Southern California Man Arrested for Privacy Crimes Involving Minors
Recent headlines involving a high-profile arrest in Palm Desert serve as a reminder of California’s strict laws regarding privacy violations and crimes involving minors. This case highlights the serious legal consequences individuals face when accused of such offenses and the importance of understanding your rights in the criminal justice system.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for your free consultation with one of our appeals attorneys near you.
Rockstar Arrested On Child Pornography Charges
Earlier this month, local authorities arrested Joseph Seiders, a Palm Desert resident and drummer for the indie rock band The New Pornographers, on multiple serious charges. The arrest stemmed from two reported incidents at a location in Palm Desert.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report on April 7, 2025, where a minor stated an unknown adult had recorded him on a cell phone while he was using a public restroom. Two days later, authorities received another call from the same location reporting an adult male entering and exiting restrooms with juvenile males.
Upon investigation, deputies identified and arrested Seiders. After obtaining search warrants for his residence, vehicle, and cell phone, authorities reportedly found evidence implicating him in the two incidents, as well as additional alleged crimes. He now faces charges including possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.
Understanding California Privacy Laws
California has enacted strong legal protections against privacy violations, particularly in sensitive locations such as bathrooms, changing rooms, and other areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Penal Code Section 647(j)(2) PC
This statute specifically addresses the crime of violating someone’s privacy by using a concealed camera or recording device to capture images of another person’s body or undergarments in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. First-time violations are typically charged as misdemeanors, punishable by:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Probation with specific terms and conditions
- Potential registration requirements
When these offenses involve minors, the penalties become significantly more severe, and additional charges often apply.
Penal Code Section 632
This section addresses the recording of confidential communications without consent. It makes it illegal to eavesdrop or record private conversations without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved. Penalties for violating PC 632 include:
- Misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail; up to $2,500 fine
- Felony
- Up to 3 years in jail; up to $2,500 fine
What To Do If You’re Accused of Such Charges
Being accused of privacy violations or offenses involving minors can be devastating. These allegations carry not only severe legal penalties but also profound social stigma. If you find yourself facing such accusations, taking the right steps immediately is crucial:
- Remain silent: Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court, regardless of your innocence.
- Do not consent to searches: Unless law enforcement has a warrant, do not consent to searches of your property, vehicles, or electronic devices.
- Do not discuss the case: Avoid discussing the allegations with anyone other than your attorney, including family members, friends, or cellmates if you’re detained.
- Preserve evidence: Do not delete files, destroy potential evidence, or attempt to create alibis. Such actions can lead to additional charges of evidence tampering.
- Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately: These cases require extensive legal knowledge. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better they can protect your rights.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
Cases involving alleged privacy violations and crimes against children are among the most challenging in the criminal justice system. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and judges often impose maximum penalties upon conviction.
Without proper legal representation, defendants may face the full force of the legal system without anyone effectively advocating for their rights. Our firm provides the critical representation you need to ensure that your constitutional rights are protected and all evidence against you is thoroughly examined.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are facing child pornography charges, you need to contact an aggressive criminal defense appeals attorney to fight for your freedom. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped many clients ensure they receive a fair trial in their criminal defense cases. We know the most effective strategies to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
At Wallin & Klarich, we have offices all over Southern California: Irvine, Tustin, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Torrance, Victorville, and Anaheim. Additionally, our law firm can handle many types of cases statewide.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney near you.