Salinas Sex Crime Attorney

Fighting Sexual Misconduct Accusations in Monterey County

At The Worthington Law Centre, our criminal defense attorneys defend clients facing charges ranging from unlawful sexual conduct to possession of child pornography to aggravated sexual assault to rape. Contact an attorney at our Salinas or San Francisco law office for a free consultation. California State & Federal Sex Crimes We Handle

Our Salinas sex crime attorneys represent people accused of such criminal sexual conduct charges as:

• Forcible rape, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault
• Statutory rape or criminal sexual conduct with a minor aged 14 or older
• Sexual conduct with a child under 14
• Lewd and lascivious conduct
• Internet sex crimes such as solicitation of a minor or child pornography

We also represent people charged with violations of the California sex offender registration rules, including technical violations based on convictions from other states. Sometimes, we can help people with prior sex crime convictions get relief from the registration requirements.

Are you facing a sex crime charge? Call The Worthington Law Centre today at (831) 704-1852 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sex crime lawyer in Salinas!

Is Paying for Sex Legal in California?

It is illegal in California to pay for sex or sell sex for money. Prostitution includes any of the following actions:

• Exchanging money or something else of value for a sex act
• Exchanging money to solicit sex

The misdemeanor crime of prostitution by an adult is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. If the prostitute is under the age of 18, the crime is punishable by a $25,000 fine in addition to other penalties.

What is the Age of Consent in California?

In California, the age of consent for sexual intercourse is 18 years old. Therefore, any person under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to any type of sexual activity with an adult.

It is important to understand that even if both parties are under the age of 18, it is still a crime for anyone over the legal age limit to engage in sexual activities with someone below the legal age. Remember, the state does not have a Romeo and Juliet law, which prevents romantic and sexual behavior between individuals who are close in age from being charged with statutory rape and other sex crimes.

You Can Benefit From Our Proactive Approach to Your Defense

We use our experience and understanding of the criminal justice system to take early action against your criminal charges. We invest a lot of energy in your case right away. This clarifies the issues, exposes the weaknesses in the case, and builds an advantage for a favorable resolution of the matter before trial.

However, if we need to present your case to a jury, we know how to do so. Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law since 1977 by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization, Tom Worthington has been trying and winning cases since 1970, along with his team of outstanding and experienced Salinas sex crime lawyers.

Dismissing & Reducing Charges

Our Salinas sex crime lawyers aim to keep your exposure to punishment to the absolute minimum by expanding the range of options for a favorable resolution. First, we try to dismiss the case by showing the District Attorney’s office that it cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If the facts in your case will not support a full dismissal of the charges, we still negotiate with the prosecution whenever possible to have your charges reduced, making sure you are facing the lightest possible charges. If we cannot negotiate toward a plea agreement that you can accept, we will prepare for trial and move forward to win.