Sex Crime Defense Attorney in Orange County

Top Defense for Those Facing Charges of Sexual Crimes

If you've been accused or arrested for a sex crime, you understand how serious your situation is. Right now, what you need to focus on is remaining calm and getting as good an Orange County sex crimes defense attorney as possible. No matter what the police or the authorities may say, remember this: you don't have to say a word. In fact, we recommend you don't say a thing until your attorney says it's okay.

Before you do another thing, give Law Office of Michael L. Guisti a call at (714) 530-9690 or toll-free at (888) 478-8999 and get the help you need NOW. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you've been charged with a sex crime, regardless of what the circumstances of the incident are, some things that are certain: you're afraid, you need legal representation, and we are ready to do everything we can to help you through this situation. It's up to you to make the first move. Contact us now and let our experienced team get to work on your case.

Back to Top

What Kinds of Sex Crimes Do We Defend?

“Sex crime” is a broad term that refers to acts involving some form of illegal sexual activity, explicit content such as illegally produced pornography, or the use of force or coercion to make someone else commit a sexual act without consent. At Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, our knowledgeable team can clearly explain the charges against you, the consequences of a conviction, and how to defend yourself in a courtroom.

While this is not the complete list of cases we can handle, the most common crimes we defend in Orange County include:

• Rape - California Penal Code Section 261
• Sexual battery and sexual assault - California Penal Code Section 243.4
• Child molestation - California Penal Code Section 261.5
• Illegal child pornography - California Penal Code Section 311
• Indecent exposure - California Penal Code Section 314
• Internet solicitation of a minor - California Penal Code Section 288.2
• Revenge Porn - California Penal Code Section 647(J)(4)
• Prostitution/Solicitation - California Penal Code Section 647(b)
• Pimping and Pandering - California Penal Code 266(h) and 266(I)

Back to Top

What Are Internet Sex Crimes?

Internet sex crimes refer to cybercrimes that are committed in conjunction with a sex crime. Cybercrimes themselves refer to any crime committed with the help of the internet. In an age when we spend most of our free time online, more crimes are being perpetrated through electronic means and with devices as simple as smartphones. A notorious internet sex crime is that of child pornography, where you either distributed, viewed, or created this illicit material by means of the Internet. In addition, the distribution of explicit photos or videos of an adult, such as “nudes” or a sex tape, without that adult’s consent, can result in a charge of revenge porn.

If you find yourself accused of an internet sex crime, these are very serious charges, and you’ll need the help of an experienced attorney like that of Michael L. Guisti to give you the proper defense. The prosecution will need to invade your privacy to acquire evidence against you, which means accessing your cell phone records and browser history, confiscating your computer and any online devices you own. Working with a skilled lawyer may be the only way to protect your privacy rights.

Back to Top

What Happens If I Am Convicted of a Sex Crime in OC?

Orange County courts take sex crimes very seriously, especially if they involve a minor, and will bring harsh penalties down upon you. Each crime has its own specific penalties, depending on whether it is a misdemeanor or felony. However, sex crimes come with the unique penalty of having to register as a sex offender, according to California Penal Code Section 290.

The California sex offender registry documents the personal information of anyone charged with specific sex crimes, including the person’s name, address, photo identification, physical identification (height, weight, eye color, hair color, etc.), and what crime he or she has been convicted of. While you may assume that anyone can access this information, this is not completely true. Everyone who registers as a sex offender is placed into two categories. With the first, the offender’s complete address is available online. With the second, only the offender’s zip code is available.

The first category is limited to individuals who have been convicted of a serious sex crime, such as rape or sexual assault of a minor, or multiple sex crimes. All other offenders are placed in the second category, but it is possible for you to apply for an internet exclusion depending on your charges. Both categories require offenders to regularly update their information with the registry and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Altogether, being convicted of a sex crime can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, significant fines, and having to register as a sex offender, which can affect your employment. However, with the help of a tough lawyer, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped. In addition, we can provide assistance with having your name removed from the sex offender registry or having your charges expunged.

Back to Top

What Are My Defenses If I Am Accused of a Sex Crime?

It is a very scary thing being accused of a sex crime, and sometimes you may not know how to proceed with the next steps of your case. This is why you need the experienced assistance of a lawyer at the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti. We will help you formulate a proper defense so you can fight the charges you are facing. It is important to understand how you can defend yourself against these sex crime charges, and depending on each individual case, your defense may change. The following are possible defenses you can use when involved in a sex crime case:

• Innocence: An obvious defense you could use is that of innocence, meaning you are denying any involvement in the case and the charges against you are false. This will then leave it up to the prosecutor to prove your guilt by presenting enough evidence to support the charge.
• Consent: By claiming consent as a defense, you are admitting that you were involved in the sexual act, but you are also saying that the alleged victim consented to the sexual contact, and therefore no violation of anyone’s rights or will was committed.
• Mistake: Another defense you can make is that of mistake. This is similar to innocence in the sense that you are denying the charges by claiming that the victim must have mistaken you for the guilty party.
• Mental Insanity/Disability: A final defense you can utilize is that you either suffered from some form of mental insanity or you have a mental disability that prevents you from knowing right or wrong, so you were unable to fully understand that the sex crime you committed was in fact a crime.

Back to Top

I’ve Been Falsely Accused. What Rights Do I Have at This Point?

Being falsely accused of a sex crime is a very serious matter and can lead to terrible consequences for the person being accused. If convicted, you risk facing a jail sentence, the loss of your job, and the requirement to register as a sex offender, which can cause serious issues for you in the future when looking for housing or employment.

Just like any other crime, you are still entitled to certain rights. Try to avoid making any statements that may incriminate you and immediately contact an attorney. At the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we understand the complex nature of these types of crimes and know what steps to take in order to ensure you are receiving the proper defense you deserve. We will tackle any false accusations with the utmost determination and diligence and fight to disprove these untruthful allegations.

Back to Top

Speak with a Skilled Sex Crime Lawyer at Law Office of Michael L. Guisti Immediately

Remember, you have the right to an attorney and you have the right to keep silent. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Orange County, let our legal team do the talking for you. At Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we can provide the strong, thorough defense you need to protect your reputation, beat the charges against you, and clear your name. To get started on your case, call an Orange County criminal defense lawyer at Law Office of Michael L. Guisti for a free consultation. You can reach us at (714) 530-9690 or toll-free at (888) 478-8999.

Back to Top

Additional Information

• What is Sexual Battery?
• Hand-in-Hand – Massage Parlors And Prostitution in the Southland