Fresno Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
Work with a Top-Rated Criminal Defense Firm
Being accused of sexual assault is a serious matter. If you are convicted, you could face life-altering consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender. However, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. With the help of a skilled and experienced Fresno sexual assault lawyer, you can fight back against the charges and work to get them reduced or even dismissed.
At Sawl Law Group, our legal team understands that being accused of a crime like sexual assault can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. That is why we are here to help. Our team is prepared to use every resource at our disposal to craft a strong defense on your behalf. We have an in-depth understanding of California’s criminal justice system and can help you navigate the process from start to finish. You can rely on us to provide you with the effective and aggressive legal representation you need and deserve.
If you have been charged with sexual assault, contact Sawl Law Group at (559) 205-7757 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
What Is the Definition of Sexual Assault in California?
In California, sexual assault is a type of sexual battery. Sexual battery occurs when a person touches the intimate part of another person without the person’s consent. The touching must be against the person’s will, and it must be done with the specific intent to achieve sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse.
Examples of sexual battery include:
- Groping
- Forcing someone to touch you
- Forcing someone to touch themselves
- Forcing someone to touch someone else
Sexual assault is a more serious form of sexual battery. It occurs when a person touches the intimate part of another person with the specific intent to commit rape, rape by a foreign object, or oral copulation. Sexual assault can also occur when a person touches the intimate part of another person with the specific intent to cause the person to engage in a sexual act against their will.
Sexual assault can be committed in several different ways, including:
- Force, fear, or threats: A person can be convicted of sexual assault if they use force, fear, or threats to commit the crime. Fear or threats can include threats of violence, threats of harm to the victim’s loved ones, or threats to ruin the victim’s reputation.
- Unconsciousness or intoxication: A person can be convicted of sexual assault if they commit the crime while the victim is unconscious or intoxicated and therefore unable to give consent.
- Impersonation: A person can be convicted of sexual assault if they commit the crime by pretending to be someone else. For example, if a man pretends to be the victim’s husband, the man can be charged with sexual assault.
- Consent obtained by fraud: A person can be convicted of sexual assault if they obtain the victim’s consent to engage in a sexual act by using fraud. For example, if a man tells a woman that he is a doctor and needs to perform an examination on her, the man can be charged with sexual assault if he touches her intimate part during the examination.
Sexual assault is a wobbler in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal record. If the defendant has a criminal record that includes a prior conviction for sexual assault or another serious sexual offense, they will likely face felony charges.
The penalties for sexual assault in California include:
- Up to 4 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Lengthy probation
- Restitution to the victim
- Required registration as a sex offender
Being convicted of sexual assault can also have long-lasting consequences for your personal and professional life. Employers, landlords, and others can see if you are a registered sex offender, which can make it difficult for you to find employment or secure housing. You may also be prohibited from living near a school, park, or other area where children are present.
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They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.
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"Corina is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend."Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.- Google Review - Brianna M.
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Sawl Law Group was great experience. They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one. I would recommend them to anyone.
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Sawl Law Group was such a big help to me. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a lawyer to them. I currently live in a different state and was unable to appear in court. Sawl Law Group stood in on my behalf. I was so grateful. In the end my warrant was recalled, and I was able to complete the stipulations of my case in my current state. This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service. My person of contact was Claudia, and she was very helpful, and informative. She answered all my questions, always contacted me back when a message was left, and was always available for me. She walked me through the whole process and I appreciate her support. I just want to thank my lawyer Michelle for working on my behalf and Sawl Law Group for helping me out when I most needed it. So if your searching for a good lawyer who would work on your behalf, please choose Sawl Law Group.
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"I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me."I retained the office to help me with some very serious charges that would hurt my career and long time goals. I was wrongfully accused of taking materials from a job site. I did not take them, this law office help prove my innocence. They helped me find an investigator for my case. The staff was always ready to help me and willing to go the extra step when I had questions. The Attorney later was able to get my case dismissed. I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me. I recommend Sawl Law Group if you want someone fighting for you.- Preston D.
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