Riverside Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer
Protecting Your Future Against Child Sexual Abuse Accusations
I am Gregory H. Comings. I founded my law office in 2003 and have defended clients throughout Riverside County and San Bernardino County for more than two decades. I personally handle every case from beginning to resolution.
A mere allegation of child sexual abuse can carry immediate and significant consequences. Arrest, bail, protective orders, social worker involvement, and public stigma often occur before the facts are fully examined. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. As a Riverside child sexual abuse lawyer, I respond immediately. I analyze the evidence, examine investigative procedures, and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before assumptions turn into convictions.
Reach out to our Riverside child sexual abuse attorney at 951-686-3457 or schedule an initial consultation through our confidential contact form.
Recent Google Review
“I cannot recommend Attorney Greg Comings highly enough. He represented my son in Mental Health Court and fought tirelessly to ensure he remained in the program rather than being transferred into the regular court system. From the very beginning, it was clear that Mr. Comings has a deep understanding of the Mental Health Court system and the unique challenges faced by individuals living with serious mental illness…Mr. Comings was compassionate, knowledgeable, and exceptionally experienced. He knew the law, advocated fiercely for my son, and never gave up fighting for what was right. Because of his dedication, my son has been able to remain in Mental Health Court, continue his counseling and group therapy, work with his psychiatrist, and stay on a path toward stability and recovery”
California Law on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Penalties depend on the charge and alleged facts. Felony child sexual abuse convictions can include:
- 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison under Penal Code § 288(a)
- 5, 8, or 10 years in state prison when force, violence, duress, menace, or fear is alleged under Penal Code § 288(b)(1)
- 6, 12, or 16 years in state prison for continuous sexual abuse under Penal Code § 288.5
- 1, 2, or 3 years under Penal Code § 288(c)(1) when the alleged victim is 14 or 15 and the defendant is at least 10 years older; this charge may be filed as a misdemeanor or felony
- 15 years to life under certain circumstances
- Strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code § 667)
- Lifetime sex offender registration under (Penal Code § 290)
- Significant fines
- Probation restrictions
- Mandatory counseling
A strike conviction dramatically increases future sentencing exposure. A second strike doubles prison time. A third strike can result in a sentence of 25 years to life. The legal system treats these charges with severity. Early defense intervention can influence filing decisions and enhancement allegations.
Factors That Can Worsen Sentencing Exposure
Prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties based on:
- Allegations of repeated abuse
- Age difference between the accused and the child
- Evidence of planning or coercion
- Digital evidence or communications
- Prior criminal history
Continuous sexual abuse charges under Penal Code § 288.5 may carry extended sentencing exposure if prosecutors claim three or more acts occurred over time.
Enhancements may apply for:
- Allegations from multiple people
- Great bodily injury
- Use of force or threats
- Position of trust or authority
Each added allegation increases risk. A strategic defense must address both the core charge and potential enhancements.
How Child Sexual Abuse Allegations Can Destroy a Life
An accusation alone can trigger serious consequences before any conviction.
Immediate impact may include:
- Arrest and high bail
- Protective orders
- Removal from the home
- Loss of custody or restricted visitation
Professional and reputational damage can follow:
- Job loss
- License suspension
- Public stigma
- Lasting online records
Even if charges are reduced or dismissed, reputational harm can remain.
If convicted, mandatory registration under Penal Code § 290 may last for decades or life, affecting housing, employment, and community access. As a Riverside child sexual abuse lawyer, I recognize that the damage begins the moment an accusation surfaces. Defense must begin just as quickly.
Reach out to our child sexual abuse attorney in Riverside at 951-686-3457 or schedule an initial consultation through our confidential contact form.
What to Do If You Are Accused of Child Sexual Abuse
Your actions immediately after an allegation matter:
- Do not speak with law enforcement without counsel present.
- Do not contact the person making the allegations or their family or friends.
- Do not attempt to “clarify” your position with investigators.
- Preserve all communications and digital records.
- Comply strictly with any court orders.
- Call a Riverside child sexual abuse lawyer.
Investigators may attempt to obtain statements through informal questioning. Even seemingly harmless explanations can be used against you.
Once retained, I communicate directly with detectives and prosecutors. I evaluate the strength of the evidence and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts.
