Sex crime allegations filed against California coach
Stigma from a California sexual assault allegation can easily end a career working with children even if charges are later dropped.
June 12, 2013
Allegations of a criminal sexual offense are disorienting. For a coach or teacher, sex offense charges alone can ruin a career. Responses by a school vary, but suspension of the accused coach or teacher is common pending investigation. In addition, the state licensing board can immediately suspend a teaching license. This could all occur before formal criminal charges are filed.Stigma from a California sexual assault allegation - even if charges are later dropped or a trial results in a not guilty verdict - may still end a career working with children or the vulnerable.
The Contra Costa district attorney's office recently filed numerous charges against a former Richmond Kennedy High School football coach for sex crimes allegedly committed more than twenty years ago. The man was still a varsity football coach in 2004/2005 season. If proven, the 16 felony charges carry 79 years to life in prison. The sheriff's office continues to investigate whether there may have been other victims.
Limitations period in California
The statute of limitations often forces law enforcement to bring charges as soon as possible, so that evidence is still available and details are fresh in the mind of witnesses. Various crimes have different statutes of limitation.
A misdemeanor generally has a one-year statute of limitation. On the other extreme, the California Penal Code allows an investigation into an offense punishable by death, life imprisonment or embezzlement of public funds to commence at any time. Sexual charges can fall into the more serious category, so it may not matter that the alleged offense occurred many years prior to the investigation.
Significant prison time
Sexual assault of a child is punishable by 15 years in prison. California Penal Code 288 also prohibits any touching of a minor under age 14 that is sexual in nature. The offense is referred to as lewd and lascivious acts and also carries prison time. The touching does not necessarily need to be under the child's clothing. It also might not need to be directly on a sexual organ to support a charge.
If convicted of a sex offense, frequently there is also a registration requirement. This can affect where an individual can work, live and socialize for many years.
Contact an attorney
Following accusation or a charge related to a sexual offense with a minor contact an experienced California criminal defense attorney to discuss the facts of your individual situation and available options. Exposing false allegations or allegations that could not have been possible could be enough to avoid a conviction and salvage a career.
Article provided by Law Offices of Karlstrom & Krebs
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