A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Pomona, 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.
We're here to help, not to judge. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to get help from your Pomona, CA, sex crimes lawyer.
President David S. Chesley, Pomona, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why Pomona, CA, Sex Crime Cases Are Different
You need an expert Pomona, CA, sex crimes lawyer to help you fight your case and avoid:
- State prison or jail
- Years (or even a lifetime) on the sex offender registry
- A social stigma that will follow you after release
- Family, job, and immigration challenges
- Extensive fines and restitution requirements
Don't try to face these consequences alone. The right Pomona, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you minimize or even avoid them.
Arrested for a Sex Crime in Pomona, CA? Take These Steps Now
- Don't reach out to the alleged victim — No matter what your intentions are, it's a bad idea. You could face additional charges for witness intimidation.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Respectfully request to speak with your attorney.
- Don't give permission to search your property without a warrant and if you don't have a defense attorney present.
- Gather any evidence you can find. 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: Without a full picture, they won't be able to build a complete defense.
- Obey court orders — you can face serious penalties for breaking these.
- 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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Early counsel can sometimes intervene before filing, especially in online sting, statutory, and "he said / she said" investigations.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends All of the Below Sex Crime Charges in Pomona, CA
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is arguably the most serious sex crime charge you can face in Pomona, CA. A conviction can send you to prison for years, and permanently put you on the sex offender registry.
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 Pomona, CA, making it essential to work with an experienced sex crimes lawyer to fight them. California has no general "Romeo and Juliet" defense. Age, force, and the specific code section drive both prison exposure and the registration tier.
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.
Online and Digital Sex Crimes
These include child sexual abuse material (PC §§ 311–311.11), sending harmful matter to a minor (PC § 288.2), sexting involving a minor, and sting cases built on chats with an officer posing as a minor. Adult "revenge porn" is a separate offense under PC § 647(j)(4) and related statutes. Digital forensics — who had the device, hash values, unallocated space, account takeover, and intent — often decide the case.
AI-Generated Sexual Content Involving Children
Child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse material, is illegal at both the California state and federal levels — even if it was generated with AI. This applies regardless of whether the child was real or not — creating and distributing these types of images is against the law. If you're facing charges related to this, you need a knowledgeable sex crimes lawyer who can defend you in both state and federal court.
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 Pomona, CA, sex crimes lawyer right away.
Related Charges
In Pomona, 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.
Lewd Conduct in Public
Lewd conduct in public under Penal Code section 647(a) requires more than conduct someone considers inappropriate. For the completed offense, prosecutors must prove intentional touching of specified intimate areas for sexual arousal or gratification, or to annoy or offend, in a public place or a place open to public view. Another person who might be offended must be present, and the accused must know or reasonably should know that person is present. Intent, the location, and what witnesses could observe therefore matter to the defense.
It may be easy to confuse lewd conduct in public with indecent exposure, but these are separate offenses in Pomona, CA.
Sex Crime Charges Our Lawyers Defend
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 Pomona, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Pre-filing and investigation. The fight for your freedom doesn't begin when charges are filed — it begins as soon as the authorities start to look at you. These early days are crucial for setting your case up for success — having an expert sex crimes lawyer can help you preserve exculpatory evidence and maybe even negate charges from being filed in the first place.
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. If we find that any of the state's evidence was wrongfully obtained, we will file a motion to suppress it, removing it from the case against you. And if their case is sufficiently weakened, we'll follow up with a motion to dismiss the charges against you.
Negotiation. The registration tier often matters more than a few months of custody. Reducing a Tier 3 offense to a non-registerable or Tier 1/2 charge can be the entire case.
Trial and sentencing. Not every case can be handled through negotiations. When talks break down, we use our defensive strategy to persuade the jury. And if the outcome is guilty on any charge, we'll advocate for you in sentencing.
Top 5 Pomona, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Qualitities
- Experience with your case type
- 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 Pomona, CA, courts — not just a list of charges
Pomona, CA, Sex Crime Penalties
| 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 the majority of sex crime cases may follow these guidelines, sentencing enhancements can greatly alter the end punishment. Every case is individual. But a conviction won't just lead to incarceration; it can also put you on the sex offender registry.
What You Need to Know About the Sex Offender Registry in California
California uses a three-tier system (SB 384, in effect since 2021):
- Tier 1 — normally a 10-year period on the registry. 5 years in some juvenile cases. 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., most rape offenses, aiding a rape attempt, pimping a minor) 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 Pomona, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer May Use
- Consent applies in several sex crime charges, since many are only illegal if a party did not 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)
- Misidentification — unfortunately, misidentification can result in false accusations, even if the alleged victim is not acting maliciously
- Failure of the prosecution to prove the charges against you — ultimately, it's on the prosecution to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to do so, we will highlight that
- Evidence obtained in a way that violated your rights
- Unreliable child forensic interviews
- Entrapment or lack of intent in sting cases
- Charges were filed outside of the statute of limitations
When you have the right defense strategy and the right defense attorney on your side, you're maximizing your chances of a positive outcome.
Past 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 skillful team leveraged plea negotiations to help our client avoid a prison sentence and stay off of the ex offender registry.
- Rape (PC § 261) — Felony Accusation, All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing. When our client was wrongly accused of participating in an assault, we presented a defense showing their lack of participation. Our client's privacy is protected, as there is no public record of the case available.
- 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. Through a defense built around consent, our lawyers secured a deal that released our client, crediting them 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. A conviction of these charges would have sent our client to prison for life, along with permanent sex offender registration. We looked into the evidence, and found that the claims were false. At the preliminary hearing, the judge believed our story and dismissed the charges.
The above cases are selected as a representation of the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's results — they do not guarantee a specific outcome in a given case. 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 Pomona, 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.
How will a sex crime conviction in Pomona, CA, affect 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.
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.
When should I call a lawyer?
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.
Do You Need a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Pomona, CA? Call David Chesley
Don't try to handle this yourself and end up digging a hole you can't get out of. With the right defense and the right lawyer presenting it, you'll maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
We are here to help — call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no-strings attached consultation.
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.
What registration rules apply after a conviction?
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.
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.
