Hazing at a CA High School Could Lead to Sex Crimes Charges
Allegations have surfaced at a Los Angeles County high school of sexual hazing by forced sodomy on the school’s varsity soccer team. L.A. county sheriffs investigators are looking into an alleged attack in which a 14-year-old victim was surprised by 10 teammates in the soccer team’s storage room, held down by four older players, and forcibly sodomized with an apparent javelin-like pole. The incident is alleged to have taken place at La Puente High School, part of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
The boy alleges he was told to go into the storage area by the soccer coach who is also a teacher at the school. So far, only the four older teammates have been arrested, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are evaluating the depth of the coach’s involvement. Whether or what charges the accused may face, it demonstrates the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney. Sex crimes convictions carry heavy consequences in California.
Consequences of Sex Crimes Convictions in California
California sex crimes charges demand a strong legal defense by a Rancho Cucamonga criminal law attorney. District attorneys aggressively prosecute these cases, and the punishment for conviction is significant. The extent of punishment depends largely on whether a crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Potential punishments include:
- Jail time
- Lengthy prison sentences, possibly lifetime imprisonment
- Sentence enhancement for aggravating circumstances
- Costly fines
- Sex offender registration
But the consequences of a sex crime conviction go beyond court ordered punishment. A conviction is life changing. It affects your ability to pursue a college degree, begin a career, or even maintain relationships with friends and family.
Defending California Sex Crimes Charges
Sex crimes charges are notoriously difficult to defend. The subject matter is unsavory to jurors, a point prosecutors use to their advantage. Many play to the emotions of jurors instead of the facts of the case. It is critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who can demonstrate your innocence by reining in the prosecution and making the case turn on the evidence.
The Law Office of John D. Lueck is a trusted Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense law firm with more than 35 years of service to clients in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. These cases are highly sensitive and require experienced representation to ensure your rights are protected. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a sex crime, contact Rancho Cucamonga criminal law lawyer John D. Lueck for a free initial consultation.
