San Diego Pedophilia Defense Lawyers

Pedophilia Charges in San Diego?
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Pedophilia is an obsession with children as sex objects. Overt acts, includingtaking sexually explicit photographs, molesting children and exposing one's genitaliato children are all crimes. Pedophilia includes pornography involving children, as well as distributing such images to others.

Alleged sex crimes against children stir up a number of emotions.  The innocent people accused of these savage and repugnant crimes often find themselves judged guilty in the court of public opinion long before any evidence has been discovered. It takes a certain amount of delicacy to handle these complicated and emotionally-fraught cases.

The definition of a pedophile is someone who is primarily sexually attracted to children but this does not make someone a criminal. This orientation only falls under the category of a crime when such a person acts out on their desires through such acts as sexual abuse, molestation, statutory rape or possession of child pornography, to name the most common such charges filed. They affect a significant portion of criminal activity as prison statistics show that about seven percent of the men who are now serving sentences were put behind bars for a crime committed against a minor. There are some female pedophiles but they are about four to five times less likely to become involved in criminal activity than men. Pedophiles can come from many segments of society and it is not unusual for a defendant to be married and a respected member of the local community who either acts out in a physical manner by having inappropriate sexual contact with a child or by indirect behavior, such as the possession of child pornography.

Even though most such offenders are classified as pedophiles, some may not actually suffer from this condition. There are situations in which the motives may be different and a person may not believe that criminal activity is involved because consent may have been given by a minor. However, according the laws any type of sexual activity between an adult and a minor is illegal. The laws specifically state that a minor, by definition is unable to give his or her consent to any type of sexual activity and the behavior by the adult is criminal. Mental health data shows that pedophiles cannot be cured of their desires, although in some cases treatment by professionals can be of assistance. The scientific data also shows that most pedophiles are unable to halt their behavior, acknowledge that they are acting illegally or report their activities in the hope of seeking help. Because of the likelihood of repeated behavior and the social stigma attached to such crimes the laws affecting pedophiles are very strict and involve stiff fines, lengthy prison terms and registration as a sex offender. Even after being released from custody such individuals are subjected to official supervision and must follow prescribed guidelines that affect their proximity to minors.

Never-ending media coverage can bias thousands of people, and reputations and livelihoods are irreparably lost even when all charges are dropped unless you take rapid action and contact our pedophilia defense lawyers.

Your pedophilia defense lawyer understands the how discretion and dignity are two vital parts to your pending litigation.  When you trust us with your defense we will do everything possible to ensure that your case is expedited as quickly and quietly as possible.

If you have been charged with Pedophilia in San Diego, it is imperative to have an experienced criminal defense law firm handle your case. Contact the San Diego Criminal Lawyers of Steigerwalt Law Firm today!