Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I have specialized in juvenile law for many years, but I would still need more info than you have provided. I can only say that this is a sex offense and could possibly result in someone having to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life. Your cousin's parents should consult with a qualified attorney in or near your area. If they want to speak to me on the phone, I will be more than happy to go over all the facts, and give more in depth advise.David Wallin

Your cousin needs a lawyer immediately. His entire future is at stake. I'm sure you mean well, but a non-lawyer relative referring to briefs from other cases (which will inevitably be different from this one) can't offer much help.

�What can you do�? Nothing, unless you are an attorney licensed to practice in CA.

For him: no amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or anywhere else are going to effectively help you in your defense, other than the advice to exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to anyone except an attorney about the case. That includes on this or any other web site or public forum. Most police and prosecutors will happily tell you that 95% of people convict themselves by trying to be 'helpful and cooperative', either during initial contact, questioning, interview or interrogation. Hire an attorney, unless you know how to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor intending to convict.

If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me.