Accused of Sex with a Minor or Statutory Rape in Southern California?

If you face charges of having sex with a minor (also known as statutory rape) in Southern California, you have so much to lose. Your reputation may be in tatters, your career or professional license may be at risk, and your friends and family members may never look at you the same way again.

If you were arrested in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or Los Angeles County, your future rests on the skill and commitment of the statutory rape attorney you choose. With five decades of experience representing those who have been accused of statutory rape, Alan Spears can create a sex crimes defense that works to your advantage. He knows that your case is unique, and is dedicated to unearthing the facts, listening carefully to you, and going toe-to-toe with the prosecutor. In the best-case scenario, the charges may be dropped. If not, he is positioned to either negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor or fight for your acquittal at trial.

In California, unlawful sexual intercourse is outlined in Penal Code Section 261.5 as sex with someone under the age of 18 and someone who is 18 years old or older. Depending on the circumstances, statutory rape can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalty for a conviction largely depends upon your age and the age of the person with whom you allegedly had sex.

• For an age difference of three years or less, the charge is a misdemeanor; a conviction carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• For an age difference of more than three years, a misdemeanor conviction carries a penalty of up to one year in jail; a felony conviction carries a penalty of 16 months, two years, or three years in prison
• For someone over 21 who has sex with someone under 16, a misdemeanor conviction carries a penalty of up to one year in jail; a felony conviction carries a penalty of two, three, or four years in prison

Felony convictions also carry up to $10,000 in fines. In addition to those fines, California law allows the district attorney to sue you in civil court to recover money. Depending on the age difference, those penalties range from $2,000 to $25,000.

The clock is ticking. You deserve a thoughtful, rigorous defense by experienced Riverside County statutory rape attorney Alan Spears. He will ensure that you are in the strongest possible position when navigating the criminal justice system. He understands the courts. He knows the prosecutors and judges. He is committed to protecting your future.

Alan Spears will use the most stellar statutory rape defense strategies to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Examples of statutory rape defenses he may use include:

• You sincerely believed that the other person was 18 or older
• The other person led you to believe that they were 18 or older
• You met the other person at a location meant for adults
• The other person – or their parents – falsely accused you
• There is no physical evidence that sexual activity occurred

You do not want a statutory rape conviction on your record. You do not want to spend time in jail or prison. You want – and deserve – to live your life on your own terms. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with statutory rape or sex with a minor, every minute matters. Call statutory rape attorney Alan Spears right now 951-400-4574 for a free, confidential consultation. He’s available 24/7 to take your call.