Facing Child Molestation Charges?
Contact Us Now.

Our team has successfully defended against serious child molestation allegations in Chula Vista. We approach these sensitive cases with discretion and determined advocacy.

If You’ve Been Accused of Child Molestation in Chula Vista...

Even before charges are filed, your reputation, family, and future are under attack. California prosecutors don’t wait on evidence—they move fast on allegations alone. These cases carry prison time, mandatory registration, and a permanent label that never fades. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt. You need serious legal defense now—before this becomes a conviction.

TALK TO A LAWYER

Chula Vista Child Molestation Defense

Facing child molestation charges in Chula Vista can feel like your world is crumbling around you. The mere accusation can shatter relationships, destroy reputations, and jeopardize your entire future. In these dark moments, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a staunch advocate who understands the nuances of California law and the local Chula Vista court system.

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve stood beside numerous clients facing the storm of child molestation allegations. We know the fear, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming sense of isolation that comes with such charges. But we also know that an accusation is not a conviction and that with the right defense strategy, there’s hope.

Child Molestation Charges in California

Child molestation, often legally referred to as “lewd or lascivious acts with a minor,” is primarily covered under California Penal Code Section 288. This law criminalizes any sexual touching of a child under the age of 14, even if the touching occurs over clothing. It’s a broad statute, and its interpretation can sometimes lead to charges in situations where no harm was intended.

Types of Child Molestation Offenses

Child molestation isn’t a one-size-fits-all charge. Depending on the specific allegations you might be facing:

• Lewd acts with a minor (California Penal Code 288)
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child (California Penal Code 288.5)
• Oral copulation with a minor (California Penal Code 287)

Each of these charges carries its own set of elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding the nuances between these charges is crucial for building an effective defense strategy.

Severity of Penalties

The potential consequences of a child molestation conviction are severe. Depending on the specific charge and circumstances, you could be looking at:

• Prison sentences ranging from 3-8 years for a single offense, up to 16 years for continuous abuse
• Mandatory registration as a sex offender, often for life

These penalties don’t just affect your immediate freedom – they can impact every aspect of your life going forward, from where you can live to what jobs you can hold.

The Nuisances of Child Abuse Cases

Child molestation cases are rarely straightforward. They’re often fraught with emotional testimony, complex evidence, and challenging legal hurdles. Let’s dive into some of the unique aspects of these cases:

False Accusations and Their Impacts

It’s an unfortunate reality, but false accusations of child molestation do occur. Sometimes they stem from misunderstandings, other times from custody battles or personal vendettas. Regardless of the source, false accusations can be devastating. Even if you’re eventually cleared, the stigma can linger, affecting your relationships, career, and mental health.

Challenges in Evidence Gathering and Interpretation

Unlike many other crimes, child molestation cases often lack physical evidence. They frequently rely on testimony – often from young children – which can be inconsistent or influenced by adult suggestions. Interpreting this evidence requires a delicate balance of legal knowledge and psychological understanding.

The Role of Child Protective Services in Chula Vista

When allegations of child abuse surface in Chula Vista, Child Protective Services (CPS) often gets involved. While their primary goal is to protect children, their involvement can complicate your case. CPS investigations can influence criminal proceedings, and navigating both systems simultaneously requires experienced legal guidance.

Accused of Child Molestation? Lawyer Up Now

TALK TO A LAWYER

Our Approach to Child Molestation Defense

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we don’t just defend cases – we defend people. Our approach is comprehensive, compassionate, and, above all, strategic. Here’s how we tackle these challenging cases:

Thorough Case Evaluation and Investigation

We leave no stone unturned. Our team meticulously reviews every piece of evidence, from initial reports to medical examinations. We interview witnesses, consult with experts, and dig deep into the circumstances surrounding the allegations. This thorough approach often uncovers inconsistencies or alternative explanations that can be crucial to your defense.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

Defending against child molestation charges requires more than just poking holes in the prosecution’s case. We build a proactive defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. This might involve:

• Challenging the validity of evidence, especially if proper protocols weren’t followed
• Exploring potential motives for false accusations
• Analyzing witness credibility, including the use of expert testimony on child psychology and memory

Negotiating with Prosecutors

Sometimes, the best outcome doesn’t come from a trial. Our established relationships with local prosecutors in Chula Vista and San Diego County allow us to negotiate effectively. We may be able to get charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on the strength of the evidence against you.

Aggressive Courtroom Representation

If your case does go to trial, you can rest assured that you’ll have a fierce advocate by your side. We’re not afraid to challenge the prosecution’s narrative, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling case for your innocence.

Related Sex Crimes We Defend

While our focus here is on child molestation defense, we also handle a range of related sex crime charges, including:

• Child pornography possession or distribution
• Statutory rape
• Indecent exposure involving minors
• Internet sex crimes targeting children

Each of these charges requires a unique approach, but our commitment to vigorous defense remains constant across all cases.

Long-Term Consequences of Child Molestation Convictions

The ramifications of a child molestation conviction extend far beyond any jail time served. They can affect virtually every aspect of your life:

• Criminal Record: A felony conviction can limit job opportunities and civil rights.
• Professional Licensing: Many professions will revoke licenses upon conviction.
• Housing: Sex offender registration can severely restrict where you can live.
• Family Relationships: Convictions often lead to loss of custody or visitation rights.

This is why it’s crucial to fight these charges with everything you’ve got – the stakes are simply too high to do otherwise.

Why Choose David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys

When you’re facing child molestation charges in Chula Vista, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that understands the local legal landscape and has a track record of success in these challenging cases.

Our firm brings years of experience defending against sex crime charges throughout San Diego County. We understand the nuances of California law, the tendencies of local prosecutors, and the most effective defense strategies for these sensitive cases.

But beyond our legal acumen, we offer something equally important – compassion and support. We know you’re going through one of the most difficult experiences of your life. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the guidance you need during this tumultuous time.

Contact Our Chula Vista Child Molestation Defense Attorneys

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.

The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.

California Central Courthouse

City courthouse in San Diego, California

• Address:1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101
• Hours: Open – Closed 4PM
• Phone:(619) 844-2700