Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer In Temecula

Accused Of Statutory Rape In Temecula

If you or someone you care about has been accused of statutory rape in Temecula, you are facing a life-changing situation. These charges can affect your freedom, your family, and your future long after the case is over. You need clear information and focused legal help right away from a statutory rape attorney Temecula defendants can trust.

My name is Attorney David Grande. Since 2002, I have devoted my legal career to criminal defense in California, including serious sex crime allegations. I have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2013, and I regularly appear in Riverside County courts on behalf of people accused of crimes. When you contact my office, you speak with a criminal defense lawyer who understands how Temecula cases move through the system and what is at stake. I offer confidential, no-cost consultations so you can discuss what happened, ask questions, and learn about your options before you make any decisions.

Call (951) 221-4331 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

What Is At Stake In These Cases

Statutory rape cases in California involve sexual activity with someone who is legally unable to consent because of age. Many people are surprised to learn how strict these rules can be, especially when the relationship feels mutual or the ages are relatively close. Even so, prosecutors can file felony charges that carry serious penalties. Depending on the ages involved and the specific allegations, a conviction can bring county jail or state prison time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. For many people, that record can affect employment, housing applications, professional licensing, and immigration status. It can also affect family law issues such as custody and visitation.

Sex offender registration is one of the most feared consequences in these cases. Registration requirements can severely limit where you live and work, and can expose very private information. Whether registration applies and for how long can depend on the charge and the law that applies at the time of conviction. A key part of any defense strategy is understanding how different outcomes change registration risk. I also know that behind every statutory rape case, there is a story. Sometimes there is a small age gap between people who were dating. Other times, the accusation comes out of a family dispute, a breakup, or pressure from others. My role is to look closely at the facts and the law, not to judge your personal life.

How I Approach Statutory Rape Defense

For more than two decades, my practice has been focused on representing people accused of crimes in California. That focus includes defending clients against sex offense allegations such as statutory rape, lewd acts, and related charges. My goal in every case is to protect your rights and work toward the most favorable outcome that the facts and the law allow.

The starting point is a careful review of exactly what is being alleged. I look at the ages involved, the nature of the relationship, how the accusation arose, and what evidence law enforcement says it has. This often includes police reports, interview recordings, digital communications, and any physical or medical evidence that may exist. Digital evidence plays a major role in many modern cases. Text messages, social media conversations, photos, dating app profiles, and call logs can all help show context that is missing from a brief police summary. I work with clients to review this material, and I examine how it fits with the prosecution's version of events. In some cases, this can raise questions about credibility, timelines, or age representations.

Because I handle cases in Riverside County regularly, I am familiar with how statutory rape charges are usually investigated and prosecuted here. Cases that begin with an arrest in Temecula are often filed in the Riverside County Superior Court. Knowing the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors helps me give you realistic advice about plea offers, motions, and the chances of success at trial. Not every case should go to trial, but every case should be prepared as if it might. My recognition as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers reflects years spent in California courtrooms presenting defense cases to judges and juries. When it is in your best interest to take a case to trial, I bring that trial experience to presenting your defense and challenging the state's evidence.

From the first meeting, I take time to listen to your side of the story and to answer your questions about the process. I explain the range of possible outcomes and the steps we can take to try to improve your situation. Your defense plan is tailored to your circumstances, and I keep you informed as the case moves forward so you are not left wondering what comes next.

What To Do After An Allegation

The hours and days after a statutory rape allegation surfaces are critical. What you say and do now can shape the evidence that ends up in your file. It is natural to want to explain yourself or clear up what you see as a misunderstanding, but doing that without legal guidance can seriously harm your defense.

Law enforcement officers from agencies that serve Temecula, or detectives working for the district attorney, may try to contact you for an interview. They may say they just want to hear your side. In reality, their job is to gather information that can be used in a criminal case. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning, and exercising those rights cannot legally be used against you.

