You never thought it would come to this. The accusation may be a misunderstanding, exaggerated, or false. In Downey, 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 Downey, 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 handle everything from investigation to trial.
We're here to help, not to judge. Call (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to speak with a sex crimes lawyer in Downey, CA, about your charges.
President David S. Chesley, Downey, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why You Need to Treat Sex Crime Charges Seriously in Downey, CA
Sex crime charges are serious. A conviction can lead to:
- State prison or jail
- Years (or even a lifetime) on the sex offender registry
- Frequently, notifications to the public regarding your conviction
- The potential loss of child custody
- Ongoing governmental supervision
Trying to "clear it up" with police, the accuser, or a school or Title IX office almost always makes the file worse. Call our attorneys now — we'll fight for your freedom from day 1.
What to Do if You Have Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Downey, CA
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim — for any reason whatsoever. This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Keep quiet during interrogations. Plead the Fifth Amendment and politely ask to speak with your lawyer.
- Don't give permission to search your property if investigators don't have a warrant and without checking with your Downey, CA, sex crimes lawyer first.
- Preserve everything. 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: The more your attorney knows, the better defense they can build.
- Follow every release condition exactly — failing to do so can send you to jail.
- Talk to a professional for help handling the stress — counseling can help give you clarity on how to move forward.
Together with your Downey, 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 Downey, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
It's hard to think of a crime that is publicly regarded as worse than rape in Downey, 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, California has separate laws for rape between spouses versus general rape. However, this was repealed and does not apply today.
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. Even in cases where there wasn't a physical, sexual act involving a child, you can face charges for enticing a minor for lewd purposes.
Statutory Rape
In California court, statutory rape is often referred to as "unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor." These allegations state that a person had sex with someone under the age of 18. This technically makes it illegal for two minors to have sex with each other, but most of the time, these allegations are used in cases where an adult supposedly had sex with a minor. Common defenses include demonstrating an honest belief that the adult believed the minor was over the age of 18 or that sexual intercourse did not occur (though the latter defense can still result in other child sex crime charges). Talk with your Downey, CA, child sex crimes lawyer before taking a plea or establishing a defense.
Internet and Digital Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes are unique in that they don't always involve a direct action being taken against the victim. For example, possession of child pornography is a crime whether or not you were the one to produce it. Possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, while distribution or production is always a felony.
AI and Deepfake Pornography
As AI continues to advance at a fast rate, California lawmakers are setting limits for its use. This is related to sex crimes, specifically for generative pornographic content. Recent laws have established that AI-generated child pornography can be prosecuted as if it were an image of an actual child. Deepfake pornography is also addressed in other California criminal laws. As these laws continue to develop, it's important to work with a sex crimes lawyer in Downey, CA, who is familiar with the most recent laws and updated regulations.
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 Downey, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you find a positive outcome.
Related Charges
In Downey, 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
Step-by-Step Guidance From an Experienced Downey, CA, Sex Crimes Attorney
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. 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. 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. Many criminal charges in Downey, CA, end in plea deals. With relationships in courts across California, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are ready to negotiate on your behalf.
Trial and sentencing. If the case should be tried, we try it. If there is a conviction, we litigate strikes, enhancements, and PC 290 placement.
What to Look for in Your Downey, CA Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Experience with your case type
- Readiness to help right away, no matter what stage your case is at
- Honest assessment of registration risk, not just "jail vs. no jail"
- Easy to contact and get updates on your case
- Confidence and honesty when planning your defense
Downey, 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 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. If convicted of rape, you may also be required to pay a fine.
Sex Offender Registry Tiers in California
California uses a three-tier system (SB 384, in effect since 2021):
- Tier 1 — normally 10 years, but some minors will only be put on the registry for 5 years. 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 — 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., sex trafficking of a child, sodomy by force, forcible rape) 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 Downey, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyers Use
- Consent is applicable in many cases where both parties were over the age of 18
- False or motivated accusation (custody, immigration, breakup, school discipline)
- 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
- Illegally acquired evidence
- Entrapment when the supposed offender did not have a predisposition towards the crime, and the government coerced them into it
- 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.
Former Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. This client was accused of soliciting a prostitute who was a police agent working undercover. We evaluated potential entrapment issues and enrolled our client in a diversionary, educational program. The court dismissed the charges, and no lingering public records are available..
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — Client Avoided Jail and Sex Offender Registration; Dismissal Available After Probation. Our skillful team leveraged plea negotiations to help our client avoid a prison sentence and stay off of the ex offender registry.
- Rape (PC § 261) — Felony Accusation, All Charges Dismissed Before Trial. 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. No public record of the case remains.
- 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. Using a consent-based defense, we negotiated a resolution giving the client credit for time served, 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 examined the prosecution's evidence and were able to demonstrate to the court that the accusation was false, securing a dismissal. Our client's reputation is also protected, as there are no public records of this case.
These results are representative of past performance, but do not guarantee future results. Every case in Downey, CA, is evaluated on its own facts, and results depend on the specific evidence and circumstances involved.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sex Crimes in Downey, CA
Is it still important to hire an attorney if you're innocent?
Absolutely — with an attorney on your side, you can ensure that the state listens to your side of the story, and challenge any misconceptions about the evidence.
How will a sex crime conviction in Downey, CA, affect immigration status?
It depends on the specific crime, but several sex crime convictions can be used as the basis for deportation.
Can a sex crimes lawyer help get charges reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes — through pretrial motions, incomplete proof, or a negotiated reduction that also fixes registration. It depends on the evidence and 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?
As soon as you believe you're under suspicion. Early intervention is key in protecting your rights and setting up your case for success.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Defend Your Sex Crimes Case
Sex crime charges aren't like other charges – the prison sentence is only the beginning. But with the right defense, and the right attorney, you can create a solid defense and explore options that preserve your future.
Our phone lines are open 24/7. If you need a sex crimes lawyer in Downey, CA, call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online. We're committed to our clients.
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