San Diego Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer

Receiving charges or accusations for a severe crime can feel strange or overwhelming, but we want you to know that legal matters can be manageable. Those accused of statutory rape have the opportunity to utilize defenses and present arguments in favor of their side. Finding solid options for your legal battle and how to move forward can be invaluable during these challenging times.

If you have been accused of statutory rape, you don’t have to tackle legal matters alone. When you retain support from a San Diego statutory rape defense attorney like Pedro Bernal at Bernal Law, you gain outstanding assistance. We can aid you in reducing your potential penalties and the odds of being wrongfully convicted. Our statutory rape defense attorney was a former prosecutor, so he knows how the other side works and the strategies they use. He is also fluent in English and Spanish, so clients can easily communicate their needs and circumstances.

What Qualifies as Statutory Rape?

Statutory rape occurs when an adult makes sexual contact with a minor. The legal age of consent in California is 18 years old. This means someone may be charged with statutory rape if they participate in sexual conduct with an individual aged 17 or younger.

There are certain exceptions that exempt someone from a charge or conviction, including the legal marriage of the involved parties. Some defenses may protect an accused individual from severe penalties and convictions, such as the Romeo and Juliet law. This law determines that individuals with an age difference of no more than three years have an affirmative and effective defense.

Defenses for Statutory Rape in California

There are many potential defenses you can utilize if you have been accused of statutory rape in California. Using one or more of these in the appropriate combination and communication can efficiently reduce the penalties you face. In some cases, these defenses may also reduce the odds of your being wrongfully convicted of the accused crimes. The following arguments and defenses you can utilize to improve the outlook of your case:

• Romeo and Juliet law
• Good faith that the victim was of age
• You did not have sexual intercourse
• Marriage to the victim
• The victim was not a minor
• Mistaken identity
• Valid alibi

If you need assistance expanding on any of these defenses, determining which arguments apply to your case, and identifying new statements and claims that would improve your odds, we can help. A statutory rape defense attorney in San Diego from Bernal Law can help you with these and several other tasks related to your case.

How Can a Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer Help With Your Case?

We recommend you work with a statutory rape defense lawyer in San Diego whenever you are involved in legal matters, whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant. Retaining a statutory rape defense lawyer in San Diego can be extremely helpful in improving your odds of legal success, whether you have broken the law or are the victim of a car accident. A statutory rape defense attorney from Bernal Law can help you in many ways throughout your navigation of legal tasks, including the following:

• Providing legal knowledge and resources
• Negotiating within the legal system
• Recommending and referring helpful individuals and experts
• Speaking on your behalf
• Communicating with other parties and legal representatives
• Maintaining your legal schedule
• Collecting and analyzing evidence
• Joining or leading investigations
• Recommending next steps tailored to your circumstances
• Using defenses that improve the way you are perceived
• Lowering your potential penalties

Please refrain from representing yourself during legal matters, as retaining legal support from Bernal Law can help you avoid unnecessary consequences. Self-representation quickly leads to increased penalties, lengthier litigation, increased stress, and other adverse effects. When you contact us and retain our aid, you can improve your odds of avoiding these issues. You can spend more of your time and resources on other priorities that require your attention.

Contact Bernal Law Today to Get Support and Protect Your Rights 

If you have been charged with statutory rape in San Diego, you don’t have to stress about representing yourself during the legal battle. Bernal Law’s statutory rape defense attorney, Pedro Bernal, has extensive experience in legal matters, including serving as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office and the Special Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego.

Our clients get outstanding legal results when they work with us, and we can do the same for you as you navigate these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with your case, as we can help protect your rights. Please connect with us by calling (619) 736-9092 or completing the contact form on our website.