Walnut Creek Statutory Rape Attorney
Local Defense For Life-Changing Statutory Rape Allegations
Being accused of unlawful sex with a minor can turn your life upside down in a moment. You may be worried about jail or prison, sex offender registration, and what your family, employer, or school will think. In this situation, you need clear information and a criminal defense lawyer who understands how these cases are handled in Contra Costa County.
Walnut Creek criminal defense lawyer Thomas Daly provides legal representation to people facing serious charges in the area, including sex-related offenses. From his office, he defends clients in Contra Costa County courts and works to protect both their rights and their futures. His approach is personal, detailed, and focused on guiding each client through one of the most stressful times of their life.
Are you being investigated or charged, and do you need help now? Speak with a Walnut Creek statutory rape attorney today to understand your rights, your options, and the next steps you should take to protect your future. Call Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation today at (925) 208-4801 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Understanding Statutory Rape Charges and Their Serious Consequences in California
Statutory rape accusations are different from many other criminal charges because they usually focus on age and the law’s view of consent, not just on what happened physically. Under California law, unlawful sex with a minor can be charged in different ways depending on the ages of the people involved and the age difference between them. Even when both people believed the relationship was consensual, the law may still treat the conduct as a serious offense.
The potential consequences are severe. A conviction can lead to a felony record, time in county jail or state prison, strict probation conditions, and in some situations a requirement to register as a sex offender. These penalties can affect where you can live, what jobs you can hold, and whether you can continue specific educational or professional paths. For many people, the fear of public shame and damage to relationships is just as frightening as the legal penalties.
People who come to Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation for help with statutory rape allegations are often anxious, embarrassed, and unsure where to turn. Some have already been arrested, while others have simply been contacted by law enforcement or learned that someone has made an accusation. In every case, they need a lawyer who will listen without judgment, explain what the charges mean, and start working on a plan that fits their situation.
What To Do If You Are Accused Of Statutory Rape
The first hours and days after an accusation can have a significant impact on how your case develops. Many people feel pressure to explain themselves to police, to the accuser, or to friends and family. That urge is understandable, but it can be dangerous. Statements you make in the heat of the moment may later be used against you or taken out of context.
Before you answer questions from law enforcement, it is wise to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who can advise you about your rights. You generally have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, even if officers suggest that cooperation will make things easier. A lawyer can communicate with investigators on your behalf, which often reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps protect you from unintentionally harming your case.
It is also important not to contact the accuser directly about the allegation, even if you feel that a simple conversation would clear things up. Direct contact can complicate the situation, especially if a protective order is in place or if the other person feels pressured. Instead, focus on preserving any information that may later help clarify what happened, such as text messages, social media records, or travel information. Do not alter or delete potential evidence, and do not ask others to do so.
Building A Tailored Defense To Statutory Rape Allegations
No two statutory rape cases are exactly alike. The ages of the people involved, how they met, the nature of their communication, and the history of the relationship can all affect how a charge is framed and how it should be defended. Thomas Daly approaches each case with the understanding that the details matter and that a strategy that makes sense for one client may not be right for another.
Careful review of the evidence is central to this work. That may include looking at text messages, social media exchanges, call records, and other digital information, along with police reports and witness statements. The goal is to understand what the prosecution is likely to rely on and to identify inconsistencies, gaps, or alternative explanations. There may be questions about whether the evidence truly supports the claimed ages, the timeline, or the level of involvement.
Legal issues also play an essential role. In some situations, the defense may focus on whether the government can prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In others, the emphasis may be on challenging how the investigation was conducted or on presenting information about the client’s background that is relevant to how the case should be resolved. Throughout the process, Thomas Daly works with clients to align the defense approach with their goals, whether that involves contesting the charges at trial or exploring other lawful options.
Protecting Your Privacy & Future Throughout The Case
For many people accused of sex offenses, worries about privacy and long-term damage to their reputation are as intense as concerns about the courtroom itself. Allegations of unlawful sex with a minor carry a heavy social stigma, even when the facts are disputed. It can feel like every aspect of your life is under a microscope.
