Sex Crimes

Sex Crime Lawyer in San Diego

Why Choose Lee Law Group For Your Defense

Facing sex crime charges in San Diego can overwhelm you mentally, emotionally, and legally. At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we recognize the urgency and seriousness of every case. These charges can lead to incarceration, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and losses that affect your career and family relationships.

If you or a loved one faces charges for a sex crime in San Diego, you need to understand California’s laws, your rights, and your legal options. We offer clear, thorough, and assertive representation tailored to each client's specific circumstances.

Call Lee Law Group at (619) 975-2033 for a FREE Consultation!

We treat every case with the respect it deserves, upholding your right to be presumed innocent. Our team offers:

In-depth knowledge of California sex crime laws and recent legislative changes.
Personalized, compassionate attention to your unique situation and concerns.
Aggressive defense strategies aimed at protecting your rights and future.
Strong communication and transparency throughout your case.
Experience working with prosecutors, expert witnesses, and local courts in San Diego.

Our legal team’s understanding of local courts and procedures guides us in navigating the complex San Diego justice system. We track any legislative changes that may impact your case so our approach always fits current laws. This preparation supports your defense and puts you in a stronger position before local judges and prosecutors.

You always stay informed about the next steps. We appear regularly in San Diego Superior Court—including the Central Courthouse—and know the local judiciary and district attorneys. Our courtroom experience means we anticipate local practices that could affect your case, from arraignment to pretrial motions and hearings.

The Criminal Process for Sex Crime Charges in San Diego County

Most sex crime cases in San Diego County begin with an investigation by agencies like the San Diego Police Department or County Sheriff’s Office. If law enforcement makes an arrest, you will appear before a judge—often at the Central Courthouse—for your first hearing. The court schedules multiple hearings, starting with arraignment, where the charges are read and you enter a plea, followed by preliminary hearings and potential motion practice.

County prosecutors build their cases using police reports, forensic evidence, and digital records. Your attorney discusses strategy with you at each stage, especially at bail review, discovery, and during negotiations with the district attorney. At every point, our team prepares you for what to expect next as your case moves through the San Diego County court system.

An attorney who understands San Diego’s local routines, court structure, and processes puts you in a better position to respond strategically. We guide you through each stage—from initial arrest through pre-trial conferences—so you feel supported and ready.

Submit a form here to contact us or call (619) 975-2033 to learn more.

Types of Sex Crime Cases We Accept in San Diego

At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we defend against a wide range of charges, including but not limited to:

Allegations of sexual battery or unwanted touching
Accusations involving minors (including statutory offenses)
Internet-based offenses (such as possession or distribution of illegal content)
Allegations of sexual assault during domestic disputes
Situations involving coerced or confused consent
Cases involving human trafficking allegations

We also provide support for clients already facing registration requirements under PC 290 and offer guidance on potential legal pathways to challenge or adjust those obligations.

Each of these cases presents unique legal and practical challenges. Our legal team takes a holistic approach to defense, developing strategies that consider the broader impact on your reputation, career, and peace of mind. In internet-related cases, we focus on digital evidence and the details of online law. For allegations involving minors, we balance sensitivity with a practical defense that respects everyone involved.

Our attorneys handle cases from many San Diego communities and work with investigators familiar with the area—from Chula Vista to Oceanside. We review every detail of the allegations and consult forensic professionals when needed to ensure that no critical fact is overlooked. County prosecutors sometimes file charges based on complex or digital evidence, so we build our defense using every available resource. Our team always works with your goals and priorities in focus.

Why Choose Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys?

Affordable Justice
Everyone deserves a powerful defense. We’re committed to making fierce, effective representation accessible and affordable.
Experienced and Unyielding
With 20 years of legal experience, we’ve honed the instincts, strategy, and grit needed to deliver results—even in the toughest situations.
Client-Centered Protection
When you hire us, you’re under our wing. We take on your burden, reduce your anxiety, and give you the strength of knowing someone has your back.
Strength with Compassion
We combine inner steel with heartfelt empathy. Our clients aren’t just cases—they’re people who deserve to feel protected, supported, and understood.
Relentless Advocacy
We fight for our clients with unshakable determination. Like a pitbull in the courtroom, we don’t back down—ever—until the judge says it’s over.

