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 have been accused of such serious charges, you need to hire an experienced sexual assault defense attorney in Bakersfield to protect your rights and future.
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 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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- 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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- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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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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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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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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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 attorney in Bakersfield.
