What Rights Will You Lose if You Are Convicted of a Sex Crime in California?

by Ambrosio Rodriguez | Sep 09, 2023 | Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes
What Rights Will You Lose if You Are Convicted of a Sex Crime in California?

Being accused of a sex crime in California is terrifying. If convicted, you face severe penalties, including fines, prison sentences, and registration as a sex offender. However, you also face numerous collateral consequences for being a convicted sex offender.

Depending on the charge, you could lose several legal rights if you are convicted of a sex crime in California. Rights that you could lose after a sex crime conviction include:

Loss of Rights for a Felony Sex Crimes Conviction 

If you are convicted of a felony sex crime, you lose certain civil rights, including: 

  • Voting rights
  • Gun ownership
  • Parental rights
  • Jury service
  • Ability to travel abroad
  • Public housing and assistance
  • Employment in specific fields

You might not care whether you can serve on a jury, vote, or travel abroad. However, losing parental rights, government assistance access, and gun ownership can be devastating. Additionally, certain professions, including child care, law enforcement, and the military, ban felons from working in that field.

Registration on the Sex Offenders Registry

Many sex crime convictions require mandatory registration on the sex offenders registry. The information on the registry is a matter of public record. 

Therefore, prospective employers and landlords can search to see if you are on the registry. The registry is searchable by name or map search. As a result, you could lose the right to privacy and anonymity.

Search and Seizure Rights

Depending on the sex crime and the terms of your sentence, you could lose the right against unlawful searches and seizures. You might be subjected to being stopped and searched at any time. If you are serving probation, your home could also be subjected to random searches. 

Internet Restrictions 

The court could also order internet restrictions. You might not be permitted to use the internet at all, or the court could limit when you use the internet and the content you access.

Living Restrictions 

Your right to live anywhere you want is lost because individuals on the sex registry must obey strict rules for maintaining a specific distance from schools, daycares, and parks. If you are caught within the restricted area, you could be arrested for violating the law and/or probation. 

Other Consequences of a Los Angeles Sex Crime Conviction 

In addition to losing your rights, you face various collateral consequences for being convicted of a sex crime. Even though a criminal court judge might not prevent you from seeing your children, a family judge might.

Your ex-partner might petition the court to modify custody. They could ask for supervised visitation or no visitation. If you share custody, your ex might ask the court to grant sole custody. The worst case scenario is that you cannot see your children because the judge believes your sex crime conviction makes you unfit or dangerous.

What Types of Sex Crimes Could Result in Problems Outside of the Criminal Justice System?

Numerous sex crimes can result in losing your rights. Examples of California sex crimes include:

Sex crimes involving children carry some of the harshest criminal penalties for sex crimes. If you are charged with a sex crime, you can benefit from talking with a Los Angeles sex crimes attorney. There could be several options for defending yourself against the charges. 

What Should I Do if I’m Charged With a Sex Crime in Los Angeles, CA?

Stop talking to the police officers. Anything you say could be used against you. If you are being arrested, the cops believe you are guilty, so you cannot talk your way out of an arrest.

Instead, focus on how you will get out of jail and what you need to do next. You are not required to answer questions other than to identify yourself. Cooperate with the officers so that you do not add resisting arrest to your charges, but do not answer questions or make a statement. 

As soon as possible, ask for your lawyer. Call a Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney immediately. An attorney can tell you what you need to do next and begin working to get you out of jail pending your trial. 

Never try to contact the alleged victim or their family. You might have good intentions to talk and figure things out, but your actions could be viewed as stalking and harassment. 

Follow your lawyer’s instructions. Your attorney can help you develop a defense strategy to beat sex crime charges. If you have questions or concerns, contact your lawyer immediately. 

Contact the Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm of The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help

For more information please contact the Los Angeles Criminal Defense law firm of The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation, give us a call at (213) 995-6767 or visit our convenient location:

The Rodriguez Law Group – Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
626 Wilshire Blvd Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States