Lapine Law — Criminal Defense Attorney

Sex Crimes

Our experienced attorneys have the expertise to help those accused of sex crimes in California and are well-versed in the intricacies of the penal code.

Overview

How We Defend Sex Crimes Cases

Sex crime allegations destroy reputations before a single piece of evidence is presented. Registration as a 290 offender follows you for life — we fight to make sure that never happens.

We aggressively challenge interview techniques, forensic protocols, and the credibility of accusers, demanding that the State prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most sex-crime prosecutions come down to credibility. We use prior inconsistent statements, social-media history, text and DM threads, and witness corroboration to expose contradictions the jury would otherwise never see.

When DNA or SART exam evidence is in play, we retain independent forensic experts to re-examine the testing protocols, mixture interpretation, and chain of custody — areas where state crime labs frequently overreach.

Penalties You Face

What's at Stake

  • PC 261 (rape): 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison
  • PC 288 (lewd acts with a minor): 3, 6, or 8 years per count
  • PC 243.4 (sexual battery): up to 1 year jail (misdemeanor) or 2–4 years (felony)
  • PC 311 (child pornography): up to 6 years state prison plus federal exposure
  • Lifetime registration under PC 290 (Tiers 1–3)
Defense Strategies

How We Fight Back

  • Consent supported by communications, witnesses, and context
  • False allegations driven by custody, civil, or relationship disputes
  • Suggestive interview techniques (CSAAS / forensic interview challenges)
  • DNA exclusion or chain-of-custody breakdown
  • Mistake of fact regarding age (limited but viable in specific charges)
  • Statute of limitations under the revised PC 801 framework
Our Process

How Your Case Will Be Handled

1. Confidential Case Review

We meet — in person, by phone, or by video — to hear your side, review every document, and identify the prosecution's theory before it solidifies.

2. Independent Investigation

We send our own investigators after the witnesses, the surveillance, the bodycam, and the records the State would rather you never see.

3. Pretrial Strategy

Motions to suppress, Pitchess motions, expert retention, and negotiation — every lever pulled before a jury is ever empaneled.

4. Resolution or Trial

Dismissal, reduction, diversion, or a trial verdict — we prepare every case as if it will be tried, because the State takes notice when a defense lawyer means it.

Frequently Asked

Sex Crimes FAQs

Facing a sex crimes charge?

Call now for a free, confidential case review.

(951) 240-0030
Don't Wait

Every Hour Matters in a Sex Crimes Case.

Speak directly with Andrei Lapine. Free, confidential, and available 24/7 for urgent matters.