Thomas Daly and his office treat these cases with a strong focus on confidentiality. Information you share with your attorney is generally protected by the attorney-client relationship, which allows you to speak openly about what happened and what you are worried about. This open communication makes it easier for your lawyer to understand the full picture and to advise you effectively.
Clients also receive guidance on how to handle conversations with employers, schools, and family members, as well as how to approach social media and electronic communication while a case is pending. Thoughtful decisions in these areas can reduce the risk of additional complications and protect you from unintentionally harming your legal position. The one-on-one nature of Thomas Daly’s practice means that your concerns about privacy and future opportunities are not treated as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the defense planning.
How Statutory Rape Cases Move Through Contra Costa County Courts
Understanding how a case travels through the court system can reduce some of the fear of the unknown. In Contra Costa County, felony-level cases are commonly filed in the Superior Court, with many early hearings taking place at the courthouse in Martinez.
Some statutory rape cases begin with a period of investigation, where officers gather statements and records before asking prosecutors to file charges. Other times, an arrest occurs quickly, and the first court appearance, known as an arraignment, is set soon after. At arraignment, the court typically informs you of the charges, addresses bail or release conditions, and sets future dates.
From there, the case usually moves through a series of hearings where issues such as discovery, motions, and possible resolution are discussed. How quickly this occurs depends on many factors, including the complexity of the evidence and the court’s calendar. Because Thomas Daly works in Contra Costa County courts regularly, he understands how scheduling, filing practices, and local rules can shape a case's timeline. He uses that knowledge to keep clients informed and plan the next steps realistically.
Contact Our Walnut Creek Statutory Rape Lawyer Today
If you are facing statutory rape accusations here, you do not have to navigate the Contra Costa County court system alone. A conviction can affect your freedom, your reputation, and your future opportunities, and the decisions you make early in the process can have lasting effects. Speaking with a lawyer who understands both the law and the local courts can help you regain some control and start planning a path forward.
From his office in Walnut Creek, Thomas Daly offers confidential, one-on-one representation to people facing serious criminal charges, including sex-related offenses. He works to protect client rights, explain each step of the process, and develop defenses that reflect the facts and the client’s goals. If you have questions about your situation or need guidance now, you can contact the office to arrange a private consultation with a statutory rape attorney in Walnut Creek.
If you are facing serious accusations and need clear guidance, contact a Walnut Creek statutory rape attorney to discuss your situation in confidence and begin building a defense tailored to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I am arrested for statutory rape?
After an arrest for alleged statutory rape, you are typically brought to a local jail or released with a notice to appear, and the court sets an arraignment date in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. At arraignment, the judge informs you of the charges, addresses bail or release conditions, and sets future court dates. The specific court location often depends on where the alleged offense occurred, with many felony matters beginning in Martinez. Shortly after the arraignment, your attorney can begin requesting police reports and other materials to understand the evidence. During this time, having a lawyer who is familiar with these local courts helps you understand what to expect at each step.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if I am convicted?
Whether a conviction leads to sex offender registration depends on the exact statute you are convicted under, your prior record, and other factors defined by California law. Some forms of unlawful sex with a minor can carry registration requirements, while others may have different consequences. The length and level of registration can also vary, which affects how long you must comply with reporting rules. A defense lawyer can review the specific charges and potential outcomes with you so you understand how registration might apply in your situation. When evaluating options, Thomas Daly considers both the immediate penalties and the long-term impact on your life.
Should I talk to the police or the accuser about the allegation?
In most situations, it is safer not to discuss the facts of the allegation with law enforcement or the accuser before you have spoken with a defense attorney. Statements you make, even if you believe they are helpful or clarifying, may be interpreted differently later or used against you in court. Direct contact with the accuser can also create additional complications, particularly if a restraining order or no-contact condition is in place. Instead of trying to explain things on your own, you can allow your lawyer to handle communications with investigators or the prosecution. Thomas Daly advises clients on how to protect their rights during questioning and works to prevent unnecessary exposure to risk.