Long Beach Sex Crime Lawyer

Long Beach Sex Crime Attorney

If you have been accused of a sex crime, you may be feeling isolated, lost, and unsure of what to do. Whether you are innocent or guilty, you have a right to legal representation, and hiring a Long Beach sex crime lawyer should be the first step you take.

Your lawyer can guide you from start to finish, protecting your rights at every step of the legal process. The lawyers at Gibbons & Gibbons listen to your side of the story, gather evidence, and create a compelling defense strategy that can help you achieve your desired outcomes.

What Counts as a Sex Crime?

The first thing you and your Long Beach sex crime lawyer will most likely do is evaluate your charges and determine what crime you have been accused of. The term “sex crimes” covers a wide spectrum of offenses, including but not limited to the following:

• Sexual Assault
• Rape: In 2023, the rate of reported rape in Long Beach fell within the state average.
• Sexual Battery
• Marital Rape: Marriage does not give an individual the right to force another to have sex against their will, so marital rape is considered a sex crime.
• Non-Consensual Sexual Activity: this can include molestation, groping, or forcing another individual to perform sexual acts.
• Statutory Rape: the rape of any individual under the age of 18 (Penal Code § 314 PC )
• Lewd Conduct (Penal Code § 647(a); Penal Code § 288 PC )
• Prostitution (Penal Code § 647(b))
• Human Trafficking: while human trafficking usually includes trafficking for labor, this is specifically referring to sex trafficking. This can easily become a federal crime if one has trafficked individuals across state or national borders.
• Indecent Exposure (Penal Code § 314 PC)
• Performing Public Sexual Acts
• Possessing and/or Creating Child Pornography

While certain sex crimes may be classified as misdemeanors, most are labeled felonies due to the traumatic nature of the crime. Sex crimes against minors, repeat offenses, and rape are a few examples of sex crimes that will lead to steeper punishment if one is convicted.

What Potential Penalties Are There for Sex Crime Convictions?

Depending on the crime you are accused of, as well as several other factors, the penalties for sex crimes cover a wide range. Usually, an individual convicted of a sex crime will be placed on the sex crimes registry. As of 2025, there are a reported 816 registered sex offenders living in Long Beach.

There is also the potential for prison time and monetary fines. The severity of the punishment often relates to the age of the victim, the circumstances of the crime, and whether or not it was a first offense.

Why Do I Need a Sex Crime Defense Lawyer?

Every person in the state of California has the right to legal representation and a fair trial regardless of whether they are innocent or guilty of the crime they have been charged with. Hiring a Long Beach sex crime defense lawyer is a wise first step to take.

You may assume that, if you are innocent, you don’t need a lawyer when talking to law enforcement or presenting your case before a criminal court, but this is not the case. It is easy for others to misinterpret your account of the event, especially when they are experiencing confirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs when someone decides they know what happened before seeing all the evidence, leading them to only seek out evidence that proves their initial theory.

It is easy for your words to be misinterpreted or twisted. Having a sex crime defense lawyer advocating for you from the beginning can help prevent you from making any detrimental missteps in your case. The team at Gibbons & Gibbons can help you build a strong case by listening to your side of the story, examining all of the evidence, and strategizing a defense that is tailored to your unique situation.

FAQs

How Can I Fight Sex Crime Charges?

It is in your interest to hire a sex crime defense lawyer right away. While you are legally allowed to defend yourself, you improve the odds of beating or reducing sex crime charges if you have a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side who can help you build a case and advocate on your behalf before law enforcement and a court of law.

Can a Registered Sex Offender Become a Lawyer in California?

In the state of California, registered sex offenders may face significant obstacles in their pursuit of any career post-conviction. You will likely not be able to work with juveniles, and you may face prejudice due to your past conviction(s). You will also most likely face scrutiny with background checks and fitness evaluations. Criminal charges can prevent individuals from obtaining professional licenses that are required to work in certain industries.

How Much Does a Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

The final cost of a sex crime defense lawyer in the state of California tends to vary case by case. For example, the overall cost may increase if your case is overly complex or takes a long time to achieve resolution. The law firm of Gibbons & Gibbons can help you build a case that brings you a meaningful, positive resolution and makes the time and money you spend worthwhile.

What Does a Sex Crime Detective Do to Build a Case?

When a detective works on a sex crime in the state of California, they do a variety of things to gather evidence and better understand the case. This can include interviewing the victim, the alleged criminal, and any potential individuals who may be able to share what they witnessed. In the event of rape, the detective ensures that a rape kit test is performed and will most likely collect DNA to compare.

Get Representation

Facing allegations of a sex crime can be an isolating and overwhelming thing to experience. You may feel lost and unaware of what to do next. Fortunately, you do not need to face your charges alone. Gibbons & Gibbons has lawyers ready to help you shoulder this burden. Your lawyer can advocate on your behalf, collect compelling evidence, and present their findings during your trial. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.