Sex Crime Charges
Rape. Child molestation. Indecent exposure. Just being accused of a sex crime can turn your life upside down. False or mistaken accusations happen, and the stigma is devastating. In these critical moments, you need tough, aggressive, and experienced help immediately. The first few days after an arrest for a sex offense are crucial: it’s the time to gather evidence, identify favorable witnesses, and start building a strong defense. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in San Jose or anywhere in Santa Clara County — including surrounding communities such as Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Mountain View, Milpitas, Los Gatos, and Palo Alto — contact our San Jose sex crime lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Important Update: California now allows certain individuals to petition the court to terminate sex offender registration requirements. Under Penal Code §290.5(a), our attorneys help clients petition for removal from the sex offender registry. We’ve successfully assisted individuals across Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties in moving forward with their lives by getting these petitions granted statewide – reach out to discuss your eligibility.
Riccardo Ippolito
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245
Best Defense Against Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Rape. Child molestation. Indecent exposure. Just being accused of a sex crime can turn your life upside down. False or mistaken accusations happen, and the stigma is devastating. In these critical moments, you need tough, aggressive, and experienced help immediately. The first few days after an arrest for a sex offense are crucial: it’s the time to gather evidence, identify favorable witnesses, and start building a strong defense. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in California streteching from Shasta county all the way to Santa Barbara county contact our San Jose sex crime lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Important Update: California now allows certain individuals to petition the court to terminate sex offender registration requirements. Under Penal Code §290.5(a), our attorneys help clients petition for removal from the sex offender registry. We’ve helped clients move on with their lives by getting these petitions granted statewide – reach out to discuss your eligibility.
290 Sex Registration List Removal
California’s sex offender system now operates under a tiered structure (SB 384), replacing lifetime registration with limited-term requirements—so relief through a § 290.5(a) petition is real and meaningful for many.
Once you’ve reached your mandated minimum registration period, you may file a petition in the court where you’re registered—on or after your next birthday following July 1, 2021—by providing proof of current registration and serving it on law enforcement and the district attorney.
At VIB Law, we help clients across California prepare, file, and advocate—even in the face of opposition—to end the burdensome requirement to register and help you move forward.
Testimonials
Please Note: All testimonials have been anonymized for privacy and sensitivity.
Practice Area: Sex Crimes
“Child molestation charges dismissed! Mr. Ippolito proved my innocence and got all charges dropped. Highly recommend!”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
We aggressively defend clients against the most serious allegations, protecting their rights and reputations. When you are falsely accused of a crime such as this, it is important to use an investigator to point out all of the inconsistencies in the complaining witness statement. Once this was done, the DA had no choice but to dismiss the case.
Practice Area: Sex Crimes
“I was stuck on the Sex Offender Registry for nearly three decades due to a misdemeanor from 1994. VIB Law got me off the list in six months, ending a long nightmare and giving me my life back. They were compassionate, effective, and didn’t overcharge like my previous lawyer. I’m deeply grateful.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
This case involved challenging long-term registry removal for a misdemeanor. Our team secured a successful petition, lifting the burden from the client and restoring their freedom. This case met with much opposition by the DA’s office. Eventually we were able to convince the Judge that our client was not a threat to the community given the amount of time that had passed from the initial case.
Practice Area: Sex Crimes
“Facing up to 25 years to life, Riccardo got me probation instead of jail, helped me keep my job by personally appearing before a second judge, and made sure I understood everything. He was worth every penny.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
In this high-stakes case, we negotiated probation with no jail time, preserving employment opportunities and client stability. Our strategy in this case was to show the DA that they had a weak case. Once we were able to poke holes in their theory of the case, we were able to reach a disposition that avoided any possibility of our client spending the rest of his life in prison.
Practice Area: Sex Crimes
“The staff was pleasant and helpful. My attorney, Mr. Ippolito, was honest, sincere, and understanding. I would refer them without hesitation.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
Our client care and integrity form the foundation of trusted legal representation. Sometimes we cannot help everyone. The important thing is to be transparent and a good listener for our clients. It is also important to explain the process, possible consequences and outcomes for every decision. Clients very much appreciate that.
