Sex Crime Lawyer in Vista

Fight Your Vista Sex Crime Charges Alongside a Former Police Officer

Sex crimes are prosecuted harshly by the criminal justice system in North County. Even a simple accusation that doesn’t end in a conviction can ruin one’s reputation, impacting your ability to attend college, your relationship with your coworkers, and how your family sees you. When you are facing charges or under investigation for a sex crime, talk to a Vista sex crimes defense attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Attorney James N. Dicks is a former police officer who is well-versed in how sex crimes are handled by prosecutors, as well as effective ways to challenge them. Our legal team can review the charges against you and build a strong case to protect your future. Get a free initial consultation by calling jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (760) 630-2000.

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Types of Sex Crime Charges You Can Face in Vista

Our legal team has handled a broad range of sex-related offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Attorney James N. Dicks is a board certified criminal law expert who is always on the cutting-edge of the latest defense techniques. He prepares each case meticulously, combing through evidence and thinking outside of the box. He has the experience and the knowledge to craft a creative defense for clients facing any type of sex crime.

We can defend sex crimes including but not limited to:

• Child pornography (possession, manufacturing, distributing(
• Child molestation
• Sexual exploitation of a minor (trafficking, sending illicit materials, etc.)
• Failure to register as a sex offender
• Lewd conduct
• Rape
• Sexual assault/battery
• Prostitution
• Indecent exposure

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Serious Consequences for Sex Offenders

California’s laws classify most sex crimes as wobblers, meaning you can face either a misdemeanor or felony charge. With a misdemeanor, you face the possibility of being imprisoned in a San Diego County jail for a maximum of one year and having to pay up to $1,000 in fines (though a strong defense may reduce your penalties to informal probation and counseling). With felonies, however, the penalties are far harsher: years in a California state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of the right to own a firearm, and a strike on your record if you are convicted of a serious crime like rape or sexual assault.

Any criminal conviction can result in prison and significant fines, but sex crimes convictions can also lead to restraining orders, a damaged reputation, and registering as a sex offender. The sex offender registry was once a lifetime punishment, requiring offenders to inform local authorities of their personal information, sometimes multiple times each year. If you moved to another county or state, you would have to register this information, some of which was available to the public. You may also have had to inform neighbors, employers, and housing officials of your status. Failing to register as a sex offender is still a criminal offense that could send you back to prison.

However, as of January 1, 2021, California uses a tiered system. Under this system, offenders who were charged with low-level sex crimes can petition a court to remove them from the registry after 10 years, and mid-level offenders can file a petition after 20 years. High-level offenders, however, cannot be removed from the registry.

The simple fact of the matter is that conviction for a sex crime can change the course of your life. However, you still have the right to a legal defense and should not hesitate to contact a skilled Vista criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options.

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Sophisticated Defense for Sex Offenses

Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we fully believe those words and have spent more than 30 years advocating for defendants through the North County area, Vista included. We know our way around a criminal investigation and understand the tactics the prosecution will use to convict you. If you bring us in to handle your case, we can craft a thorough defense on your behalf, which may include:

• You are facing false accusations.
• You had consent for your actions.
• The victim’s accusations are inconsistent and unreliable.
• The victim has a history of filing false claims.
• The prosecution does not have verifiable evidence.
• Law enforcement committed misconduct during your arrest.
• Law enforcement used entrapment to build a case against you.

In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with the district attorney before your trial to have your charges reduced through a plea deal, which may allow you to receive probation or avoid having to register as a sex offender. However, we may be able to have your charges dropped altogether, especially if the prosecution does not have a strong case.

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Representing North County and Beyond

Conveniently located across from the North County Courthouse, our firm has represented clients from all across Vista and North County, achieving positive results for many. Our Vista criminal defense lawyer can explain your rights during an investigation and advocate on your behalf in criminal court. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, we are ready to listen to your story and plan your defense. Contact us at (760) 630-2000 to get started.

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