Lewd Acts With a Minor Defense in Corona

Facing a PC 288 Allegation? Draw on 20 Years of Legal Experience.

If you’re being investigated, have been arrested, or received court paperwork involving California Penal Code section 288, your next decisions matter. Statements to investigators, text messages, online activity, and conversations with potential witnesses could affect the case.

I represent people facing serious criminal accusations in Corona and throughout Riverside County. I can assess the specific allegation, explain the legal issues involved, and help you understand the decisions immediately ahead. The term child molestation doesn’t identify every possible charge. The cited statute, alleged conduct, child’s age, and prosecution’s theory all require careful review.

Call (951) 335-0088 for a free case evaluation and discuss your investigation, charge, or upcoming court date directly with me.

What Prosecutors Must Prove Under California Penal Code Section 288

California Penal Code section 288(a) addresses a willful and lewd or lascivious act involving the body of a child under 14. The alleged act must have been committed with the specific intent to arouse, appeal to, or gratify sexual desire.

The legal definition isn’t limited to direct skin contact. Depending on the allegation, it can include touching through clothing or causing a child to touch the child’s own body, the accused person’s body, or another person’s body. The required specific intent means that contact alone isn’t enough. The prosecution must prove the particular sexual purpose required by the statute.

Every required element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If the charging documents cite a different child-related sex-crime statute, the case may require a separate analysis even if someone informally describes the accusation as lewd or lascivious acts with a minor.

Potential Consequences of a PC 288 Conviction

The potential sentence depends on the charged subdivision, alleged conduct, child’s age, prior convictions, applicable enhancements, and any additional counts. The general label child molestation doesn’t establish the possible custody or prison exposure in a particular case.

Consequences that may require careful analysis include:

• Jail or state prison exposure based on the filed charges and sentencing factors.
• Sex offender registration obligations under California law.
• Employment or professional licensing restrictions.
• Immigration consequences for someone who isn’t a United States citizen.
• Firearm restrictions and effects on family or personal relationships.

Evaluating sentencing and registration requires reviewing the exact statute, criminal history, and filed allegations. Additional counts or enhancements can significantly change that assessment.

Evidence That Can Shape a PC 288 Defense

A defense assessment starts with the prosecution’s account and the evidence behind it. I examine whether the alleged act occurred as described, whether the conduct was willful, whether the required intent can be proven, and whether investigators respected the accused person’s constitutional rights.

Relevant evidence may include:

• Recorded interviews and prior statements.
• Text messages, social media activity, and device records.
• Witness accounts and the timeline of the report.
• Medical, forensic, photographic, or surveillance evidence.
• Records showing when, where, and how the allegation arose.

No single defense applies to every case. I build the defense around the evidence, charged elements, and prosecution’s theory rather than assuming the accusation is false or that one issue will determine the outcome.

How I Prepare a Case From Arraignment Through Trial

The legal process may include an investigation, arrest or notice to appear, arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, negotiations, hearings, and trial. At arraignment, the court informs the defendant of the alleged charges and constitutional rights. The sequence depends on how the case was filed and how it develops.

I handle criminal cases from their earliest stages through trial when necessary. My work can include reviewing the accusation, analyzing discovery, protecting your rights, preparing for court, and evaluating the available options. I’ve handled multiple criminal trials through verdict, but the decision to negotiate or proceed to trial must reflect the facts, evidence, and risks of the individual case.

If you have court paperwork, confirm the appearance date, filed charges, release conditions, and representation status. Don’t ignore a required appearance or discuss the allegations publicly while the case is pending.

Direct Attention Backed by More Than 20 Years of Legal Experience

As a solo practitioner, I remain directly involved in the central decisions affecting your defense instead of passing them through layers of staff. I bring an aggressive approach to courtroom advocacy while communicating with clients respectfully and clearly.

My practice includes criminal defense and family law. This combined perspective helps me identify when a criminal accusation may affect family relationships or related legal concerns without losing focus on the criminal charge.

Get a Case-Specific Review Before Your Next Step

Request a free case evaluation to discuss the cited statute, investigation status, next court date, and immediate concerns. I can explain how California law applies after reviewing the facts and evidence, without predicting a result.

Emergency consultations are available, and calls are returned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At Michael J. Lacilento, Attorney at Law, you’ll speak directly with the attorney responsible for evaluating and handling your case.

Call (951) 335-0088 to discuss your PC 288 allegation with me.