Sex Crimes

Sex Crimes Defense in Riverside County: Protecting Your Rights, Reputation, and Freedom

Being accused of a sex crime in Riverside County is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. These charges carry not only severe criminal penalties but also permanent damage to your reputation, relationships, career, and standing in the community. Whether you are facing charges in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Winchester, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, Corona, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Banning, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Wildomar, or French Valley, the consequences of a sex crime conviction extend far beyond prison time. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, we understand that sex crime allegations are often based on false accusations, misunderstandings, or consensual encounters that have been mischaracterized. Our mission is to provide aggressive, compassionate defense that protects your rights and fights for your freedom.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in California

California sex crime laws are among the strictest in the nation, covering a wide range of offenses under the Penal Code. Common sex crime charges in Riverside County include:

• Rape (PC 261): Non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, fear, fraud, or with a person incapable of consent.
• Sexual Battery (PC 243.4): Touching an intimate part of another person against their will for sexual gratification.
• Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 288): Touching a child under 14 for sexual purposes. This is one of the most serious sex crimes, carrying mandatory prison time.
• Statutory Rape (PC 261.5): Sexual intercourse with a minor, even if consensual. Penalties increase if the age gap is significant.
• Indecent Exposure (PC 314): Willfully exposing your genitals in public for sexual gratification or to offend others.
• Child Pornography (PC 311): Possession, distribution, or production of sexually explicit images of minors.
• Sexual Assault (PC 243.4, 261): A broad category encompassing rape, sexual battery, and other non-consensual sexual contact.
• Solicitation of Prostitution (PC 647(b)): Offering or agreeing to exchange money for sexual acts.
• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (PC 290): Failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

Prosecutors in Riverside County aggressively pursue sex crime cases, often relying on the testimony of a single accuser without corroborating evidence. Understanding the specific charge you face is critical to mounting an effective defense.

Severe Penalties and Lifelong Consequences

Sex crime convictions in Riverside County carry devastating penalties that extend far beyond incarceration:

Prison Sentences

• Rape (PC 261): 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison. Aggravated rape can result in life sentences.
• Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 288): 3-8 years for a child under 14; up to life in prison if force or violence was used.
• Sexual Battery (PC 243.4): Misdemeanor charges carry up to 1 year in county jail; felony charges carry 2-4 years in state prison.
• Statutory Rape (PC 261.5): Misdemeanor or felony depending on age difference, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
• Child Pornography (PC 311): 1-6 years in state prison, with federal charges carrying even harsher mandatory minimums.

Sex Offender Registration (PC 290)

Most sex crime convictions require lifetime registration as a sex offender under PC 290. This means:

• Your name, photo, address, and offense details are publicly available on the Megan's Law website
• You must register with local law enforcement within 5 days of moving, changing employment, or attending school
• Strict residency restrictions prohibit living near schools, parks, or daycare centers
• Severe limitations on travel, internet use, and contact with minors
• Permanent stigma affecting employment, housing, and relationships

California recently implemented a tiered registration system under SB 384, allowing some offenders to petition for removal after 10 or 20 years. However, many serious offenses still require lifetime registration.

Additional Consequences

• Permanent Felony Record: Severely limiting employment, professional licenses, and educational opportunities
• Immigration Consequences: Deportation or denial of citizenship for non-citizens
• Loss of Custody and Visitation Rights: Family court will restrict or eliminate contact with your children
• Social Stigma: Permanent damage to your reputation and relationships
• Restraining Orders: Prohibiting contact with the accuser and their family

False Accusations and Wrongful Charges

False sex crime accusations are tragically common in Riverside County. They often arise from:

• Custody Disputes: A parent fabricates allegations to gain an advantage in family court
• Divorce Proceedings: Accusations are used as leverage in property division or spousal support negotiations
• Revenge or Jealousy: An ex-partner seeks to punish you or damage your reputation
• Regret or Embarrassment: A consensual encounter is later recharacterized as assault
• Misunderstandings: Innocent physical contact is misinterpreted by a child or third party
• Mental Health Issues: The accuser has a history of false allegations or psychological problems

If you have been falsely accused, it is critical to gather evidence immediately—text messages, emails, witness statements, photos, videos, and social media posts that contradict the allegations. An experienced attorney can expose inconsistencies in the accuser's story, challenge credibility, and present evidence of ulterior motives to get charges dismissed or reduced.

Strategic Defense Against Sex Crime Charges

A successful sex crime defense requires a thorough investigation, strategic legal arguments, and a deep understanding of California sex crime law. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, our defense strategies include:

1. Challenging the Accuser's Credibility

We meticulously investigate the accuser's background, motives, and prior statements. Inconsistencies in their story, history of false allegations, mental health issues, or evidence of ulterior motives can destroy their credibility.

2. Consent Defense

In cases involving adults, we present evidence that the sexual encounter was consensual. Text messages, emails, witness testimony, and the accuser's behavior before and after the encounter can demonstrate consent.

3. False Allegations and Ulterior Motives

We investigate the accuser's motives for making the allegation. Custody disputes, divorce proceedings, financial gain, or revenge can explain why someone would fabricate accusations.

4. Lack of Evidence or Proof

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is no physical evidence, no witnesses, and only the accuser's word, we argue that the charges are based on speculation rather than facts.

5. Constitutional Violations

If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search or your Fifth Amendment rights during questioning, any evidence obtained illegally may be suppressed, severely weakening the prosecution's case.

6. Mistaken Identity

In cases involving strangers or poor lighting, we challenge eyewitness identification through expert testimony on the unreliability of memory and identification procedures.

7. Forensic Evidence Challenges

We scrutinize DNA evidence, medical exams, and forensic reports for errors, contamination, or alternative explanations. Expert witnesses can challenge the prosecution's interpretation of scientific evidence.

Why Experienced Legal Representation is Critical

Sex crime cases are highly emotional, legally complex, and aggressively prosecuted. The consequences of a conviction are catastrophic and permanent. Attempting to navigate these charges without experienced counsel is a risk you cannot afford to take.

The Law Office of Nic Cocis provides dedicated, localized defense throughout Riverside County. We understand the local court procedures, the tendencies of the prosecutors, and the specific challenges faced by individuals charged in areas like Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee. Our goal is not just to mitigate penalties, but to fight for a dismissal, acquittal, or reduction of charges to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

If you are facing a sex crime investigation or charges, do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Your future depends on the decisions you make right now.