Sacramento Sex Crime Lawyer
Defending Californians in Sacramento County
Sex crime accusations are among the most devastating of all criminal allegations. Sexually related crimes carry severe social, emotional, and legal consequences. They can destroy your reputation, strain your relationships, and lead to significant financial hardship.
The social stigma associated with these crimes can also impact legal proceedings. Public pressure on prosecutors and judges to seek convictions can be immense, even if the evidence is weak or circumstantial.
Jurors may be predisposed to believe victims of sex crimes, regardless of the strength of the evidence. The fear of a public trial and the potential for a harsh sentence can pressure the accused to accept a plea deal even if they are not guilty.
At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, we understand the gravity of the situation. Our attorney works on the basis that you are innocent until proven guilty and deserve an aggressive and thorough defense, regardless of the nature of the crime.
With over 20 years of experience in the criminal justice system, including significant time as a prosecutor, Mr. Martinez is a formidable defender. He can provide a meticulous approach to investigating the details of your case, searching to uncover potential challenges to the state’s arguments, and building a tailored strategy to fight for the best possible outcome.
Call (916) 318-5142 to request a free case review with our Sacramento sex crime attorney at Law Office of Mathew Martinez. You can also reach us by email online.
What Are Sex Crimes in Sacramento?
California has numerous sex crimes, each carrying its own set of penalties, such as:
- Rape: Engaging in non-consensual intercourse through force, threat, or fraud. Penalties depend on the age of the alleged victim. When victims are 18 years and older, you may face three, six, or eight years in state prison. Sentences are increased when victims are under 18.
- Sexual battery: Touching an intimate part of another person's body against their will. Penalties vary depending on the severity and circumstances. Misdemeanor charges can include up to six months in jail and fines of up to $2,000. Felony charges can lead to two, three, or four years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
- Child molestation: Committing lewd acts with a child under 14. This crime is punishable by up to eight years in prison. Where continuous sexual abuse of a child has been proven, prison time can be up to 16 years.
- Possession of child pornography: Having any pornographic material involving minors. Penalties include up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
- Indecent exposure: Willful exposure of private parts in a public setting intended to offend. Penalties include six months in jail and fines.
- Prostitution and solicitation: Engaging in or offering sexual acts in exchange for money. Penalties range from fines to incarceration.
- Sex trafficking: Coercing or transporting individuals for sexual exploitation. This carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.
- Lewd conduct: Engaging in sexual acts or behavior deemed inappropriate in public or visible areas. Penalties can include fines, community service, or imprisonment of up to six months, depending on the severity and circumstances involved.
What Sets Us Apart
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Free ConsultationsWe believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, which is why we offer free consultations.
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Trial-Tested RepresentationWith more than 60 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Martinez brings unmatched experience to every case, ensuring you're represented by a seasoned professional.
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Strategic ApproachWe believe in fighting for our clients with unwavering dedication and providing clear, strategic guidance every step of the way.
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Aggressive, Experienced DefenseWith 20+ years of experience, including 13 as a prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is known for his relentless, aggressive defense.
Sex Offender Registration in California
In California, mandatory sex offender registration is a legal requirement for individuals convicted of certain sex crimes. For example, convictions of rape, sexual battery, lewd acts with a minor, and possession of child pornography, require registration.
Offenders must register with the local law enforcement agency in their area within five working days of moving to a new location, being released from custody, or changing their name.
California uses a tiered registration system, which categorizes offenders into three tiers based on the severity of their offense:
- Tier 1: Requires registration for a minimum of 10 years.
- Tier 2: Requires registration for a minimum of 20 years.
- Tier 3: Requires lifetime registration.
Registrants must provide personal information, including their name, address, photograph, fingerprints, and details of their conviction. This information is updated annually or whenever a residence or other personal details change.
Certain information about registered sex offenders is made available to the public through the Megan's Law website, which allows people to search for offenders in their area. Failure to comply with registration requirements is a criminal offense and can result in additional charges, including imprisonment.
California’s Habitual Sex Offender Law
This law is designed to identify and track individuals who have a history of committing sex crimes. If you are convicted of a qualifying sex crime and meet specific criteria, you can be designated as a habitual sex offender. This designation can result in additional penalties, including lengthier prison sentences, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and GPS monitoring.
The specific criteria for being designated as a habitual sex offender vary depending on the type of sex crime and your criminal history. However, generally, those who have been convicted of multiple sex crimes or who have committed a particularly heinous sex crime may be eligible for designation. This is particularly applicable to severe offenses like rape, lewd acts with a minor, and other violent sexual crimes.
California's Three Strikes Law can also apply to habitual sex offenders. If a person has two or more prior serious or violent felony convictions, including certain sex offenses, a third conviction can result in a sentence of 25 years to life.
Why Choose Law Office of Mathew Martinez?
Our Sacramento firm focuses on providing vigorous defenses for individuals facing sex crime charges. We recognize the sensitivity and complexity of these cases, and our approach combines thorough legal knowledge with discretion.
Attorney Martinez conducts a detailed investigation to identify inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence. He then builds a customized defense strategy to potentially expose weaknesses in the state’s case, which can minimize legal repercussions and protect your future.
Reach us online or at (916) 318-5142 to consult our Sacramento sex crimes attorney about your case.
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Matthew is a great lawyer who understands his client's needs. Took me on when everyone was trying to bring me down. Did not give embellished ideas. Was straight, honest and concise. You can not go wrong Matthew. Thank you sir if I could give you a hundred stars I would.David M.
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Azul A.
I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez. He did everything he could to successfully represent me in court, and consequently, I was able to walk charge free due to Mr. Martinez's persistence. He is incredibly professional and dedicated, and as such, I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.
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“I myself have worked in legal services for over a decade with my own profession licenses and I rarely if ever come across an individual with his level of caring, attention to detail, and expertise.”Jeffrey H.
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“His experience as a DA puts him ahead of all others. He is a good honest attorney that can be trusted.”Dawn S.
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I would recommend Matt to anyone without hesitation. He went above and beyond to help me in a time of need, ease my nerves about the process and work professionally.Timothy M.
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“I wish there was option to give Mathew more than five stars because he truly deserves it.”Lala G.