You need a sex crimes lawyer in Inglewood, CA. Maybe it was a rough breakup that led to a false accusation. Maybe it was a misunderstanding that's being blown out of proportion. Or maybe you made a mistake and are looking for a way forward.
For Inglewood, CA, residents in need of defense against sex crime accusations, there's a clear choice of who to turn to: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys fight for our client's rights. Our goal is to find the best outcome for you, whatever that looks like for your situation.
Don't give up before speaking to one of our attorneys. Call (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a confidential, free case review.
Attorney David S. Chesley, Inglewood, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Inglewood, CA
Inglewood, CA treats sex crime accusations very seriously. Without an experienced sex crimes attorney, you could be facing:
- State prison or jail
- Mandatory or discretionary sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Family, job, and immigration challenges
- Extensive fines and restitution requirements
Trying to "clear it up" with police, the accuser, or a school or Title IX office almost always makes the file worse. Call our attorneys now — we'll fight for your freedom from day 1.
You've Been Charged With a Sex Crime in Inglewood, CA: These Are Your Next Steps
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim — No matter what your intentions are, it's a bad idea. This can hurt your case in the long run.
- When interviewed, don't answer questions. Plead the Fifth Amendment and politely ask to speak with your lawyer.
- Do not consent to a phone or home search without a warrant and without counsel.
- Preserve everything. Don't delete texts, photos, apps, location history, or social media — deletion is often argued as consciousness of guilt.
- Tell your Inglewood, CA, sex crimes defense attorney everything: The more your attorney knows, the better defense they can build.
- Obey all conditions of release — breaking these can hurt your case.
- Talk to a professional for help handling the stress — look for local mental health resources to help cope with the stress of your case.
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On your own, it can be hard to stay on top of everything. But with a leading Inglewood, CA, sex crimes lawyer, you have an advantage inside and outside of court.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends All of the Below Sex Crime Charges in Inglewood, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
It's hard to think of a crime that is publicly regarded as worse than rape in Inglewood, CA. A conviction means up to 8 years in prison, as well as sex offender registration.
Sexual assault (or sexual abuse) charges are often used as a catch-all that can include rape and other sexual crimes, most notably sexual battery. Sexual battery is defined in its own statute as the touching of another person's intimate parts without their consent, while the alleged victim was restrained. This touching must have been done for sexual purposes.
California used to have a separate law regarding spousal rape, but this was repealed in 2021.
"Sexual assault" is not one statute — it often means rape, sexual battery (PC § 243.4), nonconsensual oral copulation (PC § 287), nonconsensual sodomy (PC § 286), or nonconsensual penetration with a foreign object (PC § 289).
Child Sex Crimes
Child sex crimes are some of the most harshly viewed accusations in Inglewood, CA, making it essential to work with an experienced sex crimes lawyer to fight them. Some child sex crimes don't even have to involve actually abusing a child — California's enticing a minor statute makes it a crime just to try and presuade a child into engaging in sexual conduct, whether or not they actually do.
Statutory Rape
Whether or not a minor agreed to have sex with an adult, the adult can be convicted of statutory rape (AKA unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor). This charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and prosecutorial discretion. But a prison sentence isn't the only concern: You can also be forced to register as a sex offender, particularly if the alleged offense occurred after December 31st, 2025.
California has no general "Romeo and Juliet" exemption for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Under Penal Code section 261.5, a close age difference can affect the charging level: subdivision (b) addresses a minor who is no more than three years older or younger than the defendant. The specific offense, ages, offense date and other facts must be reviewed separately from any registration question.
Online and Digital Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes are unique in that they don't always involve a direct action being taken against the victim. For example, possession of child pornography is a crime whether or not you were the one to produce it. Possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, while distribution or production is always a felony.
Penal Code section 288.2 can apply to sending harmful material to a person the sender believes is a minor, even when the recipient is an adult. Prosecutors must also prove the required knowledge and intent, including intent to arouse sexual desire and intent to engage in specified sexual conduct with that person. The statute does not make every message labeled “sexting” the same offense.
AI-Generated and Deepfake Sexual Content
California law is rapidly evolving to address AI-generated sexual content. Effective January 1, 2025, AB 1831 and SB 1381 expanded Penal Code §§ 311, 311.2, 311.11, and 311.12 to criminalize the creation, distribution, and possession of AI-generated or digitally altered child sexual abuse material — now, you can face the same penalties for AI-generated child porn as with actual child porn. Separately, SB 926 extended California's revenge-porn law (PC § 647(j)(4)) to cover non-consensual, AI-generated sexually explicit images of adults that appear authentic. These are new, fast-evolving statutes, and you need a sex crimes lawyer in Inglewood, CA, who is an expert on AI functionality to defend you.
