Monterey Sex Crime Lawyers

Defending Our Clients Against Accusations That Can Destroy Their Lives

Any criminal allegations can derail a person’s life. However, few accusations can be as damaging for a person as a sex crime charge. As we’ve seen over the years, a mere allegation is often enough to ruin an individual’s life. In many cases, it seems as if there’s a presumption of guilt rather than a belief in “innocent until proven guilty.” And if this presumption results in a conviction, a person could find themselves in prison and permanently on the sex offender registry. However, a Monterey sex crime lawyer may be able to help.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our legal team has seen what accusations of sexual offenses can do to a person’s life. Even when it’s proven that allegations are false, it’s often difficult to remove this reputational stain. If you’re in Monterey, CA or any surrounding community, you have a right to legal representation when facing misdemeanor or felony charges. It’s important that you exercise this right. Contact our law firm today for a free and confidential consultation. You may have an uphill battle ahead of you, but we’re here to assist.

What Sex Crimes Exist Under California Statute?

When prosecutors charge someone with a sex crime, they’ll often overcharge. For instance, they may file charges alleging forcible rape even though they’re unsure if they can secure a conviction. The tactic is frequently used as a negotiation tactic for plea deals. This makes it important to understand all potential charges the state may bring against you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may find yourself accused of the following under California law:

• Date rape and forcible rape
• Lewd conduct
• Lewd conduct with a minor
• Child sexual abuse
• Sexual battery or sexual abuse
• Indecent exposure
• Statutory rape
• Possession of child pornography
• Forceful oral copulation
• Prostitution and solicitation

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our California criminal defense attorneys deal with these cases and other related practice areas. When you decide to work with our law firm, we’ll immediately begin to conduct a thorough investigation. We’ll review the prosecutor’s case to identify weaknesses, inaccurate assumptions, violations of constitutional rights, and anything else that can help us seek reduced charges, dismissal, or a not-guilty verdict on your behalf.

Regardless of the circumstances of your specific case, you need a defense lawyer who will tirelessly advocate for you — all the way from police interrogations to trial. Contact us today to discuss the matter during a free consultation.

Should You Make a Deal With the Prosecutor?

By spending years handling sex crime cases and related practice areas, our law firm has seen every outcome you can imagine. However, it’s important to understand that most criminal cases are resolved by plea negotiations rather than trial. In fact, those accused of sexual abuse and similar crimes in Monterey, CA will very likely receive a plea offer from the prosecutor. The District Attorney will probably claim that this is a lenient offer, but any Monterey or Salinas sex crime attorney can tell you that you shouldn’t take them at their word.

The reality of the situation is that prosecutors want a conviction on your record. In some instances, they may not have the evidence to secure one. In these situations, they’ll try to frighten you into accepting a plea deal — when, in reality, an attorney may be able to get charges dropped or secure a not-guilty verdict in court. The truth of the situation is that a plea deal may be the right decision in your case — sometimes even helping you avoid a severe punishment. However, you should never accept a deal without first having a Monterey sex crime lawyer review your case.

Contact the Law Offices of William V. Pernik today. We’ll work hard to defend you and help you understand all your options.

Why Is an Attorney So Important for Sex Offenses?

If you’re facing sex crime charges in Monterey, California, the deck is often stacked against you. In many cases, police and prosecutors are more focused on convictions than their duty to protect local citizens and secure justice. This is just one of the many reasons it’s so important to work with a sex crimes attorney in Monterey County. Even if the state says they’re not seeking jail time, the truth is that they’ll typically strive to secure the maximum charges and sentencing possible in your situation. Do not trust them to have your best interests in mind.

It’s also important to have a legal advocate on your side due to assumptions within the system. It’s rare that a person accused of a crime will immediately be presumed guilty, but that’s exactly what happens when an alleged victim comes forward with allegations of sex crimes. In such cases, it may feel like you’re building a defense against a system that doesn’t care about the truth. The consequences of going up against such a system alone can be dire — ranging from prison time and sex offender registry to reputational harm and loss of employment.

The evidence is supposed to guide criminal justice, but when it comes to accusations of rape and sexual abuse, this isn’t always how things work out. Make sure you speak with a Monterey County sex crimes lawyer before making any decisions in regard to your case. At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we’ll provide a free case evaluation and help you understand your options. From having charges dismissed to seeking Mental Health Diversion and other alternative sentences, we won’t stop working hard for you.

Contact Our Monterey Sex Crime Lawyers Today

When the District Attorney’s office charges someone with a sex crime, it’s important for the accused to take immediate action. Whether someone allegedly solicited a prostitute for services or is accused of rape, the penalties they face can be disastrous. Sex offender registration is often just the tip of the iceberg. Time in prison, lifelong reputational damage, an inability to find employment, and even living under the constant threat of wannabe vigilantes can create a disheartening reality. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be your reality.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our California criminal defense attorneys will work hard to avoid a wrongful conviction. We’ve seen what sex crime allegations can do to a person. Fortunately, you have rights under the law — even if police and prosecutors tend to forget this fact when sexual abuse charges are involved. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this alone. You can schedule a free consultation with our law firm — and you may even qualify for discounted services (e.g., current and former military). Contact us at (831) 480-9217 to schedule your case review.

Our Monterey sex crime lawyers are here to help.