Santa Ana Sex Crimes Lawyer
Santa Ana Sex Crimes Attorney
California’s sex crime laws exist to protect the public and give victims an avenue to recover from their experiences in any way possible. These strict laws can leave those accused facing harsh consequences that can follow them for the rest of their lives. As a Santa Ana sex crimes lawyer, the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, is committed to protecting those going up against the California criminal justice system.
Our Santa Ana criminal defense lawyers have years of experience navigating state sex crime laws. We know how much is on the line for those facing charges, and we want to help them secure a fair outcome whenever possible.
Navigating California’s Sex Crime Laws
Sexual violence is a serious public health issue that can negatively affect people of all ages and genders. In 2025, Orange County alone. Out of 66,662 criminal cases reported in fiscal year 2025, 1,409 involved some form of sexual abuse. California’s sex crime laws encompass a wide range of distinct offenses, all of which can result in serious penalties, including:
- Hefty fines and legal fees
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Time in jail or prison
There are more than 104,000 registered sex offenders living in California. Sex crime cases are prosecuted by the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and are handled through the Central Justice Center of the Superior Court of Orange County.
You can count on a Santa Ana assault and battery attorney from the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, to know how to navigate these aspects of your criminal case and help you form the right defense against your charges.
California’s Updated Sex Crime Laws
Recently, California legislation regarding sex offenders has been updated to increase protections for sexual assault survivors and improve safety on college campuses. Senate Bill 1056 established new privacy protections for victims.
Furthermore, Assembly Bill 1845 now requires postsecondary schools to adopt policies and training on identifying sex crimes, including human trafficking. Another key update to sex crime laws to know about is SB 680, which effectively eliminated a legal exemption for mandatory registration.
Keeping all of California’s sex crime laws straight can be difficult. That’s why it’s recommended that you hire a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer to represent you throughout the process.
Why Work With a Santa Ana Criminal Defense Attorney?
A Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the charges against you and open their own investigation in order to protect your rights and freedoms throughout the process. The Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, has been helping Californians navigate complex criminal charges for decades. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Attorney Christopher McCann is confident he can help you through your case.
Over the years, our firm has built a stellar reputation:
- 10.0 Avvo Rating
- Avvo Clients’ Choice Award winner
- BBB-accredited and A+ rated
- High rating on Google
- Lead Counsel Verified
- Peer-rated as AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Rated by Super Lawyers*
You can count on us to be by your side through every stage of your criminal case. From pre-trial procedures to litigation in the Central Justice Center of the Superior Court of Orange County, we’ve got you covered with the services and support you deserve.
FAQs About Santa Ana, CA Sex Crimes Laws
Are Sex Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies Under California Law?
Sex crimes can be misdemeanors and felonies under California law. They are known as “wobbler” crimes, which can be charged at either level based on the serious nature of the crime and the prosecutor’s discretion. Examples of misdemeanor sex crimes include indecent exposure and simple sexual battery.
Felony sex crimes carry more serious penalties. Examples of felony sex crimes include:
- Forcible penetration
- Lewd or lascivious acts with a child
- Possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
- Rape
- Sodomy
How Do I Defend Against Sex Crime Charges in Santa Ana?
How you defend against sex crime charges in Santa Ana depends on the details of the charges against you. There are a number of defensive strategies to consider in a sex crime case. Some possible strategies that your Santa Ana sex crimes lawyer may discuss with you include:
- Alibi
- Challenging credibility
- Consent
- False allegations
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
The most successful defenses are custom tailored to the facts of the specific case.
Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender if I’m Convicted for a Sex Crime in Santa Ana?
Yes, you typically have to register as a sex offender if you’re convicted of a sex crime in Santa Ana. California uses a three-tiered sex offender registry. Registrants are placed in a tier based on the serious nature of the crime and the offender’s likelihood to re-commit.
Tier one is for minor offenses and carries a mandatory 10-year registration period. Tier two carries a 20-year registration period. Tier three is for the most serious offenses and carries a lifetime registration.
Is It Possible to Have a Sex Crime Charge Dropped in Santa Ana?
Yes, a sex crime charge could be dropped in Santa Ana. That said, it’s going to be difficult to do so successfully. California imposes strict sex crime laws to protect victims. While these laws leave little to no wiggle room for the accused, it may be possible to have your charges dropped if you form a strong enough defense. The goal is to create enough reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s claims.
Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Santa Ana to Protect Your Freedom Throughout a Criminal Case
The Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, is proud to represent our clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California. As a local law firm, we’re deeply familiar with California sex crime laws. We know how to form the right legal strategy you need through every stage of your case.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact us to set up an appointment with a member of our team today. Our office is located right here in Santa Ana off I-5. We also have another location in Lakewood.
*Industry awards and accolades don’t guarantee positive case outcomes for our clients. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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