Prostitution and Related Offenses
Prostitution is illegal in much of the United States ostensibly for moral reasons. In California, prostitution-related crimes include the act of prostitution itself, soliciting a prostitute, and pimping/pandering (AKA helping someone else break a prostitution law for a profit). What this ultimately means is that involvement with prostitution can lead to criminal charges from any angle, even if it was a sting operation. Don't take these charges lightly — your Inglewood, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you find a positive outcome.
Related Charges
In Inglewood, CA, we also defend indecent exposure (PC § 314), lewd conduct in public (PC § 647(a)), failure to register (PC § 290.018), human trafficking (PC § 236.1), incest (PC § 285), aggravated sexual assault of a child (PC § 269), and assault with intent to commit a sex offense (PC § 220). Those pages are linked from the list below.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure under Penal Code section 314 requires willful exposure and a lewd purpose, not merely accidental nudity. Prosecutors must prove an intent to direct public attention to the genitals for sexual arousal or gratification, or to sexually offend another person, in the presence of someone who might be offended or annoyed. A first ordinary offense is generally a misdemeanor; specified prior convictions or exposure after entering an inhabited dwelling without consent can create felony exposure. A conviction can also require sex offender registration under section 290; registration duration and eligibility for relief depend on the applicable tier and individual record.
To minimize your chance of long-term consequences, call your Inglewood, CA, sex crimes lawyer right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends Each of the Following
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child · AI-Generated / Deepfake Sexual Content · Annoying or Molesting a Child · Arranging a Meeting With a Minor · Assault with Intent to Commit a Sex Offense · Child Molestation (PC 288) · Child Pornography · Enticing a Minor · Failure to Register · Human Trafficking (Sex Trafficking) · Incest · Indecent Exposure · Lewd Acts · Lewd Conduct in Public · Loitering to Commit Prostitution · Oral Copulation by Force · Oral Copulation or Sodomy With a Minor · Penetration by Force · Pimping and Pandering · Prostitution / Solicitation · Rape · Revenge Porn · Sex With a Minor / Statutory Rape · Sexting Involving Minors · Sexual Abuse · Sexual Assault · Sexual Battery · Sodomy by Force
How Your Inglewood, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Pre-filing and investigation. If you are being investigated but not yet charged in Inglewood, CA court, we try to control contact with police, preserve favorable evidence, and, when appropriate, present a package that argues against filing.
Discovery and forensics. Anything that the police and prosecution find, they have to turn over to us in discovery. Our team will then comb through the evidence, looking for holes in the prosecution's case and opportunities to create reasonable doubt.
Motions. Suppression. Motions can do many things for your case. One of the first motions we often file is a motion for bail reduction. This can help you secure pretrial release. After that, we'll frequently follow with a motion to suppress evidence and/or a motion to dismiss charges.
Negotiation. Many criminal charges in Inglewood, CA, end in plea deals. With relationships in courts across California, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are ready to negotiate on your behalf.
Trial and sentencing. If the case should be tried, we try it. If there is a conviction, we litigate strikes, enhancements, and PC 290 placement.
Top 5 Inglewood, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Qualitities
- Direct experience with your statute (PC 261 is not the same case as PC 288.4)
- Willingness to do pre-charge work, not only arraignment-to-plea
- A defense strategy that you can understand
- 24/7 availability
- A person-centered approach
Inglewood, CA, Sex Crime Penalties: What You're Facing
| Charge | Statute | Level | Typical Custody Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | PC § 261 | Felony | 3, 6, or 8 years state prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| Statutory Rape | PC § 261.5 | Misd. or wobbler | Up to 1 year jail, or 16 months–4 years (facts-dependent) |
| Sexual Battery | PC § 243.4 | Misd. or felony | Up to 6 months jail, or 2, 3, or 4 years prison |
| Lewd Act With a Child Under 14 | PC § 288(a) | Felony | 3, 6, or 8 years (higher if force or younger child) |
| Arranging a Meeting With a Minor | PC § 288.4 | Wobbler | Up to 1 year jail, or 2, 3, or 4 years prison |
| Indecent Exposure | PC § 314 | Misd. or felony | Up to 1 year, or 16 months–3 years |
| Child Pornography Possession | PC § 311.11 | Wobbler / felony | Jail, or 16 months–3+ years; registration often Tier 3 if felony |
| Prostitution / Solicitation | PC § 647(b) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail; fine up to $1,000 |
Enhancements (great bodily injury, weapon use, multiple victims, age of the complaining witness, prior strikes) change these numbers. Talk to a sex crimes lawyer about what your exposure actually is. If convicted of rape, you may also be required to pay a fine.
Sex Offender Registry Tiers in California
California maintains a public sex offender registry. The length of time a person is required to be on the registry depends on the specific offense:
- Tier 1 — normally 10 years, but some minors will only be put on the registry for 5 years. Examples: indecent exposure (misdemeanor) and sexual battery (misdemeanor).