Practice Area: Sex Crimes
“Riccardo made my negative thoughts vanish from the moment we met. He was straightforward, focused on results, and got me out of jail before my first court date. My family and I are grateful.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
Early intervention and client-focused defense secured a swift, positive resolution. It was important in this case to give our client hope. Not false hope, but realistic hope. When someone is in jail, that means the world, as it did in this case.
VIB Advice
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245
Why Choose VIB Law for Sex Offense Charges?
Sex Crime Experts – Partner Riccardo Ippolito literally wrote the book on defending sex crimes. His book, “Strategies for Defending Sex Crimes,” lays out proven defense strategies – and he brings that expertise to every case. He’s widely recognized as a leading sex crime defense expert in California.
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Tough & Aggressive
We take a fierce, client-centered approach to sex offense cases. We don’t shy away from difficult, high-stakes charges.
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Proactive
We investigate thoroughly and intervene early. Whenever possible, we contact the DA before charges are filed to share evidence or context that could prevent charges altogether.
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Experienced
Our defense team has 75 years in criminal law. We’ve successfully handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to life-sentence felonies.
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Passionate & Compassionate
We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ futures. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide a supportive, non-judgmental defense.
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Award-Winning
VIB Law is one of the Bay Area’s top-rated criminal defense firms, recognized for our success in sex crime defense.
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Local Lawyers
We know the courts, the judges and the prosecutors. We've been Serving Silicon Valley communities for decades.
California Sex Crime Laws
- Indecent Exposure – Penal Code § 314: Willfully exposing one’s genitals in public or in the presence of another person for sexual gratification or to offend. Often charged as a misdemeanor, but can be a felony for repeat offenses or if minors are involved, with possible registration.
- Sexual Battery – Penal Code § 243.4: Touching the intimate parts of another person against their will for purposes of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with potential requirement for sex offender registration.
- Oral Copulation – Penal Code § 287: Any contact between the mouth of one person and the sexual organ or anus of another without consent, or with a minor under specified ages. Penalties depend on the victim’s age and whether force or coercion was involved.
- Sodomy – Penal Code § 286: Sexual contact between the penis of one person and the anus of another when it is non-consensual, with minors, or under other prohibited circumstances. Felony penalties increase with the use of force, threats, or victim’s age.
- Possession/Distribution of Child Pornography – Penal Code § 311 Series: Prohibits the possession, production, distribution, or advertising of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexual conduct. Generally charged as a felony with significant prison terms and mandatory registration.
- Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor – Penal Code § 288: Committing any lewd act upon a child under 14 with intent to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the sexual desires of either party. A serious felony with substantial prison terms and mandatory registration.
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child – Penal Code § 288.5: Engaging in three or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under 14 over a period of three months or more. A felony punishable by lengthy prison sentences and lifetime registration.
- Rape – Penal Code § 261: Non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished by force, threat, fraud, or when the victim is incapacitated or otherwise unable to consent. A felony carrying severe prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration in most cases.
- Sex Offender Registration Requirements – Penal Code § 290: Requires individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses to register with local law enforcement for life or for a set period based on offense tier. Failure to comply is a separate criminal offense.
Penalties for Sex Offenses in California
Sex crime convictions carry severe, life-altering consequences. Some of the major potential penalties include:
- Prison Sentences – Most sex offenses carry mandatory jail or prison time. Certain convictions even come with a potential life sentence.
- Lifetime Sex Offender Registration – Nearly all sex crime convictions require registration as a sex offender (per Megan’s Law). This can be for life or for lengthy periods, along with mandatory treatment programs.
- Reputation Damage & Career Loss – A sex crime charge can destroy careers, family life, and reputations. Even an accusation can have lasting social consequences.
- Deportation – Many sex offenses are aggravated felonies or “deportable” offenses for non-citizens, potentially leading to immigration consequences.
The stakes are incredibly high in sex crime cases. Don’t delay – every minute counts in mounting a defense. We encourage you to schedule a free, confidential consultation immediately to discuss how to protect your future.
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245
Frequently Asked Sexual Offense Questions
Arrest & Immediate Action - Sex Crimes
Understanding Sex Crime Charges
Sex Offenses - Trial & Defense
Sex Offenses - Sentencing & Registration
Sex Offenses - Appeals & Post Conviction Relief
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245