Making a Murderer: Understanding Sex Crimes in California
Despite its title, Netflix’s hit series Making a Murderer starts out with an in-depth look of a man falsely accused of a sex crime that landed him in jail for 18 out of his 32-year sentence. While later accused of murdering a different individual, the sex crime that Steven Avery was first accused of set the ball in motion for the decades-long criminal investigation that followed him.
Sex crimes are one of the most serious offenses an individual can be accused of—the social stigma against sex crimes makes an alleged sexual offender suffer personal, familial, and professional consequences. The best thing an accused sexual offender can do is to hire reliable legal representation right away to craft a legal defense and try to avoid a serious conviction with accompanying serious penalties.
California Sex Crimes
“Sex crimes” has a broad definitional scope, including everything from rape and prostitution to voyeurism or public indecency. Sex crimes span across genders and socioeconomic statuses and can happen between individuals in various types of relationships.
Crimes involving minors are particularly heinous and carry the greatest social stigma. Not only are those convicted of these crimes ostracized by their families and peers, but may be isolated in the criminal justice community as well. If these individuals ever do re-enter the community, they will likely need to register as sex offenders, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to find reasonable housing accommodations and job opportunities. Sexual offender registries in California limit the offender’s contact with children, living and recreational proximity to schools and public parks, and can strain personal relationships due to travel restrictions implemented against sex offenders.
Internet sex crimes are becoming more common in today’s society as technology advances as well. These crimes are arguably more severe than other types of sexual crimes, given the fact that most internet-related crimes will be charged federally. Federal crimes have among the most severe sentences and associated punishments. These crimes can include things such as webcam offenses, solicitation of minors, online solicitation of prostitution, sexting, and other things involving “anonymous” communication that may (intentionally or unintentionally) be between adults and minors.
Regardless of whether your criminal offense will be charged at the state or federal level, the charges against you should be taken seriously. If you were taken into custody for your crimes, it is important to consult with an attorney right away and understand your legal rights.
Arresting officers, correctional officers, detectives, prosecutors, and other state agencies have strict rules they must adhere to and failure to comply with these regulations may result in a dismissal or lessening of charges or sentencing. Prosecutorial and police misconduct, as we know from watching the chronicles of Steven Avery in Making a Murderer is something to watch for, as well. An experienced criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and all legal regulations are followed in your case.
Experienced Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney
Though many people who report sex crimes are true victims, there is always the possibility that the accused is innocent. At the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC, we listen to our clients and understand what is at stake for your life and your family. Attorney Vikas Bajaj will take all of his collective experience and resources and dedicate himself wholly to your case. Attorney Bajaj understands the severity of being accused of a sex crime and absolutely recognizes what is on the line for you and your future. If you or anyone you know has been accused of a sex crime in California, contact the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC at (619) 452-0293 to protect your legal rights today.
Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC
1230 Columbia Street Suite 565
San Diego, CA 92101
