Criminal Defense Lawyers

Hiring the Right Lawyer to Fight Sex Crime Charges in San Francisco

Hiring the Right Lawyer to Fight Sex Crime Charges in San Francisco

Getting charged with a sex crime in San Francisco can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. These allegations carry severe penalties and consequences that can affect the rest of your life if convicted. Having the right lawyer by your side to advocate for you is crucial.

I know folks reading this are probably feeling anxious and unsure of what to do next. I want you to know that there are excellent attorneys in San Francisco who specialize in defending clients against sex crime charges. They have the skills and experience to thoroughly investigate the allegations, build a strong defense on your behalf, and get positive results in these complex cases.

In this article, I’ll walk you through key factors to consider when hiring a sex crimes defense lawyer in San Francisco. I’ll also share tips on questions to ask during initial consultations with attorneys so you can make the best choice for your situation.

Understand the Specific Charges You’re Facing

The first thing to do is gain clarity on exactly what criminal charges you’re facing. Sex crime laws encompass a wide range of offenses. Some common ones in California include:

• Rape – This involves engaging in nonconsensual sexual intercourse accomplished by means of threats, force or fear. There are also special provisions around spousal rape.
• Statutory Rape – This applies to consensual intercourse with a minor under 18 years old when the perpetrator is over 18.
• Lewd Acts with a Child – Any sexually motivated touching of a child under 14. This could include inappropriate touching over or under clothing.
• Indecent Exposure – Exposing one’s genitals in public to arouse or appeal to sexual desires.
• Distribution/Possession of Child Pornography – Sharing or possessing sexually exploitative material involving minors.
• Human Trafficking – Inducing a minor into a commercial sex act.

The specific charges you’re facing will determine the relevant laws, defenses, and penalties if convicted. Your defense strategy needs to be tailored to the particulars of your case.I’d recommend starting by ordering a copy of the police report and any affidavits. This will give you documentation of the allegations and evidence against you.

Look for a Lawyer with Relevant Experience

Not all criminal defense attorneys have specialized expertise in defending sex crimes. For the best chances of success, you want someone who regularly handles these complex cases.

Look for a lawyer with extensive experience taking sex crime cases to trial and someone who keeps up with evolving laws and forensic science issues relevant to these charges. Representing clients before the same judges and prosecutors also helps build valuable relationships.

The lawyer should be able to walk you through the typical processes, timelines, defense strategies and potential outcomes specific to the charges you’re facing. Beware of attorneys who overpromise or guarantee certain results – they may not have enough experience to accurately predict how your case could play out.

Understand How California’s Laws Apply

California has some strict laws around sex crimes that carry serious penalties upon conviction. It’s crucial your lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the specific provisions that apply to your charges.

For example, in statutory rape cases, California has no Romeo and Juliet laws that reduce or eliminate penalties for consensual sex between minors close in age. The state also has expansive requirements for sex offender registration. Your lawyer needs to be well-versed in these rules to build an appropriate defense.

Make sure to ask how California law treats the particular charges against you. Find out about relevant sentencing guidelines, potential plea bargain options, and mandatory registration requirements if convicted. Understanding these specifics will help you make informed decisions.

Vet the Lawyer’s Track Record with Similar Cases

Ask the lawyer detailed questions about their background handling cases similar to yours. For example:

• How many cases have you tried where the charges were similar to mine?
• What were the outcomes in those cases?
• What experience do you have arguing certain defenses that may apply to my charges?
• Have you represented clients before the same prosecutors or judges that would be involved in my case?
• Can you share examples of favorable plea bargains you’ve secured in comparable cases?

Their experience with relevant cases will give you insight into the strategies they may use for defending you. It also helps gauge if their past performance aligns with the results you want.

Look for lawyers who have a proven history of getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial through meticulous investigation and advocacy. If possible, ask for references from past clients with similar charges who can vouch for the lawyer’s skills.

