A sex crimes lawyer in sex crimes lawyer in Redlands, 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.
For Redlands, 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 contact us online for a confidential, free case review.
President David S. Chesley, Redlands, CA, criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Why You Need to Treat Sex Crime Charges Seriously in Redlands, CA
Sex crime charges are serious. A conviction can lead to:
- A potentially lengthy prison sentence
- Mandatory or discretionary sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290
- Public labelling as a sex offender
- Family, job, and immigration challenges
- Electronic monitoring
Don't wait while the prosecution builds a case against you. Call your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer and start building your defense now.
How to Handle Redlands, CA, Sex Crime Accusations
- Do not contact the accuser — for any reason whatsoever. This can hurt your case in the long run.
- Do not talk to police, detectives, or campus investigators. Plead the Fifth Amendment and politely ask to speak with your lawyer.
- Do not consent to a phone or home search if investigators don't have a warrant and if you don't have a defense attorney present.
- 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.
- Tell your Redlands, CA, sex crimes defense attorney everything: The more your attorney knows, the better defense they can build.
- Obey court orders — you can face serious penalties for breaking these.
- Get counselling/mental health support — handling criminal charges is stressful, and it's normal to need some professional help.
On your own, it can be hard to stay on top of everything. But with a leading Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer, you have an advantage inside and outside of court.
Charges a Redlands, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help You Fight
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is charged under Penal Code § 261. In Redlands, CA, it is a felony with a triad of 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison in a typical case, plus fines and usually Tier 3 lifetime registration. Sexual assault, meanwhile, is a catch-all term for several violent sex crimes (often including rape and sexual battery).
Spousal rape under former PC § 262 was repealed in 2021. As of January 1, 2026, SB 258 also removed the remaining spouse-capacity carve-out in PC § 261. Rape inside a marriage is charged like rape between any other two people.
"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
There are a wide range of potential child sex crime accusations in California, including lewd acts with a child, sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. 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
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.
Internet 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 has moved quickly to regulate 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 Redlands, CA, who is an expert on AI functionality to defend you.
Lewd Conduct in Public
It may be easy to confuse lewd conduct in public with indecent exposure, but these are separate offenses in Redlands, CA. Where indecent exposure refers to a person showing off their own genitalia in an offensive manner, one difference with lewd conduct can involve another person. Lewd conduct involves the alleged sexual touching of one's own or someone else's privates in a public place, offending other people in the area. Intentions don't matter — just whether or not someone was present who was upset by the actions.
Related Charges
In Redlands, CA, we also defend indecent exposure (PC § 314), human trafficking (PC § 236.1), 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.
Prostitution and Related Offenses
Penal Code section 647(b) addresses specified acts of prostitution, solicitation and agreements involving sexual intercourse or lewd acts for money or other compensation. An agreement charge requires both the specific intent to engage in the act and an additional act in furtherance. Ordinary adult cases are generally misdemeanors, but penalties differ for buyers who solicit minors and can include felony punishment in the circumstances specified in section 647(l). Section 647(b)(5) excludes commercially exploited children under 18 from prosecution for conduct undertaken to receive payment. The exact charge, ages and alleged conduct must be reviewed before stating the possible sentence.
Don't take these charges lightly — your Redlands, CA, sex crimes lawyer can help you find a positive outcome.
Related allegations can include solicitation and pimping or pandering; each has its own elements.
Get Legal Support From a Redlands, CA, Sex Crimes Lawyer With All of the Below Charges
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
Will Help You Fight the Charges
Pre-filing and investigation. If you are being investigated but not yet charged in Redlands, 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. 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. A sex crime charge defense isn't just about avoiding incarceration; it's about staying off of the sex offender registry. A plea deal can be a compromise that protects your reputation.
Trial and sentencing. Not every plea deal offered is acceptable. If we can't find an option that works for you, we're prepared to fight in court for your freedom. Even if the outcome at trial isn't what you were hoping for, we'll advocate for lenient sentencing.
What to Look for in Your Redlands, 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
- Availability and a single point of contact
- A person-centered approach
Legal Punishments for Sex Crime Convictions in Redlands, 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 |
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.
California's Three-Tier Sex Offender Registry System
Not every sex crime in California requires a person to register as a sex offender (prostitution, for example, normally does not). When it is required, though, it typically falls into one of the below three categories:
- 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: lewd acts with a minor under 14 and some sodomy 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.
Life on the sex offender registry is difficult — the public is able to look up your information, and it can impact employment opportunities, and leave lasting impacts long after a prison sentence. Talk to a sex crimes attorney to get help once you're eligible for removal.
Effective Defenses Versus Sex Crime Charges in Redlands, CA
- Consent is applicable in many cases where both parties were over the age of 18
- Honest misunderstandings regarding the age of the alleged victim. If they lied about their age, that may be enough to prove a lack of intent
- False or motivated accusation False accusations — unfortunately, some people will make up criminal accusations in order to get something they want
- Alibi — when you can show that you were not present when the alleged offense was committed, you can convince many people of your innocence
- Failure of the prosecution to prove the charges against you (intent, force, "lewd purpose," knowledge of age, possession vs. unsolicited file)
- Unlawful search of phones and cloud accounts
- Child interviews that were coached or led to a certain end
- Entrapment or lack of intent in sting cases
- Charges were filed outside of the statute of limitations
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.
Former Sex Offense Case Results
- Soliciting a Prostitute (PC § 647(b)) and Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution (PC § 653.22) — All Charges Dismissed. Our client was accused of soliciting a prostitute who was actually a police officer. We negotiated a diversionary program and the dismissal of all charges.
- Statutory Rape (PC § 261.5) — No Jail Time, No Sex Offender Registration, Dismissed Upon Completion of Probation. When our client was accused of statutory rape, we leveraged our defense to negotiate a probation sentence which, if completed, will allow for the dismissal of all charges, no prison time, and keep our client off of the California sex offender registry.
- 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. This also protected our client's reputation, as no records of the case are public.
- Kidnapping (PC § 207) and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (PC § 261.5) — We Protected Our Client Against Prison and Sex Offender Classification. Using a consent-based defense, 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) — All Charges Dismissed, No Sex Offender Registration. The client faced three potential life terms with no bail. We demonstrated that the allegations had been fabricated, and the court dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing. 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. 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.
Common Questions for Sex Crime Charges in Redlands, CA
Can a sex crimes lawyer still help if the accusations aren't true?
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 status.
Can a sex offender get off the registry in Redlands, CA?
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.
Does statutory rape require registration now?
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.
How fast should I call?
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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Sex Crimes Lawyers in Redlands, CA
Working with the right attorney can protect your freedom and defend you against the related social stigma. And you need to get started right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to take your case. If you need a sex crimes lawyer in Redlands, 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
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.
