Your side, told by experienced counsel.
California’s sexual assault and rape laws set the stage for cases that often come down to credibility. A single story told from two sides: one by a prosecutor and the other by a defense attorney. The most effective storyteller inevitably wins the case.
Under California penal code 243.4, sexual assault is defined as the unwanted touching of the intimate part of another person for purposes of gratification, arousal or abuse. Under California penal code 261, rape is sexual intercourse with another person without their consent by means of threats, force or fraud. And most controversial, under California penal code 288(a), there are stiff penalties for “lewd acts on a minor under the age of 14”. Since often these types of activities occur behind closed doors, with few – if any – witnesses and little physical evidence to speak of, prosecution and sentencing will often look to the parties involved for the answers. The picture a defense attorney paints of his client is therefore a most crucial component of how the case will be decided.
Stephen R. Kahn has handled sexual assault and rape cases for over 40 years, and in that time, he has seen how incredibly important a skilled and experienced advocate is to defendants in these types of cases. While there is meant to be a presumption of innocence for the accused, Kahn has seen firsthand that the system will often side with the perceived victim. To give a defendant any chance of a success, an attorney needs to start presenting a defense from day one – as the jury is selected and through jury instructions, not just when the trial officially begins. To humanize his clients while keeping the focus on any of the accuser’s ulterior motives and conflicting evidence, a skilled attorney uses every moment to connect with a jury, not just the obvious ones. With a sensitive yet determined approach, Stephen Kahn has handled hundreds of rape, sexual assault and related matters, including:
- Sexual Assault & Battery
- Rape
- Statutory Rape
- Rape & California’s Three Strikes Law
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
While penalties and prison time vary with sexual assault and rape cases, any conviction will result in a lifetime registration as a sex offender. The repercussions of that alone for a defendant can be devastating, with the potential to impact employment, financial and personal prospects forever. For this reason, Stephen Kahn approaches every case with a view to clear the defendant’s name and avoid the devastation of a conviction. His experience and knowledge of these cases benefit the defendant – and their story – to the greatest extent possible. His discretion and respectful, supportive approach are always appreciated as well.
If you have been charged with rape, sexual assault or a related offense, contact us for a consultation.