Sexual Battery Defense in Torrance

Former Prosecutor. Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Fighting for the Accused.

Before Pat Carey defended clients, he prosecuted sex crimes as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, filing cases and supervising other prosecutors on how to build them. That background shapes how we defend against sexual battery accusations today. We know what prosecutors look for, what makes a case strong or weak, and where evidence can be challenged. Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey represents people in Torrance facing criminal charges that carry serious, lasting consequences, and we explore every available legal strategy to protect each client’s position.

If you’re facing a sexual battery accusation in Torrance, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call (310) 695-1118 to speak with our firm and discuss your case.

What California Penal Code 243.4 Actually Covers

Sexual battery under California Penal Code 243.4 is the touching of another person’s intimate part against their will for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. “Intimate part” has a specific legal definition: a female breast or anyone’s anus, groin, sexual organ, or buttocks. Touching can occur directly or through clothing, depending on which version of the charge is filed.

This offense is a wobbler, meaning prosecutors can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor charges apply to more basic fact patterns. Felony sexual battery under 243.4(a) requires contact with bare skin and at least one aggravating circumstance, such as the victim being unlawfully restrained, being institutionalized and medically incapacitated, or the accused falsely representing the touching as serving a professional purpose.

Penalties & Sex Offender Registration Consequences

The sentencing range depends on how the charge is filed. Misdemeanor sexual battery carries up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000, rising to $3,000 if the victim was the defendant’s employee. A felony conviction carries two, three, or four years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction almost always triggers sex offender registration under Penal Code 290. California uses a tiered registration system. Misdemeanor sexual battery typically falls under Tier 1, requiring a minimum of 10 years of registration. Certain felony convictions fall under Tier 3 and require lifetime registration. Failing to comply with registration requirements is itself a separate criminal offense carrying additional jail time. These collateral consequences make early, aggressive defense important.

How We Defend Against Sexual Battery Accusations

Consent is the central issue in most sexual battery cases. The prosecution must prove the touching was against the alleged victim’s will and carried out for a specific sexual purpose. We raise defenses including that the alleged contact never occurred, that the alleged victim consented, or that our client held an honest and reasonable belief that consent was given. We also examine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s worth noting that voluntary intoxication doesn’t excuse the underlying conduct, but under California law, evidence of intoxication can be used to challenge whether our client formed the specific intent required for a conviction. Our approach focuses on the factual and evidentiary record: physical evidence, witness credibility, inconsistencies in the accuser’s account, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. Because Pat Carey previously filed and supervised these cases at the prosecution level, we understand how the other side is likely to present its evidence.

Pat Carey’s Qualifications for This Defense

Pat Carey is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a designation held by roughly 400 lawyers in California out of approximately 250,000, reflecting demonstrated competence through peer review, examination, and case experience. He has handled more than 7,000 cases and taken 65 jury trials through verdict, building a track record of successful negotiations and outcomes across a wide range of criminal matters.

Prosecutorial Background
Pat served as a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he filed sex crime cases and supervised other prosecutors. That insider knowledge is now applied directly to the defense.

Local Relationships & Availability
We leverage our network of local relationships throughout the South Bay, stay current with developments in California law, and are available 24/7 to speak with prospective clients.

Where Torrance Sexual Battery Cases Are Heard

Criminal matters arising in Torrance are handled at the Torrance Courthouse, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Southwest District. That court’s jurisdiction covers the broader South Bay, including Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. We represent clients facing sexual battery charges across these communities and are familiar with how cases move through this courthouse.

Contact Us to Start Your Defense

A sexual battery charge can affect your freedom, your record, and your future for years. The sooner we begin reviewing your case, the more options we can identify. Pat Carey and our team are available around the clock to speak with people facing serious criminal accusations in Torrance.

Contact Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey by phone at (310) 695-1118 or through our website to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation.