lewd act on a child

It was recently reported that a South Bay elementary school teacher was acquitted on ten counts of committing a lewd act on a child and one count of providing marijuana to a minor. The school teacher was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with her then 12-year-old godson, who was also one of her students. It was alleged that the relationship began in 2004 and lasted four years. If convicted, the teacher could face 19 years in prison.

The statute for California Penal Code section 288 states that any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for three, six, or eight years.

Sex crimes are extremely serious. A conviction can lead to prison time and being required to register as a sex offender, which can affect your job status, where you live, and your standing within your community. At Wallin and Klarich, our San Diego child molestation defense attorneys understand the serious and sensitive nature of a sex crime charge. Our child molestation attorneys have the experience and expertise to provide you or a loved one with a strong and aggressive defense for your case. We will help you understand the legal process and work to protect your rights. Please call us at (877) 230-1529 or visit our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.