Allegations of a sex crime can derail your life in an instant—long before you ever step foot in a courtroom. Reputations are ruined. Families are fractured. And even without a conviction, the stigma can linger forever.
If you’ve been accused of a sex offense in Southern California, your first step should be securing experienced legal representation. Not just any criminal defense lawyer—but a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Orange County, CA with a proven track record and a deep understanding of how these cases are prosecuted.
At Simmons & Wagner, we’ve handled some of the most sensitive and high-stakes cases in Orange County. As Former Orange County District Attorneys, we don’t just understand the system—we helped shape it. And now, we use that insight to protect the accused with discretion, diligence, and unwavering commitment.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime in California?
Sex crimes are broadly defined but carry some of the most severe penalties under California law. These offenses can range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies—and often require mandatory registration as a sex offender under California Penal Code § 290.
Common sex crime charges include:
- Sexual battery or assault
- Rape and statutory rape
- Lewd acts with a minor
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Failure to register as a sex offender
Each charge is fact-specific and may depend on alleged victim age, consent, use of force, and digital evidence. Regardless of the accusation, your rights must be protected from the very first moment of contact with law enforcement.
You Need an Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
These cases are different.
They require a special level of care, skill, and legal insight—not only because of the social consequences, but also because prosecutors often rely on emotional influence over hard evidence. You need a defense attorney who can neutralize bias in the courtroom, challenge the credibility of claims, and keep the focus on the law.
Here’s how Simmons & Wagner does exactly that:
1. We Know What the Prosecutors Are Thinking—Because We Were Prosecutors
As former DAs in Orange County, we’ve led complex sex crimes prosecutions. We understand how law enforcement builds these cases, how the DA’s office evaluates evidence, and how jurors tend to respond to emotionally charged allegations.
Now, we use that knowledge to anticipate the prosecution’s every move—and dismantle it.
2. We Scrutinize Every Piece of Evidence
Sex crimes often hinge on:
- Inconsistent witness statements
- Text messages and social media posts
- DNA or forensic evidence
- Digital communications
- Police reports with procedural flaws
We dig deep. Our team reviews evidence for accuracy, legality, and context—often uncovering details the prosecution overlooked or misrepresented. In many cases, we retain our own forensic and psychological experts to challenge the state’s findings.
3. We Fight to Preserve Your Reputation and Freedom
Sex crime accusations can result in:
- Decades in state prison
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender
- Loss of employment and family custody rights
- Social ostracization
We fight to keep your name out of the headlines, your record clean, and your future intact. That means aggressively pushing for case dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals—whichever path is best for your unique situation.
4. We Handle Each Case with Absolute Discretion
We understand how emotionally charged and personal these cases are. You can trust Simmons & Wagner to maintain the strictest confidentiality while guiding you through every stage of the legal process with compassion and professionalism.
Your Defense Starts Now
If you or someone you care about is facing a sex crimes accusation, waiting is the worst thing you can do. Prosecutors are already building their case—so you need to start building yours.
With Simmons & Wagner, you’ll have a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Orange County, CA who understands how to protect your rights and tell your side of the story effectively.
Let us put our courtroom experience to work for you.
Contact Simmons & Wagner today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.