Child abuse is probably one of the worst offenses a person can commit. There is no denying the stigma surrounding an individual convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. While the reactions are understandable, defendants still deserve a shot to have their side of the story heard as well as the right to stand a fair trial. This is where they would need the help of a Ventura child sexual abuse attorney.
An allegation of child molestation or child sexual abuse will bring your entire life to a screeching halt. In California, these offenses are typically charged under Penal Code (PC 288), or the “lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14” statute. This is a felony offense that carries significant time in state prison. Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 have dire consequences, but a Ventura child sex abuse attorney can help you handle this case.
Top Ventura Child Sex Abuse Attorney
At Strongest Defense, our California sexual assault defense lawyer has the specialized experience needed to handle lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 charges. If you are facing severe child molestation or child sexual abuse allegations, call our Ventura, CA, law office for a free, strictly confidential initial consultation.
At Strongest Defense, our Ventura sexual assault defense lawyer provides representation to people facing lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 charges and other serious criminal charges. We serve communities throughout Ventura County, including Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley. Call us now for immediate help with your case! No specific outcome in a criminal case can ever be guaranteed, and this site is for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Why Do I Need a Ventura Child Sex Abuse Attorney?
Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 are punishable by law and amount to heavy penalties that can scar one’s criminal record and life. To get a lesser sentence, one must enlist the help of a Ventura child sex abuse attorney from David Lehr Law. Apart from helping them understand their rights, an attorney can offer aggressive representation and fight for their client when the case goes to trial.
A criminal defense attorney helps the client understand the basics of criminal law plus the ins and outs of their case. Aside from that, a criminal defense lawyer from the law firm can ensure that:
- The client is heard and understood at all times. Phone consultations and queries will be entertained 24/7/365.
- An online database is available for clients to view their cases anytime, anywhere.
- The law office makes sure to regularly answer queries before the day ends.
David Lehr Law provides client-centered services to those needing a defense attorney in their child sexual abuse case. The law office’s attorney understands that not every case is alike, thus considering the individual and financial aspects, which is why the law firm offers a free case evaluation.
Do not face the challenges of child sexual abuse allegations alone. Contact our top Ventura child sexual abuse attorney from David Lehr Law now!
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse involves taking advantage sexually of a child or a minor. Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 constitute child sexual abuse, and this kind of act takes on many forms, such as grooming, statutory rape, and indecent exposure.
Child sexual abuse carries heavy penalties and a dark stigma, which is why if you are facing child abuse charges, it is best to seek the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer.
Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 are serious allegations that can profoundly damage your reputation and your life. Get the help of a Ventura child sex abuse attorney from David Lehr Law now!
What are the Grounds for Child Sexual Abuse?
- A lewd act is defined as touching a child or causing a child to touch oneself for sexual gratification.
- A defendant could be charged with a lewd act even if there was no contact with sexual organs and/or all touching was over clothes. The intent (sexual gratification) matters.
- If convicted of a lewd and lascivious act under California PC 288, a defendant faces severe criminal penalties, potentially including up to eight years in state prison.
- Under PC 288(b)(1), a defendant who uses “force” or “duress” to commit a lewd or lascivious act will face heightened criminal penalties.
- A conviction requires sexual offender registration. Depending on the offender’s background and the nature of the offense, registration may last ten years, 20 years, or for life.
A lewd and lascivious act charge is a seriously pressing criminal offense. False allegations could ruin your reputation and take away your freedom. If you were accused of or arrested for committing child sexual misconduct under PC 288, you must call a defense attorney right away. Contact our Ventura, CA, law office for a free, fully confidential review of your case.
What Counts as Child Sexual Abuse?
Although all states have laws for physical abuse against children, such as battery or homicide, many also have laws that address specific types of cruelty towards children. These vary widely in their language and scope, but they all prohibit things, like physical assaults and neglect. Some states also have statutes that deal with particular types of cruelty to children, like sexual abuse. Child abuse is prohibited by law regardless of the state in which it occurs.
Sexual Assault of a Child
Abuse is when an adult inflicts physical attack or harm on a child. Minor injuries, such as bruises, are still considered abusive. Severe injuries, such as burns, broken bones, and bruises, are also abuse, even if unintentional. Assaulting a kid intentionally can be considered abuse, even if it does not result in injury.
Child Sexual Abuse
When an adult engages in sexual activity with a child, it is often charged as child abuse. When you lie to children, coerce them, bribe them, or pressure them into sexual contact, they cannot make informed decisions to consent. Sexual abuse still occurs without the use of physical force.
Threats and Emotional Abuse
It does not need to be physical when children are subjected to abuse by a caregiver. That is why many state laws include verbal threats and emotional child abuse as child abuse. Take, for example, a helicopter parent who is harshly critical of their kid or an abusive spouse who deals with their partner through physical pain. Based on the law, they have also committed child abuse.
What are the Defenses for Child Sexual Abuse?
Several different legal defenses can be raised against lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 offense. Depending on the specific circumstances of the allegations, any of the following legal defenses might apply to a California PC 288 charge:
- Mistaken Touch/Lack of Intent: A lewd and lascivious act occurs when the touching is for sexual gratification. If touch is mistaken or there is no ill intent, there may be no criminal offense.
- Perpetrator Substitution: A young child may have been the victim of a grave crime, but they may not be able to identify the offender correctly.
- False Allegation: Unfortunately, false allegations happen. If you are facing an outright false allegation of child sex misconduct, you need legal representation.
If you or your family member is facing a lewd act on a child charge, we are here to listen and help you find the best path forward. Call us today for legal advice and support from our lawyer.
Call our Trusted Ventura Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Now!
Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 can spell trouble for anyone involved. These usually come with heavy punishments depending on the severity of the case. These penalties can range from incarceration to fines to probation.
Having a child molestation or child sexual abuse charge on your record can limit your possibilities in the future. Schedule an appointment immediately with David Lehr Law’s Ventura fraud attorney, who can help defend and represent you in court and get you the best outcome possible.
