Bakersfield Sexual Assault & Battery Lawyers
Accused of Sexual Assault or Battery in Bakersfield, CA?
Sexual assault and battery charges are not to be taken lightly.
If you are dealing with charges, Humphrey & Thompson can offer a defense rooted in the realities of the courtroom, not legal theory. We are former prosecutors. We understand how these cases are built, and we dismantle them. Over tens of thousands of cases handled. A 90%+ success rate. This is not about promises; it’s about demonstrated results.
When the stakes are high, your choice of legal counsel matters. Call to arrange a consultation with a sexual assault and battery attorney in Bakersfield today.
Overview of Sexual Assault & Battery Laws in California
Sexual assault and battery are distinct yet equally serious charges under California law, both resulting in severe penalties upon conviction.
Sexual assault typically involves non-consensual sexual contact or actions ranging from unwelcome touching to forced sexual acts. Battery refers to intentional physical force or violence against another person and does not require severe injury to be classified as an offense.
Understanding the legal distinctions and potential repercussions between sexual assault and battery cases is a critical step for anyone facing these accusations.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault & Battery Convictions in Kern County
A conviction for sexual assault or battery comes with serious consequences that can last a lifetime.
Depending on the nature of the offense and the charges, penalties may include:
- Jail or prison time. For misdemeanor charges, jail time may range from several months to a year in county jail. Felony convictions, on the other hand, often result in multi-year sentences in state prison, especially in cases involving aggravating factors or repeat offenses.
- Fines & restitution. Fines can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense. Courts may also impose restitution payments to cover counseling, medical bills, or other financial losses incurred by the victim.
- Mandatory probation. Probation may be an alternative to incarceration for less severe offenses. However, probation conditions often include counseling, routine check-ins with a probation officer, and behavior restrictions.
- Sex offender registration. A conviction may result in mandatory registration as a sex offender, lasting anywhere from years to a lifetime. This registry significantly impacts housing eligibility, employment opportunities, and personal relationships, creating obstacles beyond the courtroom.
- Impact on personal and professional life. The effects of a conviction are far-reaching. A criminal record, coupled with the social stigma of these offenses, can limit future employment or education options, damage personal relationships, and pose ongoing challenges even after penalties are served.
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
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- KC A.
I had an amazing experience with Kyle! He is a straight shooter and that was crucial for me to hear. I was able to keep all my rights, get my case dismissed and that was huge for me! Kyle was able to take a bad situation for our family and deliver results that allowed us to move forward and grow. I highly recommend Kyle and his team!
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Rob B.
He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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- Aimee G.
The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
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- Cesar M.
They were very straightforward about the possible outcomes and always seemed to be one step ahead in planning our defense strategy. The paralegal staff was also courteous and prompt in their responses, which made the whole stressful process much more bearable. I am profoundly grateful for their services. the Martinez Lugo family we loved them we really recommended thanks so much :)
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- Rena B.
IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
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Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Misdemeanor Sex Crime with Mandatory Sex Registration
Settled for no registration and time served after 5 days of trial ending in a mistrial. -
Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Felony Sex Crime
Client was charged with a felony sex crime . His charges were reduced to a misdeanor. He received no sex offender registration and community service instead of jail. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Understanding Your Rights
Facing accusations of sexual assault or battery can be overwhelming, but it is critical to remember that the legal system provides rights to protect you throughout the process.
These rights include:
- The right to remain silent. You are not obligated to speak with law enforcement or prosecutors without legal counsel. Remaining silent can prevent accidental self-incrimination.
- The right to legal counsel. You are entitled to an attorney who can advocate, defend your rights, and guide you through every stage of your case.
- The right to a fair trial. This guarantees that your case will be examined without bias and that evidence will be addressed according to legal standards.
These legal protections exist so that you can trust the justice system to respect your rights and dignity. Still, securing skilled legal representation is crucial in exercising these rights effectively. A dedicated attorney can help you preserve these protections, counter the prosecution’s case, and pursue a defense tailored to the specifics of your situation.
Protecting your future starts with asserting your rights and seeking knowledgeable legal advice. Call or contact Humphrey & Thompson online to schedule a case consultation with a sexual assault and battery attorney in Bakersfield.
