A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Redlands, 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 Redlands, 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 fight for you. Call (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to get help from your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer.
President David S. Chesley, Redlands, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why Redlands, CA, Sex Crime Cases Are Different
You need an expert Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer to help you fight your case and avoid:
- Months or even years behind bars
- Years (or even a lifetime) on the sex offender registry
- Public Megan's Law listing in many cases
- Many collateral consequences
- Electronic monitoring
Don't wait while the Redlands, CA, district attorney builds a case against you. Call your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer and start building your defense now.
What to Do if You Have Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Redlands, CA
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim — even to apologize or "explain." This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Be respectful, but don't answer any questions. Instead, request to speak with your attorney.
- Do not consent to a phone or home search if investigators don't have a warrant and without checking with your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer first.
- Gather any evidence you can find. Don't delete texts, photos, apps, location history, or social media — deletion is often argued as consciousness of guilt.
- Write a private timeline for your lawyer only: 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 — you can face serious penalties for breaking these.
- Talk to a professional for help handling the stress — look for local mental health resources to help cope with the stress of your case.
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Together with your Redlands, CA, sex charge defense attorney, you can set your case up for a positive outcome.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends All of the Below Sex Crime Charges in Redlands, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is charged under Penal Code § 261. In Redlands, 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. "Sexual assault" is not one statute — it often means rape, sexual battery (PC § 243.4), nonconsensual oral copulation (PC § 287), sodomy (PC § 286), or penetration with a foreign object (PC § 289).
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
Common charges include lewd acts with a child (PC § 288), continuous sexual abuse (PC § 288.5), annoying or molesting a child (PC § 647.6), oral copulation or penetration involving a minor, and enticing a minor (PC § 288.3) or arranging a meeting with a minor (PC § 288.4). 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
Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor is a misdemeanor or a wobbler depending on ages. Important 2026 change: for offenses on or after January 1, 2026, SB 680 added certain PC § 261.5(c) and (d) convictions to PC § 290. Those cases can require Tier 1 (10-year) registration, unless the defendant was not more than 10 years older than the minor and that is the only registerable conviction. Courts can still order registration under PC § 290.006. Offenses before January 1, 2026 are not brought onto the registry by SB 680. This should be analyzed before any plea.
Online 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.
Prostitution and Related Offenses
Prostitution is illegal in much of the United States ostensibly for moral reasons. In California, prostitution-related crimes include the act of prostitution itself, soliciting a prostitute, and pimping/pandering (AKA helping someone else break a prostitution law for a profit). What this ultimately means is that involvement with prostitution can lead to criminal charges from any angle, even if it was a sting operation. Don't take these charges lightly — your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you find a positive outcome.
Related Charges
In Redlands, CA, we also defend indecent exposure (PC § 314), lewd conduct in public (PC § 647(a)), failure to register (PC § 290.018), human trafficking (PC § 236.1), 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
Will Help You Fight the Charges
Pre-filing and investigation. Your defense doesn't begin when charges are filed — you should call a sex crimes lawyer in Redlands, 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. 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.
Top 5 Redlands, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Qualitities
- Previous experience defending clients against similar or the same charges
- Relationships in Redlands, CA, courts
- Honesty and transparency when discussing your case
- 24/7 availability
- Confidence and honesty when planning your defense
Redlands, 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 |
Enhancements (great bodily injury, weapon use, multiple victims, age of the complaining witness, prior strikes) change these numbers. Your case needs to be evaluated for its unique qualities. A rape conviction can also carry a separate PC § 264 restitution fine directed to victim assistance programs.
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 10 years, but some minors will only be put on the registry for 5 years. Examples: misdemeanor sex crimes are often Tier 1, notably sexual battery and some child pornography possession.
- Tier 2 — 20 years for adults, but 10 years for some juveniles. Examples: repeated annoying of a child, some sodomy cases, and some rape cases.
- Tier 3 — lifetime for the most serious offenses (e.g., forcible rape, kidnapping in conjunction with a sex crime, aggravated sexual assault of a child) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
On top of the lengthy time periods of registration, failure to register is an offense in and of itself. While on the registry, you can be facing challenges finding a house or job, restrictions on where you are able to travel, and a devastating social stigma. Your sex crimes lawyer can help you petition for removal once you're eligible for relief.
Effective Defenses Versus Sex Crime Charges in Redlands, CA
- Consent (where the statute allows it — not for children below the age of consent)
- Honest misunderstandings regarding the age of the alleged victim. If they lied about their age, that may be enough to prove a lack of intent
- 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
- Alibi — one of the strongest defenses against a sex crime accusation is to prove you were elsewhere at the time
- 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
- Illegally acquired evidence
- Child interviews that were coached or led to a certain end
- Entrapment, when law enforcement goes too far in convincing the alleged offender
Picking the right defense strategy is important, but it's not everything. You also need a persuasive Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer to present it.
Former 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. The client faced years in state prison and lifetime sex offender registration. We negotiated a reduced-charge resolution that carried no custody time and no registration requirement, with dismissal available after successful completion of probation.
- Rape (PC § 261) — Felony Accusation, 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. The case records not viewable by the public.
- Kidnapping (PC § 207) and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (PC § 261.5) — We Protected Our Client Against Prison and Sex Offender Classification. Using a consent-based defense, we negotiated a resolution giving the client credit for time served, 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 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.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Our sex crime defense attorneys will evaluate your case based on its own merits and help you in finding the best outcome for your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sex Crime Charges in Redlands, 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?
To protect your immigration status, you need to take these charges seriously. A conviction can be considered an aggravated felony or crime of moral turpitude, depending on the statute.
Will I be put on the sex offender registry if I'm convicted of statutory rape?
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.
When should I contact an attorney?
Before you speak to police if you can. Early intervention is key in protecting your rights and setting up your case for success.
Accused of a Sex Crime? Call Now
These charges can change your life. If you don't have the right attorney at your side, you could face consequences that last for decades. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley will help you evaluate your options and make the best choice to move forward.
If you need an experienced Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to talk. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form to get started today.
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