Child Molestation Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga

Support, Answers, and Protection When the Stakes Are High

At Newman & Allen, our child molestation attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga understand the anxiety and turmoil that come with these charges, and we are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

No one expects to be in this position, and few realize how quickly reputations, families, and futures can change when a charge is filed. Our team is committed to providing the guidance and support you need at every stage, starting with complete confidentiality.

For more than 25 years, we have defended clients in Rancho Cucamonga. Our team includes two former prosecutors who understand both sides of the California criminal justice process. You are not alone during this crisis, and your decisions now matter.

Facing a child molestation charge? Secure the tactical edge of former prosecutors with over 40 years of combined legal experience. Call a proven child molestation attorney in Rancho Cucamonga now at (909) 328-6101 or reach out online for immediate legal intervention.

Understanding Child Molestation Laws in California

California Penal Code § 288 PC broadly prohibits committing any "lewd or lascivious act" upon or with a minor. The specific subsection charged dictates the severity of the potential sentence and whether the offense is a felony or a "wobbler" (chargeable as a felony or misdemeanor).

The Base Offense: PC § 288(a)

This statute prohibits committing a lewd or lascivious act with a child under the age of 14 years without the use of force or fear. This is a straight felony offense.

Aggravated Offenses and Penalties

Penalties dramatically increase if the act is committed under aggravated circumstances:

• Lewd Act by Force or Fear: The use of force, violence, duress, or threats to commit the act. This charge mandates a state prison sentence.
• Lewd Act with a Child 14 or 15: This is a "wobbler" offense if the perpetrator is at least 10 years older than the victim.
• Inflicting Bodily Harm: Personally inflicting bodily harm upon a victim under 14 can lead to a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.

As experienced former prosecutors, we meticulously analyze the facts to ensure the San Bernardino County District Attorney has charged the correct, least punitive offense possible.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction

The penalties for a child molestation conviction are among the harshest in California law, extending well beyond the prison term.

Direct Consequences

Collateral Consequences

The secondary penalties are permanent and severely impact your life in Rancho Cucamonga:

• Mandatory Lifetime Sex Offender Registration (PC 290): A conviction under PC 288 requires lifelong registration as a sex offender (Tier III). This public registration (name, photo, address) severely restricts where you can live, work, and even travel.
• Loss of Parental Rights: A conviction often leads to the loss of custody and visitation rights and interference by Child Protective Services (CPS).
• "Three Strikes" Law: Most convictions under PC 288 count as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law, severely enhancing the sentence for any future felony conviction.
• Immigration: For non-citizens, this offense is an aggravated felony that results in mandatory detention and deportation.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Defense

A successful defense against child molestation requires a precise, multi-layered strategy that challenges the core legal elements, the constitutional basis, and the factual integrity of the State's case. 

As your Rancho Cucamonga child molestation lawyer, we focus on the following defenses:

• Challenging Intent (Lack of Lewd Purpose): This is the strongest defense. We argue that the touching, if it occurred, was accidental, incidental, or done for a non-sexual purpose (e.g., cleaning, medical examination, or guidance). Since the act must be willful and for sexual arousal to be a crime, an innocent explanation negates the charge.
• False Allegations: We conduct a thorough investigation to identify motives for a false report, such as manipulation in a custody battle, coercion by another adult, or seeking attention. Our former prosecutors are highly skilled at exposing inconsistencies in testimony and demonstrating motive.
• Constitutional Defenses: We aggressively look for violations of your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent or Fourth Amendment violations regarding the search and seizure of your home, computer, or phone records. Suppressing key evidence is the fastest path to acquittal.
• Mental State and Duress: We use expert testimony to challenge the reliability of child witness accounts or to introduce evidence regarding miscommunication or coercion that may undermine the prosecution's narrative.

Why Choose Newman & Allen for Your Defense

When you are facing charges that can permanently change your life, experience and strategy matter. At Newman & Allen, you benefit from a powerful combination: our attorneys have decades of criminal defense practice, and two members of our team previously worked as prosecutors in California courts. 

This background gives us an insider’s view of how these cases are built and handled by the prosecution in Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County.

We approach every child molestation defense case with personal attention. Our attorneys listen closely to your story, investigate every fact, and build individualized strategies that reflect your unique situation. We have strong working relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff. This means your defense is informed by real knowledge of how the legal system operates in Rancho Cucamonga.

Most importantly, every client receives confidential, judgment-free support from the first call. Our process includes meticulous case preparation so that you never face surprises. We make it our goal to protect your rights and help you move forward, valuing your dignity throughout.

What to Do If Accused: Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

If you are accused of child molestation, acting quickly and with care is critical. Anything you say—even informal comments—can impact your defense. It is crucial to secure legal representation before speaking to police, social services, or the accuser in any capacity.

Follow these essential steps to protect your interests:

• Do not answer questions or give statements to police, social workers, or the accuser until you have legal advice.
• Gather and preserve all records, messages, or evidence related to the situation.
• Make notes of the sequence of events, key dates, and any possible witnesses.
• Avoid discussing details of the accusation with others, including through digital communications or social media.
• Contact our attorneys at Newman & Allen as soon as possible for guidance before giving any information or agreeing to interviews.

Our experience in Rancho Cucamonga's legal system helps us guide you through every step. Early legal representation helps prevent avoidable errors, shields you from self-incrimination, and empowers you with honest, informed answers. Choosing to get immediate counsel is not an admission of guilt; it is a responsible choice to protect your rights.

Contact Our Rancho Cucamonga Team for a Confidential Consultation

Contacting our attorneys as soon as possible puts you in a stronger position to protect your rights, your privacy, and your future. At Newman & Allen, you receive experienced child molestation defense, a supportive team, and complete confidentiality from your very first call.

We invite you to set up a free, confidential evaluation if you or a loved one is facing child molestation charges in Rancho Cucamonga. You will find a team ready to listen, advise, and stand with you during every step.

Call Newman & Allen at (909) 328-6101 for a confidential consultation with a child molestation attorney in Rancho Cucamonga.