Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyers
Fierce Defense Against Sexual Assault Charges in Los Angeles
Approximately one in three women and one in six men have experienced some type of sexual violence in their lives, as reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A total of 8.5 million women have experienced sexual assault before the age of 18. Sex crimes such as sexual assault carry harsh penalties under both federal and California law. In addition to other serious consequences, a conviction could require mandatory registration as a sex offender.
If you are facing sexual assault allegations in Los Angeles, exercise your right to remain silent and contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. Head attorney Mark Werksman is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability, and recognized by Super Lawyers for outstanding success. Firm partner Alan Jackson has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict with a career success rate of 96 percent.
Call (213) 688-0460 for a free and confidential case evaluation today.
What Is Sexual Assault in California?
Sexual assault is defined as touching another person’s intimate parts against that person’s will for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse under the California Penal Code Section 243.4. Because this crime involves touching another as an essential element, the state uses the term “sexual battery” interchangeably with “sexual assault.” Although they are similar offenses, rape and sexual assault are different. Sexual assault is unwanted touching of intimate parts, while rape is unwanted sexual intercourse.
For the crime of sexual assault to occur, the following four factual elements must exist: The accused:
- Touched
- The intimate part of another
- Against that person’s will
- For a specific sexual purpose.
Sexual contact must have occurred without consent for this crime to have been committed. To consent, a person must act voluntarily and freely, without coercion or threats of violence, and be aware of the nature of the touching.
What Are Defense Strategies Against Sexual Assault Accusations?
Our skilled Los Angeles sex crime defense attorneys can create legal defense strategies to undermine the prosecution’s case against you. Common defenses against sexual assault include:
- Consent: If touching was consensual, you are not liable for the crime.
- False accusations: The alleged victim made false accusations against you. This can happen for reasons such as jealousy, revenge, leverage, or to gain an advantage in a child custody dispute.
- Lack of evidence: The burden is on the prosecution to prove every element of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. If evidence to do so is lacking, you should not be found guilty.
- Proof of innocence: You may be able to beat the charges by producing evidence that proves your innocence, such as an alibi or DNA evidence.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction?
Sexual battery is typically a misdemeanor. When aggravated, it can be charged as a felony. As a misdemeanor, this crime carries a jail sentence of up to six months (up to one year with an aggravating factor), a fine of up to $2,000 (or $3,000 if the victim was an employee), and mandatory Tier 1 sex offender registration for ten years.
Felony sexual battery is punishable by two, three, or four years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and Tier III sex offender registration. If the victim was seriously injured, three to five years could be added to the prison term.
Have You Been Accused of Sexual Assault in Los Angeles?
If you are dealing with sexual assault allegations or charges, you need an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. We have been fighting for the rights of our clients for nearly three decades, and our track record can attest to our success.
Our Los Angeles sexual assault defense lawyers never back down in the courtroom and are prepared to take every action required to defend your reputation and freedom.
Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP at (213) 688-0460 for a free, confidential consultation. It’s time to have an attorney on your side who knows how to win.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
