Forensic science is best known for solving murders, but forensics can also be used during a rape examination to collect proof that a sexual assault occurred. These examinations reveal evidence, including DNA samples, fiber fragments, fingerprints, and more. But just because the rape kit indicates that sexual intercourse occurred between two people doesn’t always mean […]
Human Trafficking Laws in California: 236.1 (PC)
Human trafficking is the legal name for slavery, but these laws aren’t limited to only involuntary servitude but also include forced sexual encounters. In fact, if you break California’s pimping and pandering laws and the prostitute in question is a minor, you could also be charged with violating human trafficking laws in California under Penal […]
Will a Case Get Dropped if a Victim Refuses to Testify?
Many cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and sexual assault, come down to the alleged victim’s word versus the word of the accuser. Because these charges depend on the accuser’s testimony, courts have to balance the risks of further traumatizing the victim with the rights of the defendant to face their accuser in court and […]
What Age Can You Get Married in California?
The age of consent in California is 18. Oddly, while you have to be 18 to get married without your parent’s permission, you can marry at any age as long as you have parental consent —and those who are legally married are excluded from the state’s statutory rape laws. Here’s what you should know about […]
It is Unethical and Illegal for a Therapist to Date Their Patient
When someone goes to a therapist or psychologist, they are often in a vulnerable state. As treatment progresses, they may start feeling attracted to their therapist, who comforts and supports them. But no matter how strong the attraction, psychologists, therapists, and other registered mental health professionals are expected to avoid engaging in sexual relationships with […]
Non-Consensual Condom Removal, AKA “Stealthing,” is Illegal in California
A new law will add the act of “stealthing” to the California civil code, but not the criminal code. Here’s what that means for the victims and the accused party.
San Diego Unlawful Sodomy Attorney
Sodomy is essentially a fancy name for anal sex. While consensual sodomy is legal, when one party does not consent, it is a crime under California Penal Code 286 (PC). The consequences for forceful sodomy or the sodomy of a child are similar to those for forceful oral copulation, rape with a foreign object, and […]
Prositution and Solicitation Charges in California: 647(b) (PC)
Prostitution and solicitation of prostitution are two of the most common sex crimes in the world. The good news is that because these crimes involve two or more willing adults, they are considered two of the least serious sex offenses and do not result in mandatory sex offender registration in California. Even so, if you […]
CA Penal Code 289 (PC): Forcible Sexual Penetration With a Foreign Object
In California, forced sex charges aren’t limited to acts involving rape with a penis. They can also include acts of oral copulation by force or fear or an act of non-consensual sexual penetration with an object, including another body part. Forcible penetration with a foreign object is a sex crime under California Penal Code section 289 (PC), and the offense carries serious criminal […]
Fighting Pimping and Pandering Charges in California
In Hollywood movies, a pimp is someone who forces someone to sell their body for sex and then takes all of their money. These fictional pimps are willing to beat, drug, and even rape women to exert control over them. While this does occasionally happen in reality, pimping is often less clear-cut. Even friends of […]
