Riverside Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Experienced, Aggressive Defense in Riverside County Sex Crime Cases

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.

California Law on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Child sexual abuse charges can be serious, regardless of whether there’s little evidence to support the allegations. These charges are often filed in relation to either child abuse or sexual violence. The most frequently filed statutes include:

Penal Code § 288 — Lewd Acts with a Minor

• Applies when prosecutors allege sexual contact with a child under 14, or under 16 in certain circumstances.

Penal Code § 288.5 — Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

• Filed when the prosecution claims three or more acts occurred over a period of at least three months.

Penal Code § 289 — Sexual Penetration with a Minor

• Addresses alleged penetration involving force, fear, or an underage person.

Penal Code § 261.5 — Statutory Rape

• Applies to sexual intercourse with a minor, even if force is not alleged.

Under California law, the prosecution must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These cases frequently depend on testimony, forensic interviews, and statements obtained by investigators.

According to the California Department of Justice OpenJustice data portal, thousands of sexual assault offenses involving minors are reported statewide each year. However, reported allegations and criminal convictions are not the same. Each case turns on evidence.

How Courts Define Child Sexual Abuse

Under Penal Code § 288, even non-penetrative conduct may qualify if the prosecution argues the act was motivated by sexual intent. Allegations may arise from family disputes, custody conflicts, school environments, or institutional settings.

Courts focus on:

• The age of the child
• The nature of the alleged sexual contact
• Whether force, fear, or authority was involved
• Frequency of alleged conduct
• Statements made to law enforcement or social workers

In many instances, there is no physical evidence. Interviews conducted by social workers or Child Advocacy Centers become central to the case. Interview techniques, suggestive questioning, and inconsistencies matter.

As a Riverside child sexual abuse lawyer, I scrutinize how statements were obtained and whether investigative protocols were followed properly.

What Are the Penalties for Child Sexual Abuse in California?

Penalties depend on the charge and alleged facts. Felony child sexual abuse convictions can include:

• 3, 6, or 8 years in state prison (Penal Code § 288)
• 6, 12, or 16 years if force is alleged
• 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.

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.