What We Do to Help You Avoid the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

Sex crimes carry some of the most severe penalties in California, including:

Prison sentences. Ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the offense and circumstances.
Fines and restitution. Significant financial penalties and compensation to victims.
Sex offender registration. Mandatory registration under California’s tiered system, which requires offenders to register for 10 years, 20 years, or life, based on the severity of the offense.
Loss of civil rights. Including voting rights, firearm ownership, and professional licenses.
Social and employment consequences. A conviction can affect housing, employment, and personal relationships.

The statute of limitations for sex crimes in California varies. Prosecutors may file charges for offenses involving minors until the alleged victim's 40th birthday, which gives them extra time to investigate and prosecute these cases.

Our defense approach centers on uncovering weaknesses in the evidence and using these points during negotiations or trial. We frequently draw on plea bargaining tactics that may lead to reduced charges or lighter sentencing. Our aim throughout is to shield your future from the most severe legal and personal penalties and pursue the best outcome possible under California law.

San Diego courts follow specific rules and scheduling for bail, pretrial hearings, and the sharing of evidence. We support clients throughout the process—from jail release to preparing for mandatory court appearances—so every step feels manageable. When your case involves forensic, digital, or expert evidence, we engage trusted local professionals and confirm that every procedure meets legal standards. By handling every step with care and preparation, we help minimize risks and keep you well-informed.

Top-Rated Defense with a Personal Touch

Hear from Our Clients

“Highly Recommend!”
“Highly recommend! Lee Law Group came through for my family by providing the highest quality of service!”

Ezra F.
“Great Experience!”
“I had a great experience working with Lee Law Group. From the start, their team Lee, Bryan, Jeremy were professional, responsive, and knowledgeable.”

Oscar S.
“5-Stars!”
“I can’t thank Ernest Lee enough for their incredible work on my case. From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for me.”

Brandi H.
“Extremely Professional!”
“I spoke with different attorney law offices but none were as professional as Lee Law Group. Attorney Lee actually took the time to talk with me personally over the phone.”

Angela A.
“Treat You Like Family!”
“God forbid I would ever need there services again but I would retain Mr. Lee and associates for life. You’re not just a client to them. (Apologies this post never posted, it’s a couple weeks late).
”

Michael C.
“Godsend!”
“Mr. Lee was truly a godsend. From the moment I met him, he showed nothing but kindness, patience, and genuine care for me and my situation. He’s not just a brilliant defense lawyer—he’s someone who truly cares about his clients on a perso”

C D.
“The Best!”
“One thing I really liked about Bryan was him easing my mind when all I can think of was the worst. I definitely recommend Lee Law Group. Don’t drink and drive! It’s not worth it!”

Kevin G.
“Forever Grateful!”
“I'm super happy I found this firm as they were the right guys to hire for the job. Forever grateful to these guys.”

Nico E.

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Sex Offender Registration & Its Impact in San Diego

California’s sex offender registry uses a three-tiered structure. Offenders are assigned tiers based on the offense and a risk assessment:

Tier 1. Registration for 10 years (5 years for juveniles).
Tier 2. Registration for 20 years (10 years for juveniles).
Tier 3. Lifetime registration for the most serious offenses, including rape and sex crimes against children under 10. Registration can limit housing, employment, and involvement in some community activities.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges in San Diego

We focus on defending people who face serious sex-related criminal charges in San Diego County. Our legal approach is personal and strategic. From the moment of an arrest, investigation, or summons, your legal rights must be protected.

Our Approach: Personalized, Strategic, Thorough

We adapt each defense to your unique situation, relying on years of local legal experience. Our comprehensive strategies address a range of defenses, including:

Consent. We can challenge claims of non-consensual activity, especially in complex adult cases.
Mistaken Identity. We investigate and present evidence when someone has been wrongly identified.
Lack of Evidence. We review the prosecutor’s case for unreliable or insufficient proof.
Procedural Errors. We hold law enforcement accountable for improper searches, unlawful police procedures, or violations of your rights.
Age and Relationship Defenses. In statutory cases, we explore close-in-age exceptions and other relevant legal arguments.

If you are facing any sex crime charge—from statutory offenses or accusations online to allegations arising in domestic disputes—Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys brings dedication and experience to your defense. We review your history, listen to your concerns, examine every detail, and work with you to map out effective paths forward according to California law and San Diego court expectations.

Defense in sex crime cases often means using forensic or private investigators to collect critical facts. Our team reviews evidence, interviews witnesses when appropriate, and adapts our defense methods based on what we learn as your case moves forward in the local courts.