Evidence in these cases often includes phone records, screenshots, social media accounts, and other electronic data. Deleting or changing information can raise additional problems and may be misinterpreted as an attempt to hide evidence. Instead, it is better to preserve what you have and discuss with your attorney how it fits into an overall defense strategy. If a court has already issued a protective order, it is very important to follow every term of that order. This may include no contact with the accusing person, staying away from certain locations, or avoiding indirect communication through others. Violating court orders can lead to additional charges and can make it harder to negotiate a favorable resolution.

If you have been accused of statutory rape, consider these immediate steps:

• Do not discuss the facts of the case with police, school officials, or others without legal advice.
• Preserve messages, emails, and social media content that may relate to the relationship or accusation.
• Avoid posting about the situation online or arguing your case on social media.
• Gather any information you have about dates, ages, and how you met the other person.
• Contact my office promptly to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation to talk through your options.

When you call, I will explain what to expect from the investigation and court process and how I typically approach statutory rape defense cases. Taking early, informed action with help from a statutory rape lawyer in Temecula that residents can turn to for guidance can make a real difference in how your case develops.

Why Hire A Local Temecula Defender

Statutory rape accusations that arise in Temecula are most often filed in the Riverside County Superior Court. Each courthouse and county has its own procedures, schedules, and ways of handling sex crime cases. Working with an attorney who regularly appears in the same court that will hear your case can help you navigate the process more efficiently.

Over the years, I have handled many criminal matters in Riverside County, including cases that began with arrests and investigations in Temecula. I know how local judges generally structure hearings, how the district attorney's office tends to approach plea negotiations in sex offense cases, and what types of arguments are more likely to be persuasive here. This local knowledge helps me set honest expectations and look for opportunities that might be missed by someone unfamiliar with the area.

Being close by also makes it easier to meet in person when necessary. Sensitive conversations about your background, the relationship in question, and your goals for the case are often better handled face-to-face. I can appear with you in Riverside County Superior Court, keep you informed about upcoming dates, and address questions that come up as your case moves forward. When you are choosing a statutory rape attorney, Temecula is not just a word in an online search result. It is the community where you live and where the accusation arose. My practice is built around defending people in this part of California, and my familiarity with local legal institutions is part of the defense I offer to every client.

I also understand how disruptive these charges can be to your daily life here. Work, school, and family responsibilities do not stop because you have been accused of a crime. I work to schedule meetings and court preparation sessions in a way that respects your time, and I keep communication clear so you know what is happening at each stage of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for statutory rape?

Jail or prison is a possible outcome, but it is not automatic. The specific charge, ages involved, your prior record, and the facts of the case all matter. My role is to analyze those details, advise you honestly, and work to reduce or avoid custody where the law allows.

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

Some statutory rape convictions can lead to sex offender registration, while others may not. It depends on the statute involved, your record, and how the case is resolved. Part of our discussion will include how different outcomes affect registration risk and what options may limit that impact.

Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?

I generally advise clients not to speak with the police about the facts of the case before we talk. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. Once I understand the situation, we can decide together whether any statement makes sense and how to protect your rights.

How private is my case, and will you judge me?

Criminal cases are handled within the court system, but our conversations are confidential. I do not judge clients based on accusations or personal relationships. My job is to protect your rights, help you understand the process, and build the strongest defense that the facts and law support.

How much does it cost to hire you?

The cost depends on factors such as the charges, complexity of the evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. I offer a confidential, no-cost consultation so we can review your situation. After that, I explain the fee structure clearly before you decide how to proceed.

Talk With Me About Your Case

If you are facing a statutory rape allegation in the Temecula area, you do not have to navigate this alone. A single conversation can help you understand the charges, the possible consequences, and the steps we can take to defend you. My goal is to give you clear guidance during a very uncertain time.

I bring more than two decades of criminal defense experience in Riverside County, recognition as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and a commitment to personalized, non-judgmental representation. Your consultation is confidential, and there is no cost to speak with me about what you are facing.

To schedule your confidential consultation, call (951) 221-4331.