- Tier 2 — 20 years for adults, but 10 years for some juveniles. Examples: repeated annoying of a child, some sodomy cases, and some rape cases.
- Tier 3 — lifetime for the most serious offenses (e.g., forcible rape, kidnapping in conjunction with a sex crime, aggravated sexual assault of a child) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
On top of the lengthy time periods of registration, failure to register is an offense in and of itself. While on the registry, you can be facing challenges finding a house or job, restrictions on where you are able to travel, and a devastating social stigma. Your sex crimes lawyer can help you petition for removal once you're eligible for relief.
Defense Strategies Your Inglewood, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer May Use
- Consent (where the statute allows it — not for children below the age of consent)
- In some cases, mistakes about the age of the other person can be used as a defense. This is most applicable in statutory or other minor-related cases, and isn't applicable in some others (e.g. forcible sex crimes)
- False or motivated accusation (custody, immigration, breakup, school discipline)
- Alibi — when you can show that you were not present when the alleged offense was committed, you can convince many people of your innocence
- Lack of evidence — you have the presumption of innocence on your side. When the prosecution fails to overcome this, your defense needs to explain it to the jury
- Evidence obtained in a way that violated your rights
- Unreliable child forensic interviews
- Entrapment when the supposed offender did not have a predisposition towards the crime, and the government coerced them into it
- Statute of limitations or charging defects
This isn't just about defense strategies; this is about telling your side of the story in a convincing way, whether it's too a district attorney, a judge, or a jury.
Recent Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. This client was accused of soliciting a prostitute who was a police agent working undercover. We evaluated potential entrapment issues and enrolled our client in a diversionary, educational program. The court dismissed the charges, and no lingering public records are available..
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — Client Avoided Jail and Sex Offender Registration; Dismissal Available After Probation. Our client was accused of statutory rape, a wobbler offense that could have resulted in incarceration, followed by a lifetime on the sex offender registry. Through skillful negotiation, we secured a deal that avoided prison, avoided the sex offender registry, and presented the possibility of all changes of being dismissed, after a probation period..
- Rape (PC § 261) — Facing 25 Years to Life, All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing. Our client came to us after being accused of rape. They were present at an event where two other individuals (charged separately) had assaulted a woman, but our client took no part in it. We presented our defense in the preliminary hearing and the case was dismissed. The case records not viewable by the public.
- Kidnapping (PC § 207) and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (PC § 261.5) — We Protected Our Client Against Prison and Sex Offender Classification. Through a defense built around consent, we protected our client from an extended jail sentence and secured a favorable outcome, avoiding a felony strike and sex offender registration.
- Child Molestation (PC § 288) and Sodomy with a Child Under 10 (PC § 288.7) — All Charges Dismissed, No Sex Offender Registration. The client faced three potential life terms with no bail. We examined the prosecution's evidence and were able to demonstrate to the court that the accusation was false, securing a dismissal. As an added bonus, our client's privacy is protected as any remaining records are not available to the public.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case in Inglewood, CA, is evaluated on its own facts, and results depend on the specific evidence and circumstances involved.
Common Questions for Sex Allegations in Inglewood, CA
Is it still important to hire an attorney if you're innocent?
Yes. A denial alone may not put relevant messages, witnesses or timeline evidence before investigators. Counsel can preserve records, review interview or search requests and identify the elements the state would have to prove. An innocent person may still be investigated or charged; representation cannot guarantee that prosecutors decline a filing. Do not ask an accuser or witness to change a statement, especially if a contact order applies.
Would a conviction of a sex crime affect my immigration status?
It could, but the result depends on the precise conviction and the person's immigration history. Some convictions create serious immigration problems; neither deportation nor citizenship denial follows automatically from the broad label “sex crime.” Criminal and immigration counsel should review the proposed statutory disposition before a plea, including whether a different lawful outcome changes the analysis. For related information, see immigration status.
Can a sex crimes lawyer help get charges reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes, after examination of the actual count, evidence, motions and lawful negotiation. A missing public report, disputed accusation or prior firm result cannot promise dismissal. A proposed reduction should be assessed for custody, registration and immigration consequences as well as its title. The court process and decision depend on the specific case.
Will I be put on the sex offender registry if I'm convicted of statutory rape?
For specified Penal Code § 261.5 convictions based on conduct committed on or after January 1, 2026, § 290 now requires a case-specific review. The statute includes an exception when the person was not more than ten years older than the minor and the conviction is that person's only registrable offense; § 290.006 also allows separate court-ordered registration. The offense date, subdivision, age evidence and entire record must be checked before a plea. Do not assume every § 261.5 allegation has the same registry result.
