Child Molestation Attorney in Fresno
Aggressive PC 288 Defense Backed by Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
A California Penal Code 288 charge doesn’t wait for a trial date to change your life. The accusation alone can cost you your job, your reputation, and your freedom to move through daily life while the case works through Fresno County Superior Court. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these charges aggressively, and investigators often seek statements from suspects before any formal charge is filed. What you do in the first hours matters.
At Sawl Law Group, Inc., we handle PC 288 defense in Fresno with a team that brings over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience and more than 100 trial cases to every case we accept. We know how the prosecution builds a child molestation case from the investigation stage forward, and we use that knowledge to build your defense.
Facing charges or under investigation? Contact our child molestation attorneys in Fresno today for a free case review. Our phones are answered 24/7. Call us now at (559) 205-7757.
What California Law Defines as Child Molestation
PC 288(a) makes it a felony to commit any willful lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body of a child under 14, when the act is committed with the intent to arouse, appeal to, or gratify sexual desires. Physical contact with skin isn’t required. Touching over clothing can satisfy the statute. Intent is the dividing line: accidental contact or medically necessary touching doesn’t meet the legal standard.
The statute reaches further than many people realize. Each individual lewd act can be charged as a separate criminal count, multiplying potential exposure significantly. Two related subsections carry distinct treatment:
- PC 288(c)(1): Covers lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15 when the accused is at least 10 years older, charged differently and carrying lower baseline penalties than PC 288(a).
- PC 288.5: Applies when prosecutors allege three or more acts of substantial sexual conduct or lewd or lascivious conduct over at least three months against the same victim, by a person who resides with or has recurring access to the child. California law prohibits charging both PC 288 and PC 288.5 for the same conduct and time period involving the same victim, so the prosecution must choose its theory.
Penalties for a PC 288 Conviction in Fresno
The consequences of a conviction extend well beyond prison time. Every PC 288 conviction counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, meaning a subsequent felony conviction can trigger dramatically enhanced sentences. Every conviction also requires registration as a sex offender under Penal Code 290, with annual updates and requirements to re-register when changing addresses or names. Under California’s tiered registration system, the duration of registration depends on the specific offense and individual circumstances, and restrictions on where you can live and work can follow you for decades.
Prison exposure by subsection:
- PC 288(a): 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison
- PC 288(b)(1) (involving force, violence, duress, menace, or fear): 5, 8, or 10 years in state prison; probation is not available upon conviction
- PC 288(c)(1): 1, 2, or 3 years in state prison, or up to one year in county jail if charged as a misdemeanor
- PC 288.5: 6, 12, or 16 years in state prison
Courts may also impose fines up to $10,000 in addition to any prison sentence.
Why Fresno Clients Choose Sawl Law Group, Inc. for PC 288 Defense
Child molestation cases are among the most aggressively prosecuted charges in California. Public pressure on law enforcement and prosecutors can lead to overcharging, and the weight of the accusation alone can push defendants toward decisions that aren’t in their best interest. Having a child molestation lawyer in Fresno who has handled more than 100 trial cases changes that dynamic.
We investigate thoroughly, identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense strategy aimed at seeking dismissal, reduction, or a not-guilty verdict, depending on the facts. We file pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence when the record supports them. We also advise clients to remain silent and request counsel immediately upon law enforcement contact, because any statement made without an attorney present can be used against you.
For Spanish-speaking clients, attorney Martin Taleisnik provides representation in Spanish. We serve clients throughout Fresno County and the surrounding counties of Madera, Kings, and Tulare. Our phones are answered 24/7.
Start Your Defense Today
The earlier we get involved, the more options may be available. If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing PC 288 charges in Fresno, contact Sawl Law Group, Inc. for a free case review. There’s no obligation, and our team is available around the clock.
Call (559) 205-7757 now. Our child molestation attorneys in Fresno can review your case and advise on next steps.
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Thanks again for all your help and hard work!
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Sawl Law Group was great experience. They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one. I would recommend them to anyone.
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I just wanted to say a few things about Sawl Law Group. I had never needed to hire an attorney before, so I didn’t know what I was doing, or what to expect. When i had just been charged with a DUI; I had a pile of law offices to choose from. The first one that stood out was Sawl Law Group. They were very professional, and welcoming. Claudia made a long drive, just to meet with me face to face, and have a short conversation about my case, and my options. She made me feel confident that I could do much better than I had hoped. Claudia paired me up with Michelle, the attorney that would then, represent me. She took care of all my court dates (after signing a document of course) which was especially helpful with my crazy work schedule. Not only that, but they were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle. And to anyone else who finds themselves in a bind; I definitely recommend starting here!
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