A Santa Ana man was recently arrested and charged with sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl for several weeks, The Orange County Register reports.
Orange County sex crimes are among the most difficult to defend because prosecutors and judges alike are more than happy offering few plea deals and handing down harsh sentences. That’s why these types of charges require the Santa Ana Criminal Defense Team to stand up on behalf of those who face these difficult charges.
According to the newspaper, the man is charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, oral copulation with force, sexual penetration by a foreign object and rape by force. According to the news report, the girl told a family member she wanted the man to stop touching her. The man is accused of showing the girl sex tapes before performing the acts on the girl.
All of the charges the man faces are felonies and are punishable by prison time. Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 (California Penal Code 288) is punishable by up to eight years. Oral copulation with force (California Penal Code 288a) is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. Sexual penetration by a foreign object (California Penal Code 289), can be punishable by up to 12 years in prison. A charge of rape by force in California (Penal Code 261) is punishable by up to 13 years in prison.
As you can see, these are charges that could possibly keep a person in prison for the rest of their lives, depending on the circumstances. Not only can these charges produce lengthy prison sentences, but also bring shame and ridicule to a person and their family. Careers become ruined and it often happens in the public eye.
What sometimes happens with sex crimes, especially those involving a juvenile, is that witness credibility can become an issue. Young children are often influenced to lie about these types of crimes, so if it becomes a he said/she said case, that can help the defendant. If evidence, such as DNA or statements, become part of the case, Santa Ana sex crimes attorneys must understand how to proceed in the best interest of a client. Each client, regardless of the alleged crime, is entitled to a competent defense of the charges.
Many sex crimes in California are punishable by life, even for first-time offenders. We understand how sensitive these charges are and how embarrassing they may be. Our firm will work to ensure you have the best possible representation while assuring that any possible issues for appeals are well-preserved on the official record of the case.
We believe every defendant deserves a strong defense and their day in court and we strive to make sure all possible defenses are explored and every piece of evidence is carefully examined.
If you’re facing a sex crimes charge in Orange County, you should contact a lawyer. Contact an Orange County criminal defense attorney at (714) 705-6701.