Annoying or Molesting a Minor Charge in Los Angeles

Strategic Defense from a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

While it is a widely known fact that inappropriate contact with a minor under the age of 18 is illegal, what is less well known is that physical contact is not required to be found guilty of annoying or molesting a child. In many cases, words alone can be enough to put people in legal trouble.

California Law

California Penal Code Section 647.6 makes it a crime to annoy or molest a child under the age of 18.

Prosecutors must be able to prove these four elements in order to convict the defendant:

• The defendant must have engaged in some form of contact directed at a person under the age of 18
• A reasonable person would have been offended, irritated, injured, or disturbed by the conduct of the defendant
• The conduct of the defendant was motivated by an abnormal or unnatural interest in the minor
• The child was under the age of 18 when the conduct occurred

The terms of “annoy” and “molest” refer to crimes against children and suggest an act committed by the defendant as a disturbing and irritating act motivated by an unusual and bizarre sexual interest in children.

Examples of annoying and molesting behavior include:

• James offers to show pornography to his girlfriend's 11-year-old son
• Mark asks his son's girlfriend, 15 years old, whether she likes to have sex
• Johnny sits outside his son's school and watches the young teenage girls walk by as he makes offensive sexual remarks to the girls and grabs his crotch
• Matt goes to the local water park and takes photographs specifically of children's buttocks as they play in the water

Penalties for Annoying or Molesting a Child

Annoying or molesting a child is a misdemeanor in California. Individuals charged with this crime may face up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. These penalties are increased when aggravating factors are present. A felony conviction or any subsequent offenses could result in up to three years in prison.

Those with previous, related criminal convictions, including rape of a minor under the age of 16, lewd acts with a minor, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, or possession of child pornography can result in a six-year prison sentence. Under California Penal Code Section 290 PC, a conviction for annoying and molesting a child requires lifetime sex offender registration.

Possible Defenses

Some legal defenses can be used against charges of annoying or molesting a child. These include:

• The accuser was lying
• The accuser was mistaken
• The alleged misconduct was not likely to irritate or disturb a minor
• The alleged misconduct was not motivated by a sexual interest
• The child was manipulated or “coached” into making the accusation.

Aggressive Representation

A false accusation can ruin a person’s overall reputation, relationships, and career, and a conviction can rob a person of their freedom and future prospects. If you are facing allegations for annoying or molesting a child, you should contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately. By acting quickly (before you speak to law enforcement) you can provide yourself with the representation you need to defend your rights and safeguard your future.

Experience matters in these types of cases. Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners has over 70 years of combined legal experience handling sex crimes. Our ability to thoroughly analyze cases and prepare strong defenses has made our firm well-known and respected and has allowed us to secure excellent results for our clients.

Here’s how hiring us can benefit you:

• Expert Legal Guidance: Our skilled attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners are well-versed in the intricacies of California law regarding allegations of annoying or molesting a minor. We can provide you with clear, knowledgeable guidance on how to handle the charges, from understanding the legal definitions to navigating the court process.
• Protecting Your Rights: Facing allegations of this nature can be overwhelming and stressful. We are committed to safeguarding your rights throughout the legal proceedings. Our team will ensure that you are treated fairly and that your constitutional rights are upheld, whether you are dealing with police questioning, court appearances, or negotiations with the prosecution.
• Strategic Defense Planning: We will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. This includes gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying any legal defenses that may apply to your case. Our goal is to build a strong defense that addresses the charges against you effectively.
• Minimizing Legal Consequences: A conviction for annoying or molesting a minor can have severe consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our attorneys will strive to minimize these consequences by exploring all possible avenues for reducing charges, negotiating plea deals, or seeking alternative sentencing options.
• Emotional Support and Guidance: Dealing with allegations of this nature can be emotionally taxing. We understand the impact these charges can have on your personal and professional life. Our team is here to offer support and reassurance, guiding you through each step of the legal process with empathy and professionalism.
• Ensuring a Fair Trial: If your case goes to trial, we are prepared to vigorously represent you in court. We will present your case effectively, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair trial.
• Handling All Legal Aspects: From filing necessary legal documents to representing you in court, we handle all aspects of your case. This allows you to focus on your personal life while we manage the legal complexities.

To learn more about how Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners may be able to help your case, call us today for a confidential, free consultation: (213) 481-6811.