In Need of a Federal Sex Offenses Defense Lawyer in San Diego, CA?
At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our federal criminal defense attorney in San Diego, Patrick Griffin, knows that, generally, sex offenses are prosecuted at the state level in California. However, a sex crime will become a federal sex offense if the sex crime occurred on federal property, involved interstate activity, or is exceptionally severe, triggering federal criminal laws.
Our skilled San Diego County federal sex crimes attorney defends clients throughout California who are being investigated by federal agencies or have been arrested and are prosecuted by federal U.S. Attorneys. Federal sex crimes are severe and come with significant penalties that can compromise your freedom for extended periods.
Do not face them alone. Contact the Griffin Law Office today.
What are Federal Sex Offenses?
A sex offense is a statutory offense that makes it a crime to force or threaten someone into an unwanted sexual act.
Common types of federal sex offenses are wide-ranging and may include, but are not limited to:
- Aggravated Sexual Abuse.
- Child Pornography.
- Female Genital Mutilation.
- Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation.
- Interstate Stalking.
- Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
- Rape on Federal Property.
- Sex Trafficking.
- Sexual Abuse of a Minor or Ward.
- Sexual Assault in the Military.
- Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Federal law enforcement agencies, like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), often conduct prosecutions for these crimes. If convicted, you face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Contact our skilled federal sex offenses defense attorney in San Diego today to learn the extent of your charges and how we can help minimize the potential penalties by creating a customized defense strategy for your unique circumstances.
What are the Potential Penalties for Federal Sex Offenses?
The federal criminal justice system takes sex crime very seriously, and the ramifications of a criminal conviction can be devastating.
The possible penalties and consequences include:
- A criminal record reflecting a federal sex crime.
- Expensive fines.
- Extensive prison sentences – ranging from months, years, or decades.
- Increased difficulty in getting government assistance or public benefits.
- Increased difficulty securing housing, loans, scholarships, education, and employment opportunities.
- Loss of voting rights.
- Loss of your rights to own, carry or possess a gun or firearm.
- Possible deportation (non-U.S citizens) or inadmissibility into the United States.
- Restitution to the victim.
Federal sex crimes often carry mandatory minimum sentencing, meaning you will be required to serve at least a specified federal prison sentence if convicted. The more severe the crime, the greater the punishment.
In addition, individuals who are convicted of federal sex offenses must enroll in the national sex offender registration.
Federal sex crimes are categorized into three Tiers to differentiate between levels or seriousness of federal sex crime offenses/offenders and also determine the length of registration required:
- Tier I sex offenders must register for 15 years.
- Tier II sex offenders must register for 25 years.
- Tier III sex offenders must register for life.
Our knowledgeable federal sex crime defense attorney helps you navigate the federal criminal process and helps build a solid defense to help you avoid the far-reaching consequences of a criminal conviction.
What are Common Defense Strategies for Federal Sex Offenses?
Defending against federal sex offenses requires careful consideration of the specific charges and the unique circumstances of each case.
Common defense strategies that may be used in federal sex offense cases may include, but are not limited to:
- The sexual activity was consensual, and there was no force, coercion, or lack of capacity to consent.
- The prosecution’s ability to prove the requisite intent for the alleged sex offense.
- Insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution, including questioning the credibility of witnesses, disputing the interpretation of evidence, or pointing out inconsistencies in the government’s case.
- The accusations are false or motivated by revenge, jealousy, or a desire for financial gain.
- Present evidence that the accused was not at the location of the alleged offense when it occurred, establishing an alibi.
- Law enforcement violations, including illegal search and seizure or violations of the accused’s Miranda rights.
- Investigate and highlight any errors or flaws in the investigative process that may have affected the integrity of the evidence or the fairness of the proceedings.
Contact Our Skilled San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are being charged with a federal sex crime in California, contact our skilled San Diego federal criminal defense attorney to learn more about your legal rights, the best way to minimize your damages, and how we accomplish favorable outcomes for each of our client’s unique needs by calling 619-269-2131 to discuss the details of your case today. Do not leave your future to chance. We can help.
Related Links:
- How Sex Crimes Go Much Further Than Sexual Assault
- When Sexually Explicit Messages, Images, or Videos Become a Crime in California
