A San Bernardino County judge recently increased the bail of a former sheriff's deputy accused of having sex with a teenage Explorer volunteer after he allegedly wrote about "revenge" and "payback" on a Facebook page, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Sex crimes in Los Angeles and throughout California can have serious consequences, such as long prison sentences as well as registry in the state and national sex offender databases, which are viewable to all and can last forever. Hiring an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crimes Defense Attorney should the first step for someone being investigated for, or charged with, these serious crimes.
According to the news article, the deputy, who was being held on $150,000 bail, had the bail increased by a judge to $350,000 after prosecutors provided a printout of the deputy's Facebook page with the comment.
The Facebook posting, according to prosecutors, appeared on a page in support of the deputy and was discovered by the alleged victim's father. According to the article, the deputy faces charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child and illegal sexual intercourse with a minor. The deputy has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Authorities allege the deputy had sex with the 15-year-old girl, who was a volunteer with the agency's Explorer program -- which is designed to teach teenagers the responsibilities of law enforcement officers. The program teaches young adults about the mission and objectives of law enforcement, leadership opportunities and community service activities, among other things.
This deputy, like anyone charged with a sex crime in Los Angeles and throughout California, faces serious consequences. Along with possible prison time, the deputy faces the possibility of having to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Unlike other charges, where a person can serve time in prison and get out having done their time, a person convicted of a sex offense is punished for life.
Having to register under Megan's Law means having your mug shot, address, tattoos and other information displayed on a web site forever, having to tell law enforcement whenever you're moving and the possible notification of neighbors is another consequence.
It can be humiliating and it is something a person must live with forever. Even murders aren't treated this way. Yet, people convicted of sex crimes are. There are more than 63,000 registered sex offenders in California and failure to register, even if someone legitimately forgets, can result in a new charge.
Under California Penal Code 261.5, a person convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor faces up to four years in prison. Under California Penal Code 288, a lewd and lascivious act is punishable by up to eight years in prison. Prosecutors may also seek enhanced sentences, depending on the facts of the case.
These charges are very serious and require an aggressive defense that includes scrutinizing all evidence, whether it's DNA reports, police investigations or the alleged victim's words. These cases can be beaten when police jump to conclusions and our firm is committed to exploring all aspects of our clients' cases.
If you or a loved one is facing any sex crime allegations or charges in the Los Angeles Angeles area, please contact the California Legal Team at (310) 497-0321 to set up a meeting to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Los Angeles Sex Charges: Son of Bermuda's Former Leader Facing 33 Felonies: July 28, 2011
Teacher-Student Sex Crimes Arrests Increasing in Orange County, throughout California: July 19, 2011
Additional Resources:
Former deputy's bail increased after 'revenge' Facebook posting, by Phil Willon, the Los Angeles Times
