Los Angeles Child Molestation Lawyer
Child molestation is a sex crime that involves the sexual abuse of a child. This is one of the most serious types of sexual offense charges that a person may face, due to the fact that a child is the alleged victim. Penalties for child molestation may also be severe, and a defendant can be guaranteed that law enforcement and prosecutors alike will work tirelessly to put him or her behind bars for as long as possible. Depending on the age of the child and the manner in which the alleged offense was committed, a defendant may face misdemeanor or felony charges for the molestation of a child.
Explanation of Child Molestation Charges
Child molestation is covered under California Penal Code Section 288. The basic description of child molestation is lewd and lascivious conduct against a child who is under the age of 14. Further defined, it includes willful and lewd conduct upon the body or body parts of a child with the intent of arousing or meeting the sexual desires of the offender or the child. This is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment in state prison for 3, 6 or 8 years. The defendant may also face a fine of up to $10,000.
Child Molestation Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
It is important that you do not wait to involve a Los Angeles sex crime attorney if you have been accused of child molestation, lewd conduct or any form of child sexual abuse in Los Angeles. Particularly if you are a parent or work with children on a regular basis, you will find that child molestation charges will have a significant impact on you and your family. You may lose custody of your child or children if they were the alleged victims. You may lose professional licenses and may be prohibited from working at or coming within a certain distance of a school or playground, pursuant to sex offender registration. If you are accused of multiple counts of child molestation, you may face multiplied penalties. You may find that your once hopeful future is left in ruins.
True – you are at risk if you’ve been accused of molesting a child. But do not give up hope. Contact Los Angeles child molestation attorney Robert Michael Helfend to see how you can challenge an investigation, allegations or formal charges for this offense.