You never thought it would come to this. The accusation may be a misunderstanding, exaggerated, or false. In Pasadena, CA, a sex crime allegation can put prison, PC 290 registration, and your reputation at risk before a case is even filed. What you do in the first 48 hours matters.
For Pasadena, CA, residents in need of defense against sex crime accusations, there's a clear choice of who to turn to: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys fight for our client's rights. When you call us, you're getting a team that's ready to help, whatever you need.
We will listen to your side of the story. Call (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online for a confidential, free case review.
Attorney David S. Chesley, Pasadena, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why You Need to Treat Sex Crime Charges Seriously in Pasadena, CA
You need an expert Pasadena, CA, sex crimes lawyer to help you fight your case and avoid:
- Months or even years behind bars
- Mandatory or discretionary sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290
- Public labelling as a sex offender
- Family, job, and immigration challenges
- A federal firearms ban and, in some cases, passport restrictions
It's never a good idea to try and talk your way out of these accusations. Without help, you might be digging a hole you can't get out of. A sex crimes lawyer can change that.
What to Do if You Have Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Pasadena, CA
- Do not contact the accuser — Any contact, for whatever reason, is not a good idea. This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Plead the Fifth Amendment and politely ask to speak with your lawyer.
- Don't share your phone or let investigators access your property if investigators don't have a warrant and if you haven't had a chance to check with your Pasadena, CA sex charges attorney.
- Save any evidence. Trying to delete or hide evidence can end up making you look more guilty.
- Talk about your case with your sex crimes lawyer in Pasadena, CA: Without a full picture, they won't be able to build a complete defense.
- If given bail conditions, take every effort to adhere to them — if you don't, it can make you look guilty.
- Get support outside the case — counseling can help give you clarity on how to move forward.
Together with your Pasadena, CA, sex charge defense attorney, you can set your case up for a positive outcome.
Get Help With the Following Pasadena, CA, Sex Crime Charges
Rape and Sexual Assault
It's hard to think of a crime that is publicly regarded as worse than rape in Pasadena, CA. A conviction means up to 8 years in prison, as well as sex offender registration. Sexual assault, meanwhile, is a catch-all term for several violent sex crimes (often including rape and sexual battery).
Spousal rape under former PC § 262 was repealed in 2021. As of January 1, 2026, SB 258 also removed the remaining spouse-capacity carve-out in PC § 261. Rape inside a marriage is charged like rape between any other two people.
Child Sex Crimes
There are a wide range of potential child sex crime accusations in California, including lewd acts with a child, sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. California does not have a Romeo and Juliet law, so it's illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor even if they are close in age.
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
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.
AI and Deepfake Pornography
As AI continues to advance at a fast rate, California lawmakers are creating regulations on its use. These laws often intersect with sex crimes as they relate to pornography. Recent laws have established that AI-generated child pornography can be prosecuted as if it were an image of an actual child. Additional laws have also made it illegal to create and share deepfake pornography that appears to be actual images of the subject. As these laws continue to develop, it's important to work with a sex crimes lawyer in Pasadena, CA, who is familiar with the most recent laws and updated regulations.
Human Trafficking
Sex trafficking is charged under Penal Code § 236.1(b) and (c) and carries some of the most severe penalties available in Pasadena, CA, court. Subdivision (b) covers depriving someone of their liberty to commit pimping, pandering, or child pornography offenses, punishable by up to 20 years in state prison. Subdivision (c) covers persuading or attempting to persuade a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, and can carry 15 years to life when force, fear, fraud, or coercion is used. A conviction requires lifetime Tier 3 sex offender registration. These cases frequently overlap with pimping and pandering allegations and often turn on financial records, communications, and the alleged victim's own statements.
Related Charges
In Pasadena, CA, we also defend indecent exposure (PC § 314), 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.
Accused of a Below Sex Crime? Call Us Today
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
How a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Pasadena, CA
Pre-filing and investigation. If you are being investigated but not yet charged in Pasadena, CA court, we try to control contact with police, preserve favorable evidence, and, when appropriate, present a package that argues against filing.
