Some court cases, like traffic tickets, generally don't have major long-term impacts. You can contest it or pay the fine, then move on. Not so with sex crime cases. For those, you could be facing years in prison, massive fines, and sex offender registration. You need a sex crimes lawyer in Murrieta, CA to help you handle these charges.
You need The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience and know how to defend against sex crimes in Murrieta, CA. When you call us, you're getting a team that's ready to help, whatever you need.
We're here to help, not to judge. Call (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to speak with a sex crimes lawyer in Murrieta, CA, about your charges.
President David S. Chesley, Murrieta, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why Murrieta, CA, Sex Crime Cases Are Different
Sex crime charges are serious. A conviction can lead to:
- Incarceration
- Years (or even a lifetime) on the sex offender registry
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Employment, licensing, housing, custody, and immigration 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. You need counsel who will protect the record and the rest of your life.
What to Do if You Have Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Murrieta, CA
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim — Any contact, for whatever reason, is not a good idea. You could face additional charges for witness intimidation.
- Keep quiet during interrogations. Only provide answers after consulting with your Murrieta, CA, sex crimes lawyer
- Don't share your phone or let investigators access your property if there isn't a warrant for it and if you don't have a defense attorney present.
- Preserve everything. Deletion can be a crime in and of itself, and make you look guilty.
- Share everything you know with your defense attorney: The more your attorney knows, the better defense they can build.
- If given bail conditions, take every effort to adhere to them — you can face serious penalties for breaking these.
- Talk to a professional for help handling the stress — a counselor or one trusted person who will not post about it.
No matter what else you do, the most important thing you need to do is get help from an expert Murrieta, CA, sex crimes defense lawyer right away. They can help guide you through the rest..
Charges a Murrieta, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help You Fight
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is arguably the most serious sex crime charge you can face in Murrieta, CA. A conviction can send you to prison for years, and permanently put you on the sex offender registry. Sexual assault, meanwhile, is a catch-all term for several violent sex crimes (often including rape and sexual battery).
In the past, California has separate laws for rape between spouses versus general rape. However, this was repealed and does not apply today.
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. Even in cases where there wasn't a physical, sexual act involving a child, you can face charges for enticing a minor for lewd purposes.
Statutory Rape
Not every statutory rape charge is the same, but all of them are serious. If the alleged victim was within 3 years of the alleged offender's age, it is a misdemeanor. Anything beyond that, and the prosecution has discretion to charge the crime as a felony. Additionally, there can be enhanced penalties if the alleged offender is over the age of 21 and the alleged victim is under the age of 16.
Internet and Digital Sex Crimes
Online and digital sex crimes can be particularly complicated in California. For example, sexting with a minor is illegal, even if the supposed minor turned out to be an adult who was pretending. This is because the relevant statute (PC § 288.2) applies if the alleged offender believed they were talking to a minor, even if that wasn't true. Sexting can also overlap with stalking charges.
AI-Generated and Deepfake Sexual Content
California law is rapidly evolving to address AI-generated sexual content. Effective January 1, 2025, AB 1831 and SB 1381 expanded Penal Code §§ 311, 311.2, 311.11, and 311.12 to criminalize the creation, distribution, and possession of AI-generated or digitally altered child sexual abuse material — now, you can face the same penalties for AI-generated child porn as with actual child porn. Separately, SB 926 extended California's revenge-porn law (PC § 647(j)(4)) to cover non-consensual, AI-generated sexually explicit images of adults that appear authentic. These are new, fast-evolving statutes, and the digital evidence in these cases — how an image was generated, by whom, and what platform it moved through — is often the center of the defense.
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 Murrieta, CA, sex crimes lawyer right away.
Related Charges
In Murrieta, 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends Each of the Following
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
Murrieta, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Guidance at Every Stage of Your Case
Pre-filing and investigation. The fight for your freedom doesn't begin when charges are filed — it begins as soon as the authorities start to look at you. These early days are crucial for setting your case up for success — having an expert sex crimes lawyer can help you preserve exculpatory evidence and maybe even negate charges from being filed in the first place.
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. If we find that any of the state's evidence was wrongfully obtained, we will file a motion to suppress it, removing it from the case against you. And if their case is sufficiently weakened, we'll follow up with a motion to dismiss the charges against you.
Negotiation. Since prosecutors have large caseloads, they often prefer to settle through a plea deal rather than go to trial. The right sex charges defense attorney can leverage this to their advantage and find a good deal that protects your record.
Trial and sentencing. Not every plea deal offered is acceptable. If we can't find an option that works for you, we're prepared to fight in court for your freedom. Even if the outcome at trial isn't what you were hoping for, we'll advocate for lenient sentencing.
