A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Perris, CA is a person you're probably not excited to call, but if you're facing accusations, you need one immediately. Whatever your situation is, this isn't the time to sit around and wait. The sooner you reach out to an expert, the better your chances are of a positive outcome. You need to get help now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends people accused of sex crimes in Perris, CA — with offices across Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties) as well as Central and Northern California (Kern, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Fresno, Tulare, San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, Sonoma, Alameda, San Joaquin, and San Francisco counties, and beyond). Our goal is to find the best outcome for you, whatever that looks like for your situation.
We give you someone you can count on. Call (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to speak with a sex crimes lawyer in Perris, CA, about your charges.
President David S. Chesley, Perris, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why Perris, CA, Sex Crime Cases Are Different
Perris, CA treats sex crime accusations very seriously. Without an experienced sex crimes attorney, you could be facing:
- Incarceration
- Registration as a sex offender
- Public labelling as a sex offender
- Many collateral consequences
- Electronic monitoring
Don't wait while the Perris, CA, district attorney builds a case against you. Call your Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer and start building your defense now.
Arrested for a Sex Crime in Perris, CA? Take These Steps Now
- Don't reach out to the alleged victim — for any reason whatsoever. You could face additional charges for witness intimidation.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Respectfully request to speak with your attorney.
- Decline any search requests if there isn't a warrant for it and without checking with your Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer first.
- Protect evidence that you have access to. Don't delete texts, photos, apps, location history, or social media — deletion is often argued as consciousness of guilt.
- Write a private timeline for your lawyer only: It's important that your lawyer has a full view of the situation.
- Follow every release condition exactly — breaking these can hurt your case.
- Get help handling the pressure — handling criminal charges is stressful, and it's normal to need some professional help.
Together with your Perris, CA, sex charge defense attorney, you can set your case up for a positive outcome.
Get Help With the Following Perris, CA, Sex Crime Charges
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is arguably the most serious sex crime charge you can face in Perris, CA. A conviction can send you to prison for years, and permanently put you on the sex offender registry. Sexual assault, meanwhile, is a catch-all term for several violent sex crimes (often including rape and sexual battery).
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).
Sexual battery under Penal Code section 243.4 involves nonconsensual touching of an intimate part for sexual arousal, gratification or abuse. Unlawful restraint is required by some subdivisions, but not every form of the offense. The charged subdivision controls the elements prosecutors must prove.
Child Sex Crimes
Child sex crimes are some of the most harshly viewed accusations in Perris, CA, making it essential to work with an experienced sex crimes lawyer to fight them. Even in cases where there wasn't a physical, sexual act involving a child, you can face charges for enticing a minor for lewd purposes.
Statutory Rape
Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor is a misdemeanor or a wobbler depending on ages. Important 2026 change: for offenses on or after January 1, 2026, SB 680 added certain PC § 261.5(c) and (d) convictions to PC § 290. Those cases can require Tier 1 (10-year) registration, unless the defendant was not more than 10 years older than the minor and that is the only registerable conviction. Courts can still order registration under PC § 290.006. Offenses before January 1, 2026 are not brought onto the registry by SB 680. This should be analyzed before any plea.
Online and Digital Sex Crimes
Online and digital sex crimes can be particularly complicated in California. Sending harmful material to a person believed to be a minor can violate PC § 288.2, even if the recipient is an adult posing as a minor. Prosecutors must prove the required knowledge and intent, including intent to arouse sexual desire and to engage in specified sexual conduct with that person. A belief about age alone does not make every message described as sexting this offense. Sexting can also overlap with stalking charges.
AI and Deepfake Pornography
As AI continues to advance at a fast rate, California lawmakers are setting limits for its use. These laws often intersect with sex crimes as they relate to pornography. Recent laws have established that AI-generated child pornography can be prosecuted as if it were an image of an actual child. Deepfake pornography is also addressed in other California criminal laws. As these laws continue to develop, it's important to work with a sex crimes lawyer in Perris, CA, who is familiar with the most recent laws and updated regulations.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure might not sound like as big of a deal as sex crimes like rape, but you can still face major consequences. This charge alleges that someone intentionally exposed their privates to another person in an offensive way. Most first offenses are only a misdemeanor, but aggravated or repeat convictions can be elevated to a felony. Additionally, even for a misdemeanor conviction, sex offender registration is required. To minimize your chance of long-term consequences, call your Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer right away.
Related Charges
In Perris, CA, we also defend human trafficking (PC § 236.1), lewd conduct in public (PC § 647(a)), failure to register (PC § 290.018), prostitution and solicitation (PC § 647(b)), pimping/pandering (PC §§ 266h, 266i), incest (PC § 285), aggravated sexual assault of a child (PC § 269), and assault with intent to commit a sex offense (PC § 220). Former § 653.22 loitering-with-intent cases are historical because that provision was repealed effective January 1, 2023; former convictions have a separate relief path under § 653.29. Those pages are linked from the list below.
