Temecula Sex with a Minor Defense Lawyer

Criminal allegations involving sex with a minor are serious sex crime charges that can arise as the result of various circumstances. Often known as statutory rape, this offense is outlined under § 261.5 of the California Penal Code, where it is referred to as unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. As established by the statute, it is illegal for any person who is at least 18 years of age to commit an act of intercourse with a person who is under the age of 18. An offense that many people have difficulty fully understanding — especially if the accused and alleged victim are very close in age — unlawful sex with a minor is a crime submerged in a veritable gray area of misunderstanding and social stigma. Even if consensual or initiated by the minor, sex with a minor is still a criminal offense for the person age 18 or older.

If you or a loved one have been accused of this serious crime, do not hesitate in contacting our Temecula sex with a minor defense attorney.

Strong Defense Strategies for Nuanced Charges

Although certain offenses may warrant criminal prosecution, the fact remains that teenagers are sexually active and that these types of situations occur every day. Teenagers in a long-term relationship, for example may become sexually active when one partner is 18 and the other is still a minor. Opinions about these cases in terms of whether and how to prosecute them can vary greatly, as can defense strategies.

Other claims of statutory rape may arise as the result of false accusations by a minor or minor's family member or a reasonable belief on the part of the person 18 or older that a minor was at least 18 years old. Whatever the case may be, anyone facing allegations of sex with a minor in Riverside County should understand that allegations of this criminal offense are taken seriously and they pose significant penalties upon conviction.

Possible Penalties for a Conviction

Penalties for sex with a minor vary depending on the circumstances involved. Of these circumstances, the age difference between the adult and the minor often plays the largest role. Less than a three-year age difference will typically result in a misdemeanor offense, whereas more than a three-year age difference can result in felony charges. Again, depending on the facts surrounding the case, penalties may range from limited fines to up to three years in state prison.

If the minor is transported across state lines for the purposes of engaging in a sexual act, the case may be subject to federal jurisdiction. Having defended numerous clients from a variety of sex crime charges, Attorney Nicolai Cocis knows that the stigma attached to sex crime allegations and convictions. A proven attorney with years of criminal law experience, he has the tools, resources, and commitment needed to protect your rights at all stages of the legal process.

Hire an Experienced Temecula Sex with a Minor Defense Lawyer to Fight for You

If you or your loved one has recently been charged with unlawful sex with a minor, the time to act is now. By taking a proactive approach to your defense, you can provide Attorney Nicolai Cocis and our legal team the time needed to listen to your story, gather and secure evidence, and create a sound defense.

Backed by years of experience, Attorney Cocis is prepared to defend clients against even the most serious and challenging sex crime allegations. Trust your case to an attorney who can effectively fight for your future.

Our law firm represents individuals facing criminal charges arising out of the Riverside County cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Perris, Hemet, Banning, Corona, and Riverside.

Contact the Law Office of Nicolai Cocis today.