A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Canoga Park, 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.
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 Canoga Park, CA. Our goal is to find the best outcome for you, whatever that looks like for your situation.
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, Canoga Park, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
The Realities of a Canoga Park, CA, Sex Crime Charge
You need an expert Canoga Park, CA, sex crimes lawyer to help you fight your case and avoid:
- Months or even years behind bars
- Registration as a sex offender
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Employment, licensing, housing, custody, and immigration consequences
- 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.
How to Handle Canoga Park, CA, Sex Crime Accusations
- Don't reach out to the alleged victim — even to apologize or "explain." This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Don't speak without an attorney present. Plead the Fifth Amendment and politely ask to speak with your lawyer.
- Do not consent to a phone or home search if investigators don't have a warrant and if you haven't had a chance to check with your Canoga Park, CA sex charges attorney.
- Preserve everything. Don't delete anything, as this can be twisted as hiding evidence.
- Write a private timeline for your lawyer only: It's important that your lawyer has a full view of the situation.
- Follow every release condition exactly (stay-away orders, no-contact, travel, devices).
- Get help handling the pressure — counseling can help give you clarity on how to move forward.
Early counsel can sometimes intervene before filing, especially in online sting, statutory, and "he said / she said" investigations.
Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Canoga Park, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape and sexual assault are probably the worst types of sex crimes to be charged with in Canoga Park, CA. Rape, in particular, is treated extremely harshly for allegedly using force to coerce someone into sexual intercourse. Sexual assault, meanwhile, is a catch-all term for several violent sex crimes (often including rape and sexual battery).
California used to have a separate law regarding spousal rape, but this was repealed in 2021.
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. 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.
Online 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.
Deepfake Sexual Content
Deepfake sexual content can result in both criminal and civil liabilities. On the criminal side, California law has made it illegal to share photorealistic, intimate images of an identifiable person, even if they are artificial or AI-generated. A first conviction is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while repeat convictions can be punished with up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is a subcategory of human trafficking under California law. Human trafficking is defined as depriving someone of their freedom and forcing them into labor — sex trafficking is the informal name for when that labor involves a sexual nature (such as pimping or creating child pornography). In particular, sex trafficking involving children is treated harshly and can result in life imprisonment in some circumstances. Some people may think that trafficking charges only happen (or apply) to immigrants, but the alleged victim can be of any nationality.
Related Charges
In Canoga Park, 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.
Charges We Handle
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 Your Canoga Park, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Pre-filing and investigation. The best way to beat a criminal charge is to avoid having it filed in the first place. You don't have to wait until you're under arrest to get an attorney — our sex crime defense attorneys can help you the moment police contact you. We will guide you through interviews, negotiate with authorities, and set the ground for a strong legal defense, should it become necessary.
Discovery and forensics. Anything that the police and prosecution find, they have to turn over to us in discovery. Our team will then comb through the evidence, looking for holes in the prosecution's case and opportunities to create reasonable doubt.
Motions. Suppression. The right motions can set your case up for success. In addition to motions we commonly file (like suppression and dismissal), in sex crime cases we often file a motion to suppress identification. Unfortunately, misidentification can occur more often than it should in criminal cases, and sex crimes are no exception.
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. Some lawyers won't want to take cases to trial. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're prepared to present your defense in front of a judge and jury.
Your Canoga Park, CA, Sex Crime Lawyer Needs to Have These Qualities
- Experience with your case type
- Willingness to do pre-charge work, not only arraignment-to-plea
- Honesty and transparency when discussing your case
- A positive reputation with former clients
- Confidence and honesty when planning your defense
Penalties (General Statutory Ranges)
| 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. . If convicted of rape, you may also be required to pay a fine.
The Sex Offender Registry (PC 290)
If convicted, many sex crimes require you to register at one of the three below tiers:
- Tier 1 — typically for a 10-year term, or 5 years for most juvenile cases. Examples: many misdemeanor sexual battery and indecent exposure convictions; some PC § 261.5 convictions for offenses on or after January 1, 2026, under SB 680.
- Tier 2 — generally 20 years. 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, many child-victim force cases, many felony child pornography convictions) 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.
Defenses Our Canoga Park, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyers Use
- 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 — 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 — when the prosecution fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your attorney can use that to sway the jury
- 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
- Charges were filed outside of the statute of limitations
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. 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 was potentially up against 25 years in prison and a lifetime on the sex offender registry. They were present at an event where a woman was assaulted, but they took no part in it. The state charged them with rape, but we were able to argue in the preliminary hearing that the charges were not applicable due to our client's lack of participation. All charges were dismissed. The case records not viewable by the 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, 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) — 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.
While past cases can help inform you on a firm's abilities, they do not necessarily represent results for a future case. If you have questions about realistic outcomes for your case, talk to one of our Canoga Park, CA, sex crime lawyers today.
Common Questions for Sex Allegations in Canoga Park, CA
Is it still important to hire an attorney if you're innocent?
It's critical to work with an attorney, whether or not the accusation has any merit. It's easy for mistakes to be misconstrued, and your lawyer can help you present your side of the story.
Will a sex crime in Canoga Park, CA, affect 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.
Is there a way off the sex offender registry in California?
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.
What restrictions do sex offenders face in Califronia?
The main rule is to register with law enforcement and provide regular updates. In certain cases, additional restrictions (such as regarding career and housing) can also apply.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Defend Your Sex Crimes Case
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 Canoga Park, 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.
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