Sex Trafficking
California Penal Code section 236.1 distinguishes different human-trafficking offenses. Subdivision (b) concerns deprivation or violation of personal liberty with intent to commit specified offenses, including pimping, pandering and certain child sexual-image offenses. Subdivision (c) concerns causing, inducing or persuading, or attempting to cause, induce or persuade, a minor to engage in a commercial sex act with the required intent; force or deprivation of liberty is not required for every subdivision (c) offense. Subdivision (b) carries prison terms of 8, 14 or 20 years. The minor-related offense can carry 15 years to life when specified coercive circumstances are proved. The person involved can be of any nationality.
Charges We Handle
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
Perris, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Guidance at Every Stage of Your Case
Pre-filing and investigation. The best way to beat a criminal charge is to avoid having it filed in the first place. You don't have to wait until you're under arrest to get an attorney — our sex crime defense attorneys can help you the moment police contact you. We will guide you through interviews, negotiate with authorities, and set the ground for a strong legal defense, should it become necessary.
Discovery and forensics. Evidence can play a major role in sex crime cases. We'll not only look at everything that the state has discovered, but also conduct our own investigations to find anything that can help your defense.
Motions. Suppression. The right motions can set your case up for success. In addition to motions we commonly file (like suppression and dismissal), in sex crime cases we often file a motion to suppress identification. Unfortunately, misidentification can occur more often than it should in criminal cases, and sex crimes are no exception.
Negotiation. Many criminal charges in Perris, 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. Some lawyers won't want to take cases to trial. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're prepared to present your defense in front of a judge and jury.
What to Look for in Your Perris, CA Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Previous experience defending clients against similar or the same charges
- Readiness to help right away, no matter what stage your case is at
- A defense strategy that you can understand
- Easy to contact and get updates on your case
- A record of results in Perris, CA, courts — not just a list of charges
Legal Punishments for Sex Crime Convictions in Perris, CA
| 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 |
While these numbers represent typical, general ranges, they can be altered by enhancing factors. . But a conviction won't just lead to incarceration; it can also put you on the sex offender registry.
California's Three-Tier Sex Offender Registry System
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: misdemeanor sex crimes are often Tier 1, notably sexual battery and some child pornography possession.
- Tier 2 — 20 years for adults, but 10 years for some juveniles. Examples: many serious/violent registerable felonies that are not automatic lifetime.
- Tier 3 — lifetime for the most serious offenses (e.g., most rape offenses, aiding a rape attempt, pimping a minor) and certain repeat or high-risk designations.
After the minimum period, Tier 1 and Tier 2 registrants may petition for termination under PC § 290.5 if they meet the statutory criteria. Tier 3 is different — relief, if any, is narrower. Failure to register is its own crime. Your Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer should treat registry exposure as a charging and plea issue from day one, not an afterthought at sentencing.
Defenses Our Perris, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyers Use
- Consent applies in several sex crime charges, since many are only illegal if a party did not consent
- False or motivated accusation False accusations — some people use false sexual assault or rape allegations as a way to hurt another person or gain leverage in a custody battle
- Alibi — one of the strongest defenses against a sex crime accusation is to prove you were elsewhere at the time
- Insufficient proof of a required element — when the prosecution fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your attorney can use that to sway the jury
- Evidence obtained in a way that violated your rights
- Entrapment when the supposed offender did not have a predisposition towards the crime, and the government coerced them into it
Picking the right defense strategy is important, but it's not everything. You also need a persuasive Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer to present it.
Recent Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. The client was accused of offering money for sex to an undercover officer in a "fake prostitute" sting — a common tactic that can raise entrapment issues. We enrolled the client in an educational diversion program, and upon proof of successful completion, the court dismissed all charges.
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — Avoided Jail and Sex Offender Registration; Charges to be Dismissed. 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) — Felony Accusation, All Charges Dismissed Before Trial. The client was present at a gathering where two other individuals were separately accused of assaulting a woman; the client had no involvement in the alleged conduct. We demonstrated the client's lack of involvement, and the court dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing. The case records not viewable by the public.
- Kidnapping (PC § 207) and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (PC § 261.5) — Facing 6 Years State Prison, No Jail Time, No Sex Offender Registration. By evaluating the evidence and presenting a narrative of consent, we negotiated a resolution giving the client credit for time served, with no strike and no sex offender registration.
- Child Molestation (PC § 288) and Sodomy with a Child Under 10 (PC § 288.7) — Charges Dismissed at the Preliminary Hearing. Our client was being held without bail and could have been sent to prison for life, if convicted. We examined the prosecution's evidence and were able to demonstrate to the court that the accusation was false, securing a dismissal. Our client's reputation is also protected, as there are no public records of this case.
These results are representative of past performance, but do not guarantee future results. Our sex crime defense attorneys will evaluate your case based on its own merits and help you in finding the best outcome for your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sex Accusations in Perris, 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.
Is there a risk of deportation if I'm convicted?
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 attorney.
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.
Accused of a Sex Crime? Call Now
There isn't an easy way out of this, but with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get a team that is dedicated to protecting your rights and will fight for your freedom.
Get help right away — call us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to talk with your Perris, CA, sex crimes lawyer.
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.
Can charges be 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.
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.
