Sex Crimes Lawyer Los Angeles

All you have to do is open a paper or turn on your TV to find a smattering of sex scandals throughout the country. Unfortunately, this publicity has forced politicians and prosecutors to take a stronger stance on punishing alleged sex offenders. For those accused of a sex crime, this means more severe sentences and less likelihood of entering a plea bargain or striking a deal. Not to mention the public pool of jurors, who are inevitably tainted by the spoil of modern media, making it more difficult for the accused to get a fair trial.

That is why it is more important than ever that you get a skilled lawyer on your side right away. Contact Spiga & Associates today so that we can begin a swift investigation of the facts and circumstances of your case. Physical evidence deteriorates and witness’s memories fade quickly. We have certified private investigators that will immediately begin taking statements and collecting evidence so that we can build the solid defense you need and deserve.

Sex Crimes charges include:

• Aggravated Sexual Assault

• Rape, Including Date Rape and Statutory Rape

• Sexual Misconduct

• Indecent Exposure

• Child Molestation

• Sex for a Fee, Prostitution

• Massage Without a Permit

False Sex Crimes Accusations

People are falsely accused of committing sex crimes on a regular basis. Back in the 1980’s, Kern County was hit by the “day care sexual abuse hysteria,” centered on a group of individuals believed to participate in satanic rituals. At least 36 people were convicted for allegedly participating in the pedophile sex ring; 34 convictions were overruled on appeal and 2 died in prison without ever having the chance to clear their names. The district attorney on the case, Ed Jagels, was also sued by at least one victim of the false accusations. Nonetheless, he remained in office for almost another decade, until 2009.

It was later revealed that stories were fabricated and witnesses were coached. In one instance, the two young children of Alvin and Debbie McCuan were coached by their step-grandmother who had custody of them at the time. The children accused their parents of abuse and participation in a “sex ring” with another set of parents (the Kniffens) whose children also made claims of abuse. No physical evidence in support of the allegations was ever found, and the two sets of parents were convicted in 1984; they were exonerated some 12 years later, in 1996.

But this wasn’t the only instance of false accusations – to the contrary. Throughout the county, six similar cases were later discovered, all based on similarly fabricated stories. John Stoll, for example, was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for 17 counts of “lewd and lascivious conduct,” based on complaints by five young boys. One of the accusers, Ed Sampley, later told a reporter at the New York Times: “it never happened.” Sampley and three other former accusers finally did the right thing nearly 20 years later when they went to court and explained that Stoll had never touched them or caused them any harm. Stoll’s convictions were reversed and he was released in 2004.

When a sex crime allegation is made, emotions are triggered – everyone knows what sexual contact is (or should be) like, and everyone can imagine what a criminal sexual act might feel like. These emotions, however, have a blinding effect on prosecutors, jurors, and judges alike, and can cause them to make decisions based on that emotion rather than cold hard facts and truth. Then at trial, eye-witness testimony by an alleged victim only fuels the fire and without someone there to tell YOUR side of the story, chances are everyone else will be against you. The attorneys at Spiga & Associates are experienced in handling sex crime charges, and have an excellent track record in such cases.

Sex Crimes case results:

Not Guilty on False Molestation Charges (Case # BA322456):
In this case, the defendant was charged with the molestation of his three daughters. At trial, his daughters each testified to the terrible things their father allegedly did to them. Through intensive cross-examination and expert investigation, it was revealed that their mother, bitter over their pending divorce, had put the daughters up to accusing their father of molestation. The jury came back with Not Guilty verdicts on all counts. The defendant, who was looking at 20 years in prison, was released with time served.

Innocent Teen Found Not Guilty of Alleged Rape (Case # Confidential – Juvenile Defendant):
The client here was a juvenile charged with taking part in a gang rape in a high school bathroom. Carlo Spiga won the case at trial when a videotape uncovered by our investigator revealed the victim had lied about her activities immediately before and after the alleged rape. When confronted with the evidence, she admitted to the court that she had made the story up so she wouldn’t get in trouble with her mother. The client was released from juvenile hall that day.