Discovery and forensics. We don't just let the district attorney build a case against you — we reexamine any evidence and look for inconsistencies or other weaknesses. We can also reach out to expert witnesses and forensic labs to review everything and look for alternatives to the state's narrative.
Motions. Suppression under Penal Code § 1538.5, challenges to statements (Miranda / voluntariness), evidentiary fights under Evidence Code §§ 782, 1108, and 1101 (prior sexual conduct of the complaining witness, propensity evidence in sex offense cases, and character evidence generally), and motions to dismiss weak or overcharged counts.
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.
Your Pasadena, CA, Sex Crime Lawyer Needs to Have These Qualities
- Direct experience with your statute (PC 261 is not the same case as PC 288.4)
- Willingness to do pre-charge work, not only arraignment-to-plea
- A defense strategy that you can understand
- 24/7 availability
- Confidence and honesty when planning your defense
Pasadena, CA, Sex Crime Penalties: What You're Facing
| 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. If convicted of rape, you may also be required to pay a fine.
What You Need to Know About the Sex Offender Registry 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 — typically for a 10-year term, or 5 years for most juvenile cases. 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., most rape offenses, aiding a rape attempt, pimping a minor) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
Rather than automatically being removed after a time period, it's on the individual to request removal after their time is up. Your sex crimes attorney can help you petition for removal from the sex offender registery.
Defense Strategies Against Pasadena, CA, Sex Crimes Charges
- Consent is applicable in many cases where both parties were over the age of 18
- False or motivated accusation False accusations — unfortunately, some people will make up criminal accusations in order to get something they want
- Misidentification — unfortunately, misidentification can result in false accusations, even if the alleged victim is not acting maliciously
- Lack of evidence (intent, force, "lewd purpose," knowledge of age, possession vs. unsolicited file)
- Illegally acquired evidence
- Weak evidence that can be dismantled through examination
- Entrapment, when law enforcement goes too far in convincing the alleged offender
- Statute of limitations or charging defects
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.
Prior Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. Our client was accused of soliciting a prostitute who was actually a police officer. We negotiated a diversionary program and the dismissal of all charges.
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — Avoided Jail and Sex Offender Registration; Charges to be Dismissed. When our client was accused of statutory rape, we leveraged our defense to negotiate a probation sentence which, if completed, will allow for the dismissal of all charges, no prison time, and keep our client off of the California sex offender registry.
- Rape (PC § 261) — Facing 25 Years to Life, All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing. When our client was wrongly accused of participating in an assault, we presented a defense showing their lack of participation. This also protected our client's reputation, as no records of the case are public.
- 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. Through a defense built around 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. A conviction of these charges would have sent our client to prison for life, along with permanent sex offender registration. We looked into the evidence, and found that the claims were false. At the preliminary hearing, the judge believed our story and dismissed the charges. As an added bonus, our client's privacy is protected as any remaining records are not available to the public.
These results are representative of past performance, but do not guarantee future results. Every case in Pasadena, CA, is evaluated on its own facts, and results depend on the specific evidence and circumstances involved.
Common Questions for Sex Accusations in Pasadena, CA
Can a sex crimes lawyer still help if the accusations aren't true?
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?
Convictions of sex crimes can be harmful to your immigration status, and potentially lead to deportation. Talk to a sex crimes defense lawyer who can also act as your immigration attorney and help you protect your status.
Do I have to stay on the sex offender registry for life in Pasadena, 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.
Does statutory rape require registration now?
For many PC § 261.5(c) and (d) offenses committed on or after January 1, 2026, yes — Tier 1 — unless the 10-year age-gap exception applies. The court may still order PC § 290.006 registration. Get the dates and ages reviewed before you plead.
When should I contact an attorney?
As soon as you are aware of an accusation, you should contact a lawyer (even if charges haven't been filed yet). The sooner you bring in an expert Pasadena, CA, sex crimes lawyer, the better your chances of a positive outcome.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Sex Crimes Lawyers in Pasadena, CA
Don't try to handle this yourself and end up digging a hole you can't get out of. With the right defense and the right lawyer presenting it, you'll maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
If you need an experienced Pasadena, CA, sex crimes lawyer, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here for you. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form to get started today.
Payment Plans
