Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer Advocating for San Diego Residents
Unwarranted allegations of a sex crime may seriously harm your personal and professional reputation. If you are being investigated for a sex offense, even if you have not been charged, it is important to act quickly. With over 30 years of experience, Roseline D. Feral is a seasoned San Diego sex crime attorney who understands the nuances of these cases and can build a strategy designed to minimize the consequences for you. People who are facing charges or the possibility of prosecution need to enlist a criminal defense attorney who knows all of the options that may be at their disposal.
Fighting Charges of Sex Offenses
Sex offenses include a variety of crimes. Some of the most common examples are rape, statutory rape, date rape, lewd conduct, prostitution, sexual harassment, sexual assault, child molestation, and child pornography. While some of these crimes are misdemeanors, others are serious felonies. A sex crime conviction typically results in being ordered to register as a sex offender each year for the rest of your life. In addition to the inconvenience and embarrassment associated with this requirement, it may greatly affect your ability to live in certain neighborhoods and work in certain places.
In any criminal case, the government has the burden to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant must be presumed innocent until the government meets its burden of proof. When deciding whether the government has proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, all of the evidence that was presented throughout the trial must be considered. If the government does not meet its burden, the defendant is entitled to an acquittal.
Under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a defendant also has the right to remain silent if they choose. This is known as the privilege against self-incrimination. The prosecutor may not compel the defendant to be a witness, nor may a judge or defense attorney force the defendant to testify in a criminal case.
In addition to asserting other constitutional protections, a defendant may be able to defeat charges of a sex crime by attacking the prosecution’s ability to prove any element of the underlying offense. For example, a sex crime attorney in San Diego may be able to challenge the credibility of a witness for the prosecution during cross-examination. Also, they may be able to piece together evidence and statements from defense witnesses to show that the defendant has a strong alibi, meaning that they were not in the place where the crime was committed at the time that it was committed.
Consult a San Diego Attorney for a Sex Crime Charge
A sex crime conviction unfortunately may have lasting consequences for your future. If you have been charged with rape, sexual assault, prostitution, or a similar offense, you need an experienced San Diego sex crime lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Roseline D. Feral, we can advocate for your rights at every step of the way. We also represent people in Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Jolla, Oceanside, Escondido, Ramona, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, El Cajon, La Mesa, Bonita, National City, Valley Center, and Vista, as well as other Southern California cities. To discuss your case in more detail, you can contact us online or call our office at 619-232-1010. Alternatively, you may contact Attorney Feral directly at 619-301-1191. She also can help people who need a theft attorney or assistance in fighting another type of charge.