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Sexual Assault Cases in California

Being accused of sexual assault in California can be an embarrassing or humiliating experience. Your friends, family, and even the media will wonder what has happened, and the public stigma against sex-related crimes will make you out to be guilty even if you were falsely accused.

However, the embarrassment is almost secondary to the serious charges you face. Sexual assault convictions often come with significant jail time and heavy fines. Plus, you will have to file as a sex offender everywhere you go, subjecting yourself to more embarrassment and difficulty.

California sexual assault is broadly defined as any crime in which someone subjects another person to sexual touching that is unwanted and offensive. The instances of sexual assault can range from an unwanted physical advance to rape with a deadly weapon.

The problem with many sexual assault or rape cases, however, is that the actual occurrence is unclear. Oftentimes the alleged crime takes place late at night, without any witnesses or conclusive physical evidence. Tools such as DNA or blood samples may not shed any extra light.

Whether or not the victim in the case gave consent can also be difficult to determine. Some examples of non-consent include saying no, physically objecting, or being too intoxicated to give consent. However, the lines between consent and non-consent can be difficult to determine.

In California sexual assault cases, the accused party faces an uphill battle against public opinion and a potentially jaded jury. While all citizens are supposed to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, this is not always the case in sexual assault cases.

That's why you need an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney on your side if you or a loved one has been charged with sexual assault. We will fight to protect your legal rights, earning you an acquittal in trial or a reduced sentence and lower profile.

The Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson have years of experience fighting serious felony charges in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County. We may be able to defend you successfully in court, minimize your criminal exposure, and help you clean your criminal record.

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