Sex Crimes Defense

common.howWeDefend Sex Crimes Defense — Los Angeles Cases

A sex crime conviction can mean decades in state prison, lifetime sex offender registration under Megan's Law, and permanent destruction of your reputation, career, and family. False accusations, misidentifications, and overzealous prosecutions are more common than most people realize. Attorney Michael P. Kade — a former LAPD officer who has worked these cases from both sides — provides an aggressive, evidence-based defense from the moment you are contacted by law enforcement.

California Sex Crime Penalties

Penalties vary based on prior criminal history, case facts, and enhancements. This table is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

How Sex Crime Investigations Work — and Where They Go Wrong

Most sex crime investigations begin with a complaint to law enforcement — often days, weeks, or even years after the alleged incident. Detectives typically conduct a pretext phone call, asking the suspect to speak about the allegation while recording the conversation without their knowledge. This is legal in California under Penal Code 633, and anything you say can and will be used against you. If you are contacted by a detective about a sex crime allegation — even if you are told you are not a suspect — you should not speak to them without an attorney present.

As a former LAPD officer, Attorney Kade knows exactly how these investigations are conducted, what evidence detectives look for, and how early intervention can change the outcome. In many cases, retaining an attorney before charges are filed allows us to present exculpatory evidence to the detective or the District Attorney's office before a filing decision is made — potentially preventing charges altogether.

Defending Against False Accusations and Weak Evidence

Sex crime cases are frequently built on the testimony of a single witness with no physical corroboration. Memories are fallible, motivations to fabricate exist — particularly in contentious divorces, custody disputes, or situations involving financial gain — and eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. Attorney Kade scrutinizes every piece of evidence: the accuser's prior statements for inconsistencies, the chain of custody for any physical evidence, the qualifications of any forensic expert the prosecution intends to call, and whether any confession or admission was obtained in violation of your Miranda rights.

California's rape shield law (Evidence Code 1103) limits the use of a victim's sexual history, but it does not prevent a skilled defense attorney from exposing motive, bias, or prior false accusations. We also retain independent forensic experts when the prosecution's physical evidence is contested, and we challenge the admissibility of any evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure.

common.defenseStrategies

• Rape and sexual assault defense
• Child molestation and lewd acts charges
• Sexual battery — misdemeanor and felony
• Child pornography possession and distribution
• Challenging sex offender registration requirements
• Pretext call interception and Miranda violations
• False accusation and misidentification defense