Sex Crimes

San Jose, California, Sex Crime Defense Attorney

An accusation of a sex crime is a highly emotional and often volatile situation - not only for the person accused, but for family members as well. The stigma and long-term consequences associated with a sex crime conviction, both legally and personally, are intense.

It can greatly benefit you to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charged with a sex crime. Early intervention can often change the course of a case.

Offering Supportive Representation Against Accusations of Sex Crimes

At the law office of Mesirow & Fink in San Jose, we understand the fears, stress and anxiety you are facing if you have been accused of a sex crime. We provide comprehensive, attentive service to meet your individual needs, as well as relentless advocacy on your behalf.

Attorney Charles Mesirow has been certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since 1977. A former senior prosecutor for the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, he has handled serious criminal charges from both perspectives and understands how decisions are made in these cases. He and our team of lawyers and staff can help you with both the criminal charges and the emotions of the situation.

We skillfully handle cases involving the following types of sex offenses:

• Indecent exposure
• Child pornography and Internet sex crimes
• Child sexual abuse or molestation
• Sexual assault/rape
• Solicitation and prostitution

California's Three Strikes Law and Sex Crimes

The Three Strikes law that applies to violent crimes also applies in sex crimes. If you have previously been convicted of two serious or violent felony offenses (even if they didn't relate to a sex crime), any additional conviction carries a possibility of a mandatory life sentence.

There is no time limit with regard to your third strike. If your prior offenses occurred 25 years ago, you could still face a life sentence if convicted today. Your third offense does not need to be a violent crime. It could be a violation of a restraining order or failing to properly register as a sex offender.

Because the consequences of a third strike conviction are so severe, it can give greater peace of mind to work with a highly experienced attorney who has handled many three strikes cases.

Sex Offender Registry

Most sex crime convictions require mandatory, lifetime sex offender registration, which puts your name on a nationwide Web site that would allow neighbors, employers and others to find out about your conviction. It also requires regular reporting to law enforcement. Violations of any of the requirements can cause you to be sent to jail or prison, and could trigger the California Three Strikes Law.

If you violated the registration requirement and are facing a return to prison, we may be able to help. In certain cases, we can also help people get their name removed from the Sex Offender Registry by obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation. This is available in only very limited situations. Call our office to learn more.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney at Mesirow & Fink

If you were arrested for or charged with a sex crime such as child pornography, solicitation or child molestation, contact Mesirow & Fink by phone at 408-286-1200, toll free at 888-312-2293 or by e-mail.