Few moments in life are as devastating as being accused of a sex crime. Overnight, your world can turn upside down. Friends may distance themselves, your employer may suspend you, and your reputation may suffer before a single fact is proven. The fear is not only about potential prison time—it’s about your future, your family, and your name.
If you are facing charges in Los Angeles, one decision will shape everything that follows: choosing the right defense lawyer. Unlike other criminal cases, sex crime allegations require a defense attorney with specialized experience, credibility in the courtroom, and the ability to stand strong against aggressive prosecutors.
At Simmons & Wagner, we’ve seen this from both sides. As former Orange County District Attorneys, we understand how the state builds these cases, the strategies prosecutors use, and where weaknesses often lie. Now, as dedicated defense attorneys, we use that insight to give our clients the strongest possible protection.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
California law treats sex crime allegations with extraordinary seriousness. This is true even before a trial begins—simply being accused can have lifelong consequences. The penalties if convicted can include:
- Lengthy prison sentences that may last years or decades, depending on the charge.
- Mandatory sex offender registration under Penal Code 290, often for life. This impacts where you can live, work, and travel.
- Employment fallout, including loss of professional licenses, suspension from your job, or termination.
- Immigration consequences, such as deportation or denial of citizenship for non-citizens.
- Family strain, including custody disputes, divorce, and damaged relationships.
It’s not only the legal consequences that weigh heavy—it’s the stigma. Jurors often come into these cases with biases. Prosecutors know this, and they lean on emotion to gain convictions. That’s why the lawyer you hire is not just important—it is everything.
Why Not Just Any Lawyer Will Do
Some people think, “Any criminal defense lawyer can handle my case.” Unfortunately, that mindset can be disastrous. Sex crime defense is one of the most complex and technical areas of law. It demands much more than general knowledge.
Unique Challenges in Sex Crime Cases
- Complex evidence: Prosecutors often present DNA, medical reports, or digital data (texts, social media, browser history). An effective defense lawyer must understand this evidence deeply enough to challenge it, often through expert witnesses.
- Credibility battles: Many cases come down to one person’s word against another’s. The right attorney knows how to challenge credibility without alienating a jury.
- High stakes negotiations: Prosecutors may overcharge or seek the maximum penalty. An experienced lawyer knows when to negotiate and when to push for dismissal.
- Sensitive presentation: Jurors can be swayed by emotion. A skilled lawyer helps them focus on evidence, not fear or stigma.
Attorneys without this experience may miss critical opportunities to suppress evidence, fail to anticipate prosecutorial tactics, or present the case in ways that harm rather than help.
The Advantage of Former Prosecutors
At Simmons & Wagner, our experience as former Orange County District Attorneys gives us unique insight that few defense lawyers can match. We know how prosecutors think, because we were prosecutors.
- We know how the DA’s office evaluates whether to file charges.
- We know the evidence thresholds they rely on to push cases forward.
- We know the pressure points—where their cases are most vulnerable and how to expose them.
This background allows us to anticipate moves before they happen. For example, if we know a prosecutor plans to rely heavily on digital evidence, we may bring in a forensic expert early to discredit it. If we sense they are overreaching with certain charges, we can push for dismissals or reductions before trial.
Our experience also means we carry credibility in the courtroom. Judges and prosecutors know that when we walk into court, we are prepared, experienced, and willing to fight hard for our clients. That credibility matters more than many defendants realize.
Building Trust and Providing Reassurance
Legal skill is only half of the equation. If you are facing sex crime charges, you need a lawyer who not only fights aggressively in court but also supports you personally through the process.
At Simmons & Wagner, we prioritize:
- Communication: We explain every step of the process so you’re never in the dark.
- Accessibility: When fear and questions hit at 2 a.m., our clients know we are here to guide them.
- Compassion: We understand the toll these accusations take on your mental health, family, and daily life.
- Strategy: We tailor each defense to the individual, not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
This combination of skill and support helps our clients stay grounded during one of the most stressful times of their lives.
Why the Right Lawyer Changes the Outcome
Your defense lawyer will influence everything: how bail is set, whether evidence is suppressed, how jurors perceive your case, and whether prosecutors are willing to negotiate. A seasoned attorney doesn’t just defend you—they shape the entire path your case takes.
Choosing the right sex defense lawyer in Los Angeles could mean:
- Charges dismissed before trial
- A reduced plea deal that avoids jail or registration
- A jury verdict of not guilty
- The ability to rebuild your life without permanent stigma
The wrong lawyer, on the other hand, could mean years in prison, lifetime registration, and irreversible damage to your future.
Contact Simmons & Wagner
When facing sex crime charges, your choice of attorney is the most important decision you will ever make. The stakes are too high to gamble on inexperience.
At Simmons & Wagner, we bring decades of courtroom experience, the perspective of former prosecutors, and a reputation for aggressive, effective defense. We understand what you’re facing—and we know how to fight back.
If you or a loved one is accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles, don’t wait. Contact Simmons & Wagner today for a confidential consultation. Your future deserves nothing less than the strongest possible defense.