You never thought it would come to this. The accusation may be a misunderstanding, exaggerated, or false. In Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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. We investigate, challenge the evidence, negotiate when that protects you, and try the case when it does not.
We give you someone you can count on. Call (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to talk to a sex crimes lawyer in Riverside, CA.
Attorney David S. Chesley, Riverside, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why You Need to Treat Sex Crime Charges Seriously in Riverside, CA
A sex crime charge is not a typical misdemeanor or even a typical felony. A conviction can mean:
- A potentially lengthy prison sentence
- Registration as a sex offender
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Many collateral consequences
- Electronic monitoring
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 Riverside, CA
- Don't reach out to the alleged victim — Any contact, for whatever reason, is not a good idea. Doing so often just looks like intimidating the alleged victim.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Only provide answers after consulting with your Riverside, 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 haven't had a chance to check with your Riverside, CA sex charges attorney.
- Save any evidence. Trying to delete or hide evidence can end up making you look more guilty.
- Tell your Riverside, CA, sex crimes defense attorney everything: Without a full picture, they won't be able to build a complete defense.
- Obey all conditions of release — you can face serious penalties for breaking these.
- Get counselling/mental health support — handling criminal charges is stressful, and it's normal to need some professional help.
Together with your Riverside, CA, sex charge defense attorney, you can set your case up for a positive outcome.
Get Help With the Following Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA. A conviction means up to 8 years in prison, as well as sex offender 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, a rape accusation between spouses had different consequences that were considered more lenient. Today, though, this no longer applies, and alleged rapes between spouses are treated the same as any other.
Child Sex Crimes
Child sex crimes are some of the most harshly viewed accusations in Riverside, CA, making it essential to work with an experienced sex crimes lawyer to fight them. Some child sex crimes don't even have to involve actually abusing a child — California's enticing a minor statute makes it a crime just to try and presuade a child into engaging in sexual conduct, whether or not they actually do.
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.
Internet and Digital Sex Crimes
These include child sexual abuse material (PC §§ 311–311.11), sending harmful matter to a minor (PC § 288.2), sexting involving a minor, and sting cases built on chats with an officer posing as a minor. Adult "revenge porn" is a separate offense under PC § 647(j)(4) and related statutes. Digital forensics — who had the device, hash values, unallocated space, account takeover, and intent — often decide the case.
Lewd Conduct in Public
It may be easy to confuse lewd conduct in public with indecent exposure, but these are separate offenses in Riverside, CA. Where indecent exposure refers to a person showing off their own genitalia in an offensive manner, one difference with lewd conduct can involve another person. Lewd conduct involves the alleged sexual touching of one's own or someone else's privates in a public place, offending other people in the area. Intentions don't matter — just whether or not someone was present who was upset by the actions.
Related Charges
In Riverside, CA, we also defend indecent exposure (PC § 314), human trafficking (PC § 236.1), 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA, Sex Crimes Attorney
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. A sex crime charge defense isn't just about avoiding incarceration; it's about staying off of the sex offender registry. A plea deal can be a compromise that protects your reputation.
Trial and sentencing. Not every case can be handled through negotiations. When talks break down, we use our defensive strategy to persuade the jury. And if the outcome is guilty on any charge, we'll advocate for you in sentencing.
Looking for a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Riverside, CA? Don't Overlook These Factors
- Knowledge of how to handle the exact charges against you
- Readiness to help right away, no matter what stage your case is at
- A defense strategy that you can understand
- 24/7 availability
- A feeling that you're being treated like a person, not a paycheck
Riverside, 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 |
While the majority of sex crime cases may follow these guidelines, sentencing enhancements can greatly alter the end punishment. Your case needs to be evaluated for its unique qualities. 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)
California uses a three-tier system (SB 384, in effect since 2021):
- Tier 1 — normally a 10-year period on the registry. 5 years in some juvenile cases. Examples: indecent exposure (misdemeanor) and sexual battery (misdemeanor).
- 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., most rape offenses, aiding a rape attempt, pimping a minor) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
After the minimum period, Tier 1 and Tier 2 registrants may petition for termination under PC § 290.5 if they meet the statutory criteria. Tier 3 is different — relief, if any, is narrower. Failure to register is its own crime. Your Riverside, CA, sex crimes lawyer should treat registry exposure as a charging and plea issue from day one, not an afterthought at sentencing.
Defense Strategies Against Riverside, CA, Sex Crimes Charges
- Consent is applicable in many cases where both parties were over the age of 18
- 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
- Insufficient proof of a required element — 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
- Entrapment, when law enforcement goes too far in convincing the alleged offender
- Technical issues with the way the case was filed
Your Riverside, 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) — Protected Client From Jail, Sex Offender Registry, and Record. 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) — Felony Accusation, 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. 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) — Our Defense Protected Our Client From 6 Years in Prison and Sex Offender Registration. Through a defense built around consent, our lawyers secured a deal that released our client, crediting them for time served, and our resolution also kept our client off of the California sex offender registry.
- Child Molestation (PC § 288) and Sodomy with a Child Under 10 (PC § 288.7) — Defense Secured Dismissal of Charges, Avoiding Prison and Sex Offender Registration. Our client was being held without bail and could have been sent to prison for life, if convicted. We demonstrated that the allegations had been fabricated, and the court dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing. No public record of the case remains.
These results are representative of past performance, but do not guarantee future results. Every case in Riverside, CA, is evaluated on its own facts, and results depend on the specific evidence and circumstances involved.
Common Questions for Sex Allegations in Riverside, CA
Do I need a lawyer if I am 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.
Is there a risk of deportation if I'm convicted?
It depends on the specific crime, but several sex crime convictions can be used as the basis for deportation.
Do I have to stay on the sex offender registry for life in Riverside, CA?
California's sex offender registry has three tiers — tier 3 offenses require lifetime registration, but tier 2 and 1 both allow the possibility of removal after a time period has passed.
Does California's sex offender registry include statutory rape?
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.
How fast should I call?
Before you speak to police if you can. The sooner you bring in an expert Riverside, CA, sex crimes lawyer, the better your chances of a positive outcome.
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.
Start building your defense today — call us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to talk with your Riverside, CA, sex crimes lawyer.
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