Looking for a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Murrieta, CA? Don't Overlook These Factors
- Knowledge of how to handle the exact charges against you
- Relationships in Murrieta, CA, courts
- Honest assessment of registration risk, not just "jail vs. no jail"
- 24/7 availability
- Confidence and honesty when planning your defense
Murrieta, CA, Sex Crime Penalties
| 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 |
Enhancements (great bodily injury, weapon use, multiple victims, age of the complaining witness, prior strikes) change these numbers. Talk to a sex crimes lawyer about what your exposure actually is. But a conviction won't just lead to incarceration; it can also put you on the sex offender registry.
The Sex Offender Registry (PC 290)
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 10 years, but some minors will only be put on the registry for 5 years. Examples: most misdemeanor sex offenses fall into this tier, and some non-violent felony offenses.
- Tier 2 — 20 years for adults, but 10 years for some juveniles. Examples: incest, some rape cases, and penetration with a foreign object.
- Tier 3 — lifetime for the most serious offenses (e.g., sex trafficking of a child, sodomy by force, forcible rape) 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.
Defense Strategies Your Murrieta, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer May Use
- Consent can be a powerful defense and/or mitigating factor — so long as the alleged victim had the capacity to give it
- In some cases, mistakes about the age of the other person can be used as a defense. This is most applicable in statutory or other minor-related cases, and isn't applicable in some others
- False or motivated accusation False accusations — some people use false sexual assault or rape allegations as a way to hurt another person or gain leverage in a custody battle
- Misidentification — unfortunately, misidentification can result in false accusations, even if the alleged victim is not acting maliciously
- Lack of evidence — ultimately, it's on the prosecution to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to do so, we will highlight that
- Evidence obtained in a way that violated your rights
- Child interviews that were coached or led to a certain end
- Entrapment or lack of intent in sting cases
- Charges were filed outside of the statute of limitations
Your Murrieta, CA, sex crimes attorney can help you pick out the right defense strategy for your case. And if it goes to trial, they are prepared to argue it in front of a jury.
Former Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. The client was accused of offering money for sex to an undercover officer in a "fake prostitute" sting — a common tactic that can raise entrapment issues. We enrolled the client in an educational diversion program, and upon proof of successful completion, the court dismissed all charges. No public record of the case remains.
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — No Jail Time, No Sex Offender Registration, Dismissed Upon Completion of Probation. 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 Before Trial. The client was present at a gathering where two other individuals were separately accused of assaulting a woman; the client had no involvement in the alleged conduct. We demonstrated the client's lack of involvement, and the court dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing. 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) — Successful Consent Based Defense Protect Our Client From Prison. Using a consent-based defense, we protected our client from an extended jail sentence and secured a favorable outcome, avoiding a felony strike and sex offender registration.
- Child Molestation (PC § 288) and Sodomy with a Child Under 10 (PC § 288.7) — Protected Client Against Lifetime Imprisonment and Sex Offender Registration. A conviction of these charges would have sent our client to prison for life, along with permanent sex offender registration. We examined the prosecution's evidence and were able to demonstrate to the court that the accusation was false, securing a dismissal. No public record of the case remains.
While past cases can help inform you on a firm's abilities, they do not necessarily represent results for a future case. Your Murrieta, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you figure out the best approach to your case, and help you understand realistic outcomes.
Common Questions for Sex Crimes in Murrieta, CA
Can a sex crimes lawyer still help if the accusations aren't true?
Absolutely — with an attorney on your side, you can ensure that the state listens to your side of the story, and challenge any misconceptions about the evidence.
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.
Can a sex offender get off the registry in Murrieta, CA?
If you were convicted of a tier 1 offense, you can generally apply for removal after 10 years. Tier 2 is similar, just after 20 years. Tier 3 results in a lifetime sex offender registration.
Are people convicted of stautory rape put on the sex offender registry?
California updated its sex offender registration requirements for statutory rape effective January 1st, 2026. This mandates Tier 1 registration for most statutory rape convicts, unless the age gap was more than 10 years. Talk to your sex crimes lawyer before accepting any plea.
Do sex offenders have to notify neighbors in California?
No — sex offenders themselves are not required to inform their neighbors, just register with local law enforcement. Law enforcement may decide to make a public announcement, though.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Sex Crimes Lawyers in Murrieta, CA
Sex crime charges aren't like other charges – the prison sentence is only the beginning. But with the right defense, and the right attorney, you can create a solid defense and explore options that preserve your future.
Start building your defense right away — call us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to talk with your Murrieta, CA, sex crimes lawyer.
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