What are the rules for sex offenders in California?
Initial registration, changes of residence or other information, periodic updates and other circumstances can have different instructions. A tier label alone does not state every duty, and probation or parole terms may add separate conditions. Keep proof of compliance, check a move or travel plan against the current instructions and obtain advice before assuming a dismissal or minimum-period expiration ends registration.
Do You Need a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Inglewood, CA? Call David Chesley
Sex crimes are treated harshly in California, and you need a defense team with the experience and legal expertise to guide you through the process. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can provide that.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to take your case. If you need a sex crimes lawyer in Inglewood, CA, call us right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to start building your defense.
Further questions about California sex-crime cases
Can someone ask to end sex-offender registration?
The adult tier system generally has ten-year, twenty-year and lifetime categories, with different juvenile-court rules. A person who meets an applicable minimum and other conditions may be eligible to petition for termination; time alone does not end the duty. The particular offense, other convictions, risk rules and court record matter. Keep following current registration instructions until an effective order changes them.
Must a registrant tell neighbors about registration?
Penal Code § 290 requires reporting to the designated law-enforcement agency, not a blanket personal announcement to neighbors. Public Megan's Law display is a separate question, and an individual court or supervision order could impose other conditions. Read the actual agency instructions and order before deciding what is required in a particular case.
How soon should I contact counsel after an accusation?
Prompt advice is useful before a substantive investigator interview and after receiving a citation, summons, search request or protective order. If no arrest has occurred, keep the investigator's agency and case number; an investigation is not the same as a filed charge, and counsel can help verify its status. Read the dates on the actual papers. Preserve unedited messages and other lawfully held records; outside video or platform material can become unavailable. There is no fixed “first 48 hours” rule that determines the outcome of every case.
Is sexting illegal in California?
“Sexting” describes many different acts rather than one charge. Ages, content, whether an image was requested or created, how it was possessed or shared, and consent can point to different California or federal statutes. A text message, a file depicting a minor and a nonconsensually distributed adult intimate image raise different questions. Preserve the full exchange without forwarding potentially unlawful material and identify the actual statute before discussing a defense.
Does every sex-crime conviction require registration or public Megan's Law display?
No. Penal Code § 290 specifies offenses and other conditions; adult and juvenile rules differ. Registration duty, tier length and public website display are separate questions. A misdemeanor label alone does not resolve them. Before any plea, compare the exact subdivision, date and proposed conviction with the statute and the applicable DOJ tier guidance.
Can a sex-related offense be filed as a misdemeanor?
Some provisions are misdemeanors, some felonies and some have distinct branches. Sexual battery under § 243.4 and unlawful sexual intercourse under § 261.5 illustrate why a broad charge label is insufficient. Check the filed subdivision, facts and prior-conviction rules. The charging level does not by itself answer registration or licensing questions.
What if the other person was over 18 and said they consented?
Consent can matter in an adult-contact case, but the law asks whether the person could consent and whether consent applied to the alleged act at the relevant time. A prior relationship or isolated message is not conclusive. Preserve the full sequence and ask counsel to compare capacity, force or fear allegations, and the precise charged elements.
Can a case proceed without physical evidence?
Yes. Testimony, communications and circumstantial evidence may be considered, and the state still must prove the charged elements. No DNA or medical result automatically defeats a count; the presence of one does not establish every element either. Ask what proof exists, what it actually shows and which independent records might test it.
Can police search my phone?
A warrant, valid consent or another lawful basis may be relevant, and scope matters. If a device or account has been searched, retain the warrant, property receipt and account notice for counsel. Do not delete or reset material. A possible search issue requires record review and, if supported, a court ruling; suppression is not automatic.
What if I believe an accusation of rape or sexual assault is false?
Take the claim seriously and preserve the complete timeline, messages, witness information and any lawful physical or digital record. Even before filing, an allegation can affect work, family and reputation; those effects do not prove guilt or predict a filing. Counsel can compare earlier and later statements and investigate possible mistake or fabrication. Avoid pressuring the accuser or witnesses and obey any contact order. Neither a denial nor an inconsistency alone guarantees that charges will be declined.
What happens after a charge is filed?
At arraignment, the court ordinarily advises the defendant of the charge and rights and asks for a plea. Discovery, motions, negotiations and, in a felony case, a preliminary hearing may follow. The path differs by charge and court. Use the latest court notice for appearances and comply with any release or protective order while counsel reviews the file.
Could a conviction affect work or a professional license?
It can, but the answer depends on the precise conviction, job and governing licensing rule. California's Fair Chance Act limits some employer uses of criminal history and has exceptions. Licensing boards apply their own statutes. A dismissal or acquittal may be important, but neither guarantees a particular employer or board decision. Check the relevant rule before a plea or job-related disclosure.
