Riverside Child Molestation Defense Attorney
What is Child Molestation?
In Riverside, child molestation covers several different crimes involving illegal sexual conduct or contact directed toward a minor. While many people think that child molestation involves sexual acts or contact with a child, you can be charged with child molestation without ever even touching a child. If you’ve been falsely accused of this crime, you need to contact the experienced child molestation defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich to avoid the severe consequences of a conviction.
Child Molestation Charges in Riverside
At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have successfully defended many clients in Riverside facing child molestation charges. Some of the most common child molestation crimes include:
- Lewd or lascivious acts on a minor
- Under California Penal Code 288, it is illegal to touch a child’s body in a sexual manner or cause a child to touch him/herself or someone else in a sexual manner.
- Oral Copulation with a minor
- Under California Penal Code 287, it is illegal for a person to perform oral copulation with a minor under the age of 18.
- Contacting a minor with intent to commit felonies
- Under California Penal Code 288.3 PC, it is illegal to contact a minor with the intent to commit a serious felony or sex crime.
- Soliciting a minor for lewd purposes
- California Penal Code 288.4 prohibits arranging a meeting with a minor in order to engage in sexual conduct.
- Continuous sexual abuse of a minor
- Under Penal Code 288.5, it is illegal to engage in the continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age.
- Sex with a child 10 years or younger
- Penal Code 288.7 prohibits engaging in sexual acts with a child under 10 years old.
- Annoying or molesting a child
- Penal Code 647.6 prohibits annoying a minor under the age of 18, meaning any conduct that is motivated by sexual interest and likely to disturb, irritate, or be observed by a child.
- Statutory rape– Under Penal Code 261.5, it is illegal to have sex with a minor under the age of 18.
Punishments for Child Molestation | What You’re Facing
If you’re convicted of child molestation in Riverside, you are facing severe legal penalties that could cost you your freedom. Some child molestation crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your charges. In these cases, it is up to the prosecutor to decide based on the evidence in your case. The penalties for misdemeanor child molestation can include but are not limited to:
Misdemeanor
- Jail
- For example, if you’re charged under Penal Code 647.6 with misdemeanor annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18, you face up to 364 days in county jail.
- Fines
- For a violation of Penal Code 647.6, you can receive a maximum fine of $5,000.
- Probation
- Registration as a sex offender
Felony
- Prison
- If you’re convicted of felony molestation of a child, you could spend up to three years in prison. If you have a previous conviction, you could face up to six years.
- Fines
- For a violation of Penal Code 647.6, the maximum fine is $5,000.
- Registration as a sex offender
- Obligation to disclose the conviction on employment applications
- Ban on possessing a firearm
Professional and Personal Consequences
If you’ve been charged with child molestation, you’ve likely already experienced some negative consequences in your professional and personal life. Some of our clients turn to us for help after losing their jobs due to accusations of child molestation. If you’re convicted of molesting a child, you will have a difficult time getting a job. Your conviction may also have a negative impact on your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. Your future acquaintances may also judge you based on your record, which will be readily available to the public if you have to register as a sex offender.
All of this stress can make you feel overwhelmed and alone. At Wallin & Klarich, we understand what you’re experiencing. With over 40 years of experience, our skilled defense attorneys have helped clients facing child molestation allegations achieve successful results. We stand by your side and guide you through the legal process.
Fight Back | Possible Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges
If you are facing child molestation allegations, you probably feel like there is nowhere to turn for help. Our defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich are ready to help you win your case. We’ve represented clients facing child molestation charges in Riverside, which has allowed us to pinpoint the strongest defense strategies time and time again. The most effective defenses for child molestation allegations include:
False Accusation
False accusations happen more often than many people think. Sometimes this is due to mandated reporters, like doctors, nurses, coaches or teachers, reporting a suspected incident of sexual abuse. Heated custody battles can sometimes produce false allegations as well. For example, your former spouse accuses you of molesting your kids, and you’re arrested for child molestation. You’ve never had any inappropriate contact, but one of your children is now saying you did. In this case, your attorney will present evidence to show this never happened. We’ve successfully defended similar cases, and if you’re being falsely accused, our attorneys will work to uncover the truth and present evidence in court to support your innocence.
No Sexual Contact
If you are being accused of inappropriately touching a child, a good defense is that no sexual conduct occurred. For example, you are a teacher at the school, and a student accuses you of touching him in a sexual way. However, you only patted him on the shoulder. Your attorney will argue that a crime did not occur because the contact was not sexual in nature. You had no sexual intent.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution holds the burden of proof. In every criminal case, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In the above case, although the student has accused you of inappropriately touching him, there is no other evidence. If this is the case, your attorney will argue there is not enough evidence to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If successful, this will result in your charges being dismissed.
Entrapment
Entrapment is often argued by the defense in cases involving undercover operations. For example, you meet a woman online who unbeknownst to you is an undercover officer. She brings up sex several times, but you ignore it. After a few months, you find out she is underage. She keeps pressuring you to meet in person. After some time, you agree to meet. You’re charged with soliciting a minor for lewd purposes. In this case, your lawyer will argue that the undercover officer kept pressuring you, causing you to commit a crime.
Mistaken Identity
Mistaken identity can happen in child molestation cases. Sometimes kids get confused. While the child could have been molested, he/she may have confused you with their molester. For example, Sally is grabbed and assaulted on the playground. The attacker gets away. One day she sees you at the park, and she points to you saying that you hurt her. In this case, your attorney will argue mistaken identity by showing proof you were somewhere else at the time of the crime.
Hiring A Child Molestation Defense Attorney | How We Can Help You
When you’re facing serious charges, it’s extremely important to hire a skilled attorney with a history of success in the courtroom. At Wallin & Klarich, we believe four (4) key aspects separate an average attorney from the best defense attorney.
- Experience
- Communication
- Track record
- Ethos – Credibility
Wallin & Klarich | 40+ Years of Experience Defending Child Molestation Charges
With over 40 years of experience defending clients accused of child molestation, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich understand the different strategies that work in the courtroom based on the details of each case. We are also familiar with the prosecutors, which gives us the advantage of knowing their strategies as well. Our real-world experience allows us to craft a strong defense, greatly increasing your chance of success.
24/7 Communication With Your Attorney | The Wallin & Klarich Way
At Wallin & Klarich, communication and transparency are the foundation of our success. It’s easy for clients to get lost in all the paperwork and legality. We want you to know what is going on with your case, so we keep communication open and honest, taking the time to listen and address your concerns. This is why so many people choose our attorneys when facing a child molestation charge. With 24/7 lines of communication and expert guidance throughout their legal journey, our clients are happier and more well-informed. Working together, we’re able to achieve the best results.
Let’s begin building the strongest defense for your case. Give us a call at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation.
When you need us, we will be here.
