Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney in Riverside

Defending Clients in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Throughout Southern California

If you are facing sexual abuse allegations anywhere in Southern California, the consequences can be devastating—personally, professionally, and legally. California prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively, and even an accusation can lead to lasting stigma, loss of employment, and damage to your reputation. Conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and severe restrictions on your future.

At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, our defense attorneys have decades of experience handling complex sexual abuse and sex crime cases throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We understand how local prosecutors build their cases and know the unique procedures and expectations of Southern California courts. Our firm is known for its strategic, client-focused approach: we take the time to understand every detail of your situation, thoroughly analyze the evidence, and build a defense tailored to your circumstances.

Don't face these charges alone. Call (951) 574-2281 now to speak with a sexual abuse defense attorney at or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. 

What You Need to Know About Sexual Abuse Charges

Sexual abuse is a broad legal term encompassing a range of offenses under California law, often involving non-consensual sexual acts or acts involving individuals unable to give consent (such as minors or incapacitated persons). These charges are prosecuted vigorously, and the penalties upon conviction are severe.

Potential Charges and Penalties

California's Penal Code outlines various sexual abuse offenses, each with specific elements and potential consequences. Some of the common charges include:

• Rape (Penal Code § 261 PC): Defined as sexual intercourse with an unwilling participant by force, threats, violence, or when the victim is unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to consent. Penalties vary significantly based on factors like the victim's age, use of force, and prior convictions. Sentences can range from 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison, escalating to 9, 11, or 13 years if the victim is under 14.
• Sexual Battery (Penal Code § 243.4 PC): Involves non-consensual touching of an intimate part for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. This can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties ranging from up to one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine for a misdemeanor, to 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine for a felony.
• Lewd Acts with a Child (Penal Code § 288 PC): This is a felony offense for any lewd or lascivious act committed with a child under 14, or under 18 in certain circumstances, with the intent of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. Penalties can be severe, often resulting in state prison sentences of 3, 6, or 8 years, and potentially much longer for aggravated circumstances.
• Unlawful Sexual Intercourse / Statutory Rape (Penal Code § 261.5 PC): Sexual intercourse with a minor (under 18) who is not your spouse. The severity of the charge depends on the age difference between the perpetrator and the minor, with penalties ranging from a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail) to a felony (up to 3 years in state prison) and significant fines.
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (Penal Code § 288.5 PC): Applies when an individual continuously abuses a child over a period of time. This is a very serious felony with substantial prison sentences.
• Child Pornography (Penal Code § 311.11 PC and others): Involves the possession, distribution, or production of child pornography. This can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with significant prison sentences and lifelong sex offender registration.

Beyond prison time and fines, a conviction for sexual abuse almost always requires mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Megan's Law. This registration carries a significant social stigma and imposes severe restrictions on where you can live, work, and even visit, impacting every aspect of your life long after your sentence is served.

Potential Defenses Against Sexual Abuse Charges

Every sexual abuse case is unique, and the most effective defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and evidence. However, common defenses in California sexual abuse cases include:

• Lack of Consent: For charges where consent is a factor (e.g., rape, sexual battery), demonstrating that the alleged victim willingly participated. This defense often hinges on proving the accuser's credibility or presenting evidence of their behavior before and after the alleged incident.
• False Accusations/Fabricated Allegations: Unfortunately, false accusations can arise from various motivations, including revenge, jealousy, or a desire for financial gain. A diligent investigation can uncover inconsistencies, lack of corroborating evidence, or ulterior motives of the accuser.
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the accused may have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator. This can involve alibi verification, DNA evidence comparison, or challenging witness identification procedures.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A strong defense can highlight weaknesses in the prosecution's case, such as a lack of physical evidence, contradictory witness statements, or gaps in the chain of custody.
• Mistake of Fact (e.g., Age): In certain statutory rape cases, if the defendant genuinely and reasonably believed the alleged victim was of legal age, this could serve as a defense.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed.
• Procedural Violations: Errors or misconduct by law enforcement during the investigation, such as illegal searches and seizures, Miranda rights violations, or coerced confessions, can lead to the suppression of evidence or even dismissal of charges.
• Alibi: Proving that the defendant was somewhere else at the time the alleged crime occurred.

An experienced criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and build the strongest possible defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

Why Choose Us: Your Sexual Abuse Attorney in Riverside

Our firm has been dedicated exclusively to criminal defense since 1980, focusing entirely on protecting the rights of the accused. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Hands-On Approach: We provide direct access to seasoned attorneys, not junior associates, ensuring personalized and strategic defense for your case.
• Former Prosecutors: Our experience on both sides of the aisle allows us to build defenses that consider every angle, leveraging insider knowledge of prosecutorial tactics.
• Discretion & Confidentiality: Understanding the sensitive nature of these cases, we guarantee complete discretion, maintaining your privacy throughout the process.
• Unmatched Communication: We prioritize constant updates and transparency, returning calls promptly to keep you informed and involved.

At our firm, we recognize the emotional burden such accusations bring to both the accused and their loved ones. From our initial consultation, we aim to ease your concerns by clearly laying out potential legal outcomes and the steps involved in your defense. We believe this transparency helps demystify the legal process, empowering you to make educated decisions about your future.

Take Control of Your Defense Today

Your future is our priority. Facing a sexual abuse charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our firm stands ready to provide the support and robust defense you need, constantly keeping your needs and concerns at the forefront.

Reach out to Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon today at (951) 574-2281 to schedule a confidential consultation. We pride ourselves on personalized service, strategic defense, and a thorough understanding of Riverside’s legal landscape. Let us be the advocates who fight for your best outcome.