Ask About Their Investigation Process

A thorough independent investigation of the allegations will be crucial to mounting an effective defense. Be sure to ask how the lawyer handles these investigations, including:

• Do you use professional private investigators to interview witnesses and dig deeper into the evidence?
• What strategies do you use to examine the credibility of the accusers?
• How do you identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against me?
• Will you leverage forensic experts like psychologists or computer forensics specialists when needed?

Their investigative process will reveal if they take an aggressive stance to build your defense rather than just taking the prosecution’s evidence at face value.

Make Sure You Can Communicate Openly

These cases involve very sensitive, personal matters. It’s essential you feel comfortable honestly communicating with your lawyer so you can build an effective defense together. Consider whether the lawyer makes you feel supported and puts you at ease, even when discussing uncomfortable topics. Do they listen without judgment? Are they patient and take time to fully understand your side?

The lawyer must keep all communications strictly confidential (except in very limited circumstances). Make sure they clearly explain the attorney-client privilege so you understand what you can disclose in confidence.

Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone

When facing serious sex crime charges, this is not the time to shop for a bargain. The consequences of a conviction are too high.Leading defense lawyers have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate the case, identify weaknesses, negotiate with prosecutors, and take it to trial if needed. Their experience can make a major difference in the outcome.When comparing costs, look at the full picture. Consider factors like:

• How much time will they personally dedicate to your defense? Will you mostly work with associates?
• What are all the expenses involved beyond their fees, like expert witnesses and investigators?
• What past results have they gotten for clients facing similar charges?

View their fees as an investment in the strongest possible defense for your future.

Act Fast!

Don’t delay in finding an attorney after being charged. Early intervention and building a defense strategy quickly can increase the chances of getting charges reduced or dismissed.The lawyer can immediately start investigating the allegations, preserving evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and protecting your rights. Time is of the essence.

Questions to Ask During Initial Consultations

I recommend consulting with at least 2-3 of the top sex crime defense lawyers in San Francisco before deciding who to hire. Come prepared with questions at these initial consultations:

• How many years have you been practicing criminal defense in San Francisco? How many sex crime cases have you taken to trial?
• What training and certifications do you have related to defending sex crimes? How do you stay current on evolving laws and forensic science?
• What is your philosophy and approach to building a strong defense in sex crime cases? How will you approach defending me against these specific allegations?
• What pre-trial strategies do you use to get charges dismissed or reduced early on?
• If my case does go to trial, what experience do you have selecting juries and delivering compelling trial arguments in sex crime cases?
• Will you personally handle my case or will I mainly work with associates? How accessible are you if I have urgent questions or concerns?
• What are the steps in your investigative process when defending sex crime charges?
• What have been your sentencing outcomes in comparable cases? What alternatives to incarceration might apply in my situation?
• What are your fees and estimated total costs for my defense? Is any portion refundable if the case is resolved before trial?
• Can you share contact info for 2-3 past clients I can call as references?

Get clear answers to these questions so you can weigh all considerations in choosing the right lawyer for your needs.

Trust Your Gut

After doing your diligence, go with the lawyer you felt most confident in and aligned with your goals. This is a very personal decision. Who do you trust to fight for your future? Who had the knowledge and approach that gave you peace of mind?Hiring the right lawyer is the most important investment you can make when facing serious sex crime charges in San Francisco. I hope this guide gave you a starting point to identify attorneys with the skills and experience to achieve the best possible outcome. With the right legal representation, you have strong chances of moving forward with your life.

References:

 https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/sex-offenses/california/san-francisco/

 https://www.bayarea-attorney.com/PracticeAreas/Sex-Crimes.asp

 https://www.mattsullivanlaw.com/sex-crimes.html

 https://summitdefense.com/san-francisco-sex-crime-lawyer/

 https://sfcriminallawspecialist.com/sex-crime-defense-attorney-san-francisco-ca/

 https://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/firm/sex-crime/san-francisco/california