San Diego’s unique rules for sex offender registration affect registrants during and after the legal process. Some local neighborhoods restrict where you can live. Agencies carry out regular checks to monitor compliance. Our attorneys explain the county’s reporting procedures and show you how registration may impact daily life, including housing and employment. We stay current with all county procedures, so you can plan with confidence and adapt if your life circumstances change.

Understanding Your Rights During a Sex Crime Investigation

The time between the start of an investigation and any charges filed is critical in San Diego sex crime cases. Law enforcement may ask you to answer questions or provide evidence, and you have the right to remain silent and to have a defense lawyer present. These rights help protect you from misstatements or misunderstandings that may harm your case. Speaking to police without counsel could limit your legal options if your case goes to court.

Local agencies like the San Diego Police Department work methodically to gather evidence. As soon as you learn that you are under investigation, contacting a lawyer protects you from mistakes. Our San Diego defense attorney team helps you handle police interviews and communicates with investigators on your behalf to lower the risk of self-incrimination. We work to ensure that your rights are protected from the first contact through every hearing in the local court system.

We understand the stakes and are prepared to stand with you every step of the way. Take the next proactive measure of defense and contact our legal team for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.

Call for Professional Guidance in San Diego from a Sex Crime Attorney

For many clients, the emotional toll of these charges can feel as heavy as the legal pressures. Shame, anxiety, and fear about social consequences may weigh on you throughout the process.

Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys provides not only legal guidance but also support and respect at every stage. Our attorney will listen to you without judgment. We explain procedures step by step so you avoid confusion and surprises. We believe that every person deserves compassion and a chance to protect their future.

Navigating San Diego's courts requires a deep understanding of local protocols and personalities. Our legal team knows the judges, prosecution, and administrative routines that shape case outcomes. This local insight helps us tailor defense strategies for the San Diego legal environment and gives you a better chance at a smooth journey through the system.

Clients often reach out before any formal charges appear, which gives us time to assist with early intervention. We guide clients after law enforcement interviews by the San Diego Police or District Attorney’s Office so they can avoid mistakes that lead to charges or misunderstandings. When you seek legal advice early, you gain control over each step of the criminal process and can make informed decisions about your future.

How Early Legal Advice Can Make a Difference in San Diego Sex Crime Cases

Acting quickly when you become aware of an investigation or possible charge can make a real difference in your San Diego case. Contacting a qualified sex crime lawyer at the earliest stage can shape the direction of the case, preserve favorable evidence, and prevent miscommunication with law enforcement. Providing a clear account before memories fade or evidence disappears gives your defense more flexibility.

Our team helps you understand local rules, prosecution policies, and the steps detectives and prosecutors take before filing charges. With early counsel, you may avoid the most severe charges or prepare necessary information for bail, pre-filing meetings, or negotiations. Our approach focuses on practical, clear communication and preparation so you feel confident from the outset.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crime Defense in San Diego

What Should I Do If I'm Accused of a Sex Crime in San Diego?

If you are accused of a sex crime in San Diego, take immediate steps to protect yourself. Contact a qualified sex crime attorney in San Diego to guide you. Do not make statements to police or discuss your situation with anyone but your lawyer. Collect documents or evidence that might help your defense and share them with your attorney. At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we offer confidential consultations to discuss your position and map out next steps.

How Can a Sex Crime Conviction Affect My Life?

A conviction for a sex crime may bring lasting impacts on your life. Jail time and fines are only part of the risk. San Diego's registry restricts where you can live and work, and your reputation and career prospects may change overnight. Our team helps you understand the consequences, plan your defense, and work to limit the penalties you could face.

What Are the Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges in San Diego?

Defenses depend on each case but may include consent, mistaken identity, lack of evidence, or police mistakes. Sometimes the key is challenging witness testimony or the way law enforcement gathered digital or forensic evidence. Our team studies every aspect of the record and builds a defense that fits the facts and the law in San Diego County.

Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed Before Trial?

Charges may be reduced or dismissed before trial if negotiations prove successful or evidence is insufficient. Plea bargains and dismissals can result from procedural issues or weak prosecution evidence. Our legal team reviews all options and works to resolve cases with the most favorable result possible based on your needs and the facts.

Why Should I Choose Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys for My Defense?

Choosing the right sex crime defense attorney in San Diego can make a critical difference. At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we put your needs first, maintain clear communication, and use our local court experience and client-focused approach to advocate for you. Our lawyers aim to guide, support, and fight for your interests every step of the way.

If you or a loved one face sex crime allegations in San Diego, contact Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys. Call us at (619) 975-2033 or reach out online today.

Contact Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys Today!

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