As a trusted San Diego criminal defense attorney, Patrick Griffin and our team at the Griffin Law Office, APC, are here to help our clients navigate the significant legal changes that took effect at the start of 2025.

California’s criminal justice system is evolving to address the complexities of technological advancements and their role in criminal activities. These updates bring enhanced penalties, new offenses, and expanded protections, particularly in cases involving sex crimes and AI technology.

Below, we explain how these changes may affect our clients and how we can provide the defense you need.

Sex Crimes and AI Technology

Intoxication and Sexual Assault (SB 268)

SB 268 amends Penal Code (PC) 667.5(c)(24) to classify causing intoxication to facilitate sexual assault as a violent felony. This reclassification significantly increases the penalties for offenders, including longer prison sentences and stricter parole eligibility requirements.

What This Means for the Accused: As a violent felony, this charge limits plea-bargaining options, making a robust defense strategy critical. A conviction can lead to harsher penalties and a lifelong impact on your personal and professional life.

Our team will thoroughly analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and work to uncover inconsistencies or violations of your rights. We’ll fight to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that you receive the best possible outcome.

Digital and AI-Generated Sexual Content (AB 1831, AB 1962, SB 926)

The signing of AB 1831, AB 1962, and SB 926 updates PC 311 and PC 647, impacting the consequences of the misuse of AI and digital tools in creating and distributing explicit

These statutes now criminalize:

  • AI-Generated Explicit Content: The creation, possession, or distribution of obscene material involving minors.
  • Digitally Altered Images: Intimate images are altered to cause emotional distress to the individuals depicted.

These changes are designed to:

  • Protect Minors: Possessing or distributing AI-generated explicit material involving minors is treated as a serious crime with severe penalties. Prosecution focuses on the act itself, not just the intent to distribute, making defense strategies critical in these cases.
  • Address Digital Harassment: Altered intimate images designed to harm others emotionally are now explicitly criminalized. These charges may result in fines, imprisonment, and mandatory sex offender registration.

We meticulously evaluate the prosecution’s digital evidence at the Griffin Law Office to ensure its validity and accuracy. If intent is questioned, we work tirelessly to demonstrate the absence of malicious intent or knowledge. We also scrutinize how evidence was collected to ensure your constitutional rights are upheld at every stage.

Why Choose Griffin Law Office

Integrating AI and digital technology into criminal statutes creates new challenges for those accused of these offenses. Our experienced attorneys at the Griffin Law Office have the experience to navigate these changes effectively.

We provide:

  • Personalized Defense Strategies: Tailored approaches based on the unique circumstances of your case.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge: A deep understanding of emerging technologies and their role in criminal law.
  • Dedicated Advocacy: We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible results.

Contact Our Skilled San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Today

California’s 2025 updates to sex crime statutes highlight the state’s commitment to addressing the intersection of technology and criminal activity. These changes also raise the stakes for those accused of offenses involving AI and digital tools. If you or someone you know is facing charges under these new laws, contact the Griffin Law Office. We are dedicated to guiding you through these complexities, protecting your rights, and ensuring your secure future.

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