negotiation, we were able to have all charges dismissed after the completion of an educational program.
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — Avoided Jail and Sex Offender Registration; Charges to be Dismissed. Our client was accused of statutory rape, a wobbler offense that could have resulted in incarceration, followed by a lifetime on the sex offender registry. Through skillful negotiation, we secured a deal that avoided prison, avoided the sex offender registry, and presented the possibility of all changes of being dismissed, after a probation period..
- Rape (PC § 261) — Facing 25 Years to Life, All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing. Our client came to us after being accused of rape. They were present at an event where two other individuals (charged separately) had assaulted a woman, but our client took no part in it. We presented our defense in the preliminary hearing and the case was dismissed. Our client's privacy is protected, as there is no public record of the case available.
- Kidnapping (PC § 207) and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (PC § 261.5) — Facing 6 Years State Prison, No Jail Time, No Sex Offender Registration. By evaluating the evidence and presenting a narrative of consent, we protected our client from an extended jail sentence and secured a favorable outcome, with no strike and no sex offender registration.
- Child Molestation (PC § 288) and Sodomy with a Child Under 10 (PC § 288.7) — Charges Dismissed at the Preliminary Hearing. The client faced three potential life terms with no bail. We demonstrated that the allegations had been fabricated, and the court dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing. As an added bonus, our client's privacy is protected as any remaining records are not available to the public.
The above cases are selected as a representation of the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's results — they do not guarantee a specific outcome in a given case. If you have questions about realistic outcomes for your case, talk to one of our Calabasas, CA, sex crime lawyers today.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sex Accusations in Calabasas, CA
Is it still important to hire an attorney if you're innocent?
Yes — unfortunately, the police can make mistakes in their investigations and end up charging the wrong person. Your freedom and rights deserve professional protection.
Would a conviction of a sex crime affect my immigration status?
Many sex convictions are treated as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude. Discuss immigration consequences before any plea.
Is there a way off the sex offender registry in California?
Whether or not you can get off California's sex offender registry depends on what tier you were applied to it on. Tier 3 offenses generally do not allow the possibility for removal, while lower tiers do.
Does California's sex offender registry include statutory rape?
The specifics of statutory rape and the sex offender registry depends on the ages of those involved, when the alleged offense occurred, and the court's discretion. Contact an attorney prior to accepting any deal that includes sex offender registration.
Does California require sex offenders to inform their neighbors?
California does not require sex offenders to manually inform their neighbors after moving into a new residence.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Defend Your Sex Crimes Case
Sex crimes are treated harshly in California, and you need a defense team with the experience and legal expertise to guide you through the process. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can provide that.
Our phone lines are open 24/7. If you need a sex crimes lawyer in Calabasas, CA, call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online. We're dedicated to your case.
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