In California, it is illegal to engage in a sex act with a minor and to attempt to meet with one for lewd purposes. Under California Penal Code section 288.4 (PC), you can be charged with the solicitation of a minor, even if the other person involved was actually an adult. The laws concerning sexual […]
California’s Tiered Sex Offender Registry Laws
Being convicted of a sex crime in nature can be devastating. These offenses can destroy your reputation. Beyond that, even after you have served your time, you will still be subject to the California sex offender registry. Not all sex offenses involve mandatory registration under California Penal Code section 290 (PC). However, many people on […]
How Can Sex Offenders Get a Passport?
Sex offenders face some of the longest sentences of any convicted criminals because their mandated inclusion on the Megan’s Law registry means they continue to be punished long after their incarceration, parole, and probation are over. While California’s tiered registration system means not all offenders remain on the list for life, many still must register […]
What are California’s Laws Against Deepfake Pornography?
It may seem hard to believe, but up through 2024, it was completely legal to create AI-generated pornography, even if it depicts a child’s likeness. However, this will all change in 2025, thanks to a new slate of laws signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that target the sharing and creation of deepfake porn, namely […]
The Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault Crimes in California
The statute of limitations is how long prosecutors can take to file charges against someone who has committed a crime. In most cases, this deadline is based on the date the crime occurred, but it sometimes can be based on when the victim discovered that a crime occurred —in the event of a forgery, for […]
What is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)?
Under both state and federal law, some offenses are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning they involve serious dishonesty, fraud, or something morally reprehensible. While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences. Unfortunately, what crimes fall […]
It is Unethical and Illegal for a Therapist to Date Their Patient
When someone goes to a therapist or psychologist, they are often in a vulnerable state. As treatment progresses, they may start feeling attracted to their therapist, who comforts and supports them. But no matter how strong the attraction, psychologists, therapists, and other registered mental health professionals are expected to avoid engaging in sexual relationships with […]
What Can be Used in Court as Physical Evidence of Rape?
Forensic science is best known for solving murders, but forensics can also be used during a rape examination to collect proof that a sexual assault occurred. These examinations reveal evidence, including DNA samples, fiber fragments, fingerprints, and more. But just because the rape kit indicates that sexual intercourse occurred between two people doesn’t always mean […]
Human Trafficking Laws in California: 236.1 (PC)
Human trafficking is the legal name for slavery, but these laws aren’t limited to only involuntary servitude but also include forced sexual encounters. In fact, if you break California’s pimping and pandering laws and the prostitute in question is a minor, you could also be charged with violating human trafficking laws in California under Penal […]
Prositution and Solicitation Charges in California: 647(b) (PC)
Prostitution and solicitation of prostitution are two of the most common sex crimes in the world. The good news is that because these crimes involve two or more willing adults, they are considered two of the least serious sex offenses and do not result in mandatory sex offender registration in California. Even so, if you […]
