Sex with a Minor

Temecula Sex with a Minor Defense Lawyer

Charged with Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor in Riverside County?

Criminal allegations involving sex with a minor are serious sex crime charges that can arise as the result of various circumstances. Often known as statutory rape, this offense is outlined under § 261.5 of the California Penal Code, where it is referred to as unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. As established by the statute, it is illegal for any person who is at least 18 years of age to commit an act of intercourse with a person who is under the age of 18. An offense that many people have difficulty fully understanding — especially if the accused and alleged victim are very close in age — unlawful sex with a minor is a crime submerged in a veritable gray area of misunderstanding and social stigma. Even if consensual or initiated by the minor, sex with a minor is still a criminal offense for the person age 18 or older.

If you or a loved one have been accused of this serious crime, do not hesitate in contacting our Temecula sex with a minor defense attorney.

Strong Defense Strategies for Nuanced Charges

Although certain offenses may warrant criminal prosecution, the fact remains that teenagers are sexually active and that these types of situations occur every day. Teenagers in a long-term relationship, for example may become sexually active when one partner is 18 and the other is still a minor. Opinions about these cases in terms of whether and how to prosecute them can vary greatly, as can defense strategies.

Other claims of statutory rape may arise as the result of false accusations by a minor or minor's family member or a reasonable belief on the part of the person 18 or older that a minor was at least 18 years old. Whatever the case may be, anyone facing allegations of sex with a minor in Riverside County should understand that allegations of this criminal offense are taken seriously and they pose significant penalties upon conviction.

Possible Penalties for a Conviction

Penalties for sex with a minor vary depending on the circumstances involved. Of these circumstances, the age difference between the adult and the minor often plays the largest role. Less than a three-year age difference will typically result in a misdemeanor offense, whereas more than a three-year age difference can result in felony charges. Again, depending on the facts surrounding the case, penalties may range from limited fines to up to three years in state prison.

If the minor is transported across state lines for the purposes of engaging in a sexual act, the case may be subject to federal jurisdiction. Having defended numerous clients from a variety of sex crime charges, Attorney Nic Cocis knows that the stigma attached to sex crime allegations and convictions. A proven attorney with years of criminal law experience, he has the tools, resources, and commitment needed to protect your rights at all stages of the legal process.

Hire an Experienced Temecula Sex with a Minor Defense Lawyer to Fight for You

If you or your loved one has recently been charged with unlawful sex with a minor, the time to act is now. By taking a proactive approach to your defense, you can provide Attorney Nic Cocis and our legal team the time needed to listen to your story, gather and secure evidence, and create a sound defense.

Backed by years of experience, Attorney Cocis is prepared to defend clients against even the most serious and challenging sex crime allegations. Trust your case to an attorney who can effectively fight for your future.

Our law firm represents individuals facing criminal charges arising out of the Riverside County cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Hemet, Banning, Corona, and Riverside.

Contact the Law Office of Nic Cocis today.

Real Cases. Real Results. 

See How We Have Helped Other People In Your Shoes
  • Theft and 7 Felonies Probation and One Year in Custody
  • Theft Crime Probation & House Arrest
  • Trafficking 2000 lbs. (1 ton) of Marijuana and Child Endangerment Marijuana Charge Dismissed
  • Transportation of 5 Pounds of Meth 180 days of Caltrans work. Avoided prison.
  • Warrant Issued in Violation of the 4th Amendment Case Dismissed
  • Young Adult Accused of Felony Sex Offenses Probation and Avoided Registration
  • $360,000 in Asset Forfeiture From Burglary DA's Office Ordered to Return Money to Victims
  • 100 lbs. of Marijuana with Intent to Sell Criminal Charges Not Filed
  • 2 lbs. of Marijuana with Intent To Sell Drug Diversion
  • 3rd DUI While on Probation for 2nd DUI Avoided Lengthy Jail Sentence
/

Testimonials

Hear From Our Past Clients
    So Thankful For All You've Done!

    “Nic, I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your guidance and concern. It really means so much that you took the time to meet with us and are continuing, even now to help us. There aren't even ...”

    - J.D.
    I'm So Pleased That I Met You!

    “Thank you for all your help with my court trial. Your endless hours and preparation proved to be as successful as possible. No matter what the outcome will be I want you to know how much I appreciate ...”

    - M.L.
    Amazing Attorney & Genuinely Nice Guy!

    “Nic, I cannot even put into words the amount of gratitude I have. You are an amazing attorney and a genuinely nice guy. I have no doubt without your hard work and determination my case would have ...”

    - F.D.
    Always Showed Amazing Patience!

    “Thank you so much for representing me in my recent case. So glad the charge reduction was a success as well! I paid the fine online so I believe I can close this chapter in my life. I would be remiss ...”

    - C.A.
    Thankful For You and All You Have Done!

    “Nic, I couldn't even begin to find the words to say how thankful I am for you and all you have done for me and my mom. I am so grateful. If there is anything at all that I can do for you please don't ...”

    - R.D.

Begin Building Your Defense 

Get Started With A Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.