Being accused of aggravated sexual assault of a minor can turn your life upside down. You may be worried about your freedom, your family, your job, and what happens next. These are among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face in California, but an accusation is not the same as a conviction.
Karpel Law Group is an Encino criminal defense law firm representing clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and Southern California in serious sex crimes cases. Our attorneys understand that these matters require discretion, preparation, and a defense strategy built around the facts of the case.
If you have been arrested, contacted by investigators, or believe you may be under investigation, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early may help protect your rights before the case moves forward.
A conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child can carry life-changing consequences. The exact penalties depend on the facts, the number of charges, and the final outcome of the case.
Possible Penalty | What It May Mean |
|---|---|
State prison | A conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence, including a sentence that may extend to life imprisonment. |
Multiple allegations | More than one count or more than one alleged incident may increase the total sentencing exposure. |
Sex offender registration | Registration may last for many years or, in some cases, for life. |
Three Strikes Law | A conviction may affect future sentencing exposure under California’s Three Strikes law. |
Immigration consequences | Non-citizens may face immigration consequences in addition to criminal penalties. |
Personal and professional consequences | Employment, housing, professional licenses, firearm rights, family relationships, and reputation may all be affected. |
For many people, the long-term consequences are just as concerning as the criminal sentence itself. Sex offender registration can affect where someone lives, what jobs may be available, and how they are viewed in the community. Questions about future registration issues may also overlap with sex offender registration relief and tier modification.
Not every case begins with an arrest. Some begin with a phone call from a detective, a request for an interview, a report from a school or counselor, or a family dispute that turns into a criminal investigation. If you believe you are under investigation, our I Am Under Investigation page explains why early legal guidance can matter.
During the investigation stage, law enforcement may gather witness statements, review electronic devices, seek search warrants, or ask the accused to provide a statement. It is often best to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. Even statements meant to explain your side of the story can later become evidence.
If charges are filed, the case may move quickly into court. Your first court appearance is usually an arraignment, where the judge explains the charges, addresses release conditions, and sets future hearings. Serious felony cases in Encino and the San Fernando Valley may be handled through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, including the Van Nuys courthouse.
There is no single defense strategy that applies to every aggravated sexual assault of a minor case. The right approach depends on the evidence, the witnesses, the timeline, the relationship between the parties, and how the allegation first arose.
Karpel Law Group begins by reviewing the complete picture. Depending on the facts, our attorneys may:
Some cases involve questions about age, identity, credibility, or whether the evidence supports the specific charge filed. Others involve electronic evidence from phones, computers, cloud accounts, or messages. When digital evidence is involved, issues may overlap with computer and digital device seizure defense.
These allegations may also connect to other criminal defense issues. For example, some cases involve broader sexual assault allegations, possible child pornography concerns, family conflict involving domestic violence, or protective orders connected to restraining orders. Addressing the full picture helps the defense respond to every issue involved, not just one charge.
The first few days after an accusation or arrest can have a major impact on the defense. People often want to explain themselves, but quick reactions can create problems later.
Time can be one of the most valuable resources in a serious criminal case. Evidence may become harder to obtain, witnesses’ memories may fade, and prosecutors may begin forming their view of the case before the defense has responded.
Early legal representation can be especially important if charges have not yet been filed. A lawyer may be able to help you avoid unnecessary statements, preserve important evidence, and respond appropriately while the investigation is still developing. Our page on pre-charge and investigative defense explains this stage in more detail, and our upcoming page on pre-file investigation defense focuses on cases before formal charges are filed.
Karpel Law Group represents clients in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Studio City, Reseda, and throughout Southern California. Our law firm focuses on preparation, clear communication, and individualized defense planning.
If you are facing aggravated sexual assault of a minor allegations, or believe you may be under investigation, Karpel Law Group can help you understand your rights and options. We handle serious criminal defense matters with discretion, care, and attention to the facts.
