Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Dublin, CA
Defending Those Who Have Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct in The Tri-Valley
California law refers to sexual assault as sexual battery. This type of crime recognizes the fact that certain types of touching which are sexual in nature are serious offenses that may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Sexual assault is often an allegation in domestic violence cases where one individual makes claims of sexual misconduct against a spouse, romantic partner, or even a relative.
If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual assault in or around the Tri-Valley area, your first priority should be to contact The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero. This is a crime that can have serious repercussions, including long periods of incarceration, heavy fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Our Dublin sexual assault defense attorney has a long history as a former prosecutor which gives him a unique advantage in understanding and working against the other side. Having seen how unfair and unjust the criminal process can be against defendants, Attorney Christopher Lamiero brings a whole-hearted dedication to every case.
Contact us today at (925) 259-3337 for an honest assessment of your case and how it can be defended.
California Sexual Assault Laws
In any criminal charge, the prosecutor has the burden of proving all of the elements of the offense as they are defined under the law.
The elements of California sexual assault – known as sexual battery, include:
- You touched intimate body parts of the alleged victim while he or she was restrained by you or someone else; this can include touching through clothing or direct skin contact
- You touched the alleged victim against his or her will
- Your purpose for the unwanted touching was sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse
Sexual battery may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction can include up to six months in jail and fines of up to $2,000. If you were the alleged victim’s employer, fines may be increased up to $3,000.
Felony penalties can vary, depending on the circumstances. These can include up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000 or a state prison sentence for two, three, or four years and/or fines of up to $10,000. Felony penalties can apply in cases where the alleged victim was mentally incompetent or disabled or where fraud was used to convince the victim that the touching was legitimate, such as for medical purposes. Most felony sex crimes will result in mandatory sex offender registration which restricts many aspects of your life and stigmatizes your identity. You may also face a civil lawsuit by an alleged victim in line with the current #MeToo social movement as well.
Since sexual assault may not result in any physical injury, such as bruising or otherwise, allegations can be made falsely and with little proof. These types of allegations are often part of domestic violence accusations made out of spite, jealousy, or retaliation for some perceived slight. The benefit of having a strong defender in such circumstances cannot be overstated.
Contact Our Sexual Assault Attorney in Dublin, CA Today
At The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero, your case will receive the attention and care it deserves with direct handling from our accomplished attorney from start to finish. When facing any kind of sexual misconduct charge, it is not the time to stint on legal representation. Bring your case to a proven professional who will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Ready to defend your rights. Call (925) 259-3337for a free case review. Se habla español.
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.