Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers | March 24, 2025 | Sex Crimes
California prosecutors and courts treat sex crime charges very seriously. The penalties for sex crimes can be harsh. A conviction for a sex crime could result in thousands of dollars in fines and years or decades in prison. In addition to fines and prison, you may also be required to register as a sex offender.
Surprising Laws That Can Make You a Sex Offender in California
Megan’s Law requires individuals convicted of various sex crimes to register as sex offenders. The registry notifies the public of registered sex offenders living near them. While the sex offender registry helps protect the public, it also requires people to register for crimes that are less serious offenses than rape, sex abuse, or child pornography.
Surprising laws that could result in a person being labeled as a sex offender include:
Sex Between Minors
The legal age of consent is 18 years old in California. Therefore, it is a crime to engage in sex with anyone under the age of 18 years.
Because California does not have Romeo and Juliet laws (i.e., “close in age” laws), minors having consensual sex could be charged with a sex crime. If convicted, they could be required to register as a sex offender.
Minors Taking Nude Selfies
There is no law prohibiting a consenting adult from taking a nude selfie for personal use. However, the same does not apply to teenagers.
Nude selfies are becoming more common among teenagers. However, these nude selfies may be considered child pornography by law enforcement officials. If so, a minor could be charged with one or more crimes that may require registering as a sex offender.
Flashing or Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is illegal under California Penal Code §314. It is unlawful to expose your private parts in any public place or where people are present who could be annoyed or offended by the exposure. It is also unlawful to assist, counsel, or tell someone to expose themselves in public.
In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction results in registering as a sex offender. Therefore, a high school or college prank of streaking could result in becoming a registered sex offender.
California Sex Offender Registration Laws
Many sex crimes can lead to being designated as a sex offender. When you are required to register as a sex offender, you must:
- Submit your fingerprints to law enforcement officials
- Provide proof of residency every year
- Inform law enforcement officials when you change jobs or move
- Regularly have your photograph taken to update the database
Violating the sex offender registry laws can result in additional penalties. If you fail to register as a sex offender, you could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if your conviction was a misdemeanor. The penalty for failing to register as a sex offender for a felony offense is up to three years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for a Sex Crime in San Diego, CA?
Regardless of the sex crime you’ve been charged with, it is in your best interest to seek legal counsel immediately. As you can see, many sex offenses could result in becoming a sex offender. Being on the sex offender registry can have substantial negative impacts on numerous areas of your life.
The best way to protect your rights is to remain silent except when asking for a lawyer. Talking to the police or a prosecutor without an attorney present can make it much more difficult to present a defense. Call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Call for Help With a Sex Crimes Offense in California
A sex crime conviction can result in severe penalties and collateral consequences. If you’re facing these types of charges, call an experienced sex crimes lawyer in California to protect your legal rights and interests.
For more information, please contact the San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation, give us a call at (619) 357-4977, or visit our convenient location:
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers San Diego
225 Broadway Suite 1740
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 357-4977