Answers from a Los Angeles Penal Code Section 288 Defense Attorney
What is PC 288?
Penal Code 288 PC makes it a felony to, for sexual purposes, either touch a child under the age of 14 or cause him/her to touch him/herself.
Facing Penal Code Section 288 accusations can be incredibly stressful. Defending against these charges correctly from the beginning can mean the difference between freedom and imprisonment for the accused.
If you or someone that you love are facing PC 288 charges, we can help you. Call us at (213) 377-6102 for a free case evaluation. One of our Los Angeles Penal Code Section 288 defense attorneys will discuss the case and possible strategies to get the best possible result.
What does the prosecution have to prove to convict someone of assault with a deadly weapon?
Penalties for Violating Penal Code Section 288
A violation of Penal Code Section 288(a) (no force used) is punishable by 3, 6 or 8 years in state prison.
If force was used (Penal Code Section 288(b)(1)), the penalty increases to 5, 8, or 10 years in state prison.
If bodily harm was inflicted (Penal Code Section 288(i), the penalty is up to life in prison
Defenses Frequently Used by Los Angeles Penal Code Section 288 Defense Attorneys
There are a number of ways to defend against a sex crime charge, such as:
False Accusation
All too often, those accused of sex crimes are victims of false accusations. A good Los Angeles Penal Code Section 288 Defense Attorney will show that the accusation is false by effectively questioning the accuser. Call us now at (213) 377-6102 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
No Sexual Purpose
If the contact is accidental or was not for a sexual purpose, the accused is not guilty of PC 288 charges. Demonstrating an accident or lack of sexual purpose requires a skilled PC 288 defense attorney.
Insufficient Evidence
Many times, the only evidence that a sex crime occurred is the word of one person: the accuser. A skilled defense attorney can attack the evidence. demonstrate that the word of one person is insufficient to convict someone of a sex crime. To discuss your case with an attorney, call us now at (213) 377-6102.
Fight Penal Code Section 288 Charges From the Start
You need to be prepared even before the first hearing to fight these charges and get the best possible result. A smart, aggressive criminal defense attorney can help you in key ways, such as:
- Meeting with the detective before the first court date to persuade him or her to drop the charges. (Often, the police arrest first and ask questions later. But sometimes all it takes to get the police to drop a case is for us to present my client’s side of the story);
- Arguing against raising your bail and taking you into custody at your first hearing. (This frequently happens if new charges are added or if the DA requests a bail increase);
- Getting felony charges reduced to misdemeanor charges;
- Filing time-sensitive motions, such as motions to suppress evidence and confessions;
- Working with private investigators to investigate the accuser and/or witnesses to uncover lack of credibility and bias; and
- Negotiating with the prosecutor for an outcome with no sex offender registration or jail time.
How a Los Angeles Penal Code Section 288 Defense Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been charged with a violation of Penal Code Section 288, we can help you. Call us at (213) 377-6102 for a free consultation about your case.
