Rape and Statutory Rape

May 15, 2018
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 |  Sex Crimes

Rape and Statutory Rape

Defending Against False Accusations of Rape and Sexual Assault

The facts surrounding allegations of rape or sexual assault are never cut and dry. There is always a different view of what happened according to each party. However, if you are the one being accused of rape, you deserve a strong legal defense by a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney.

My name is J. David Markham. I am a criminal defense attorney and certified criminal law specialist in California. I will use my decade of experience in criminal law to aggressively and effectively defend you against any rape, statutory rape or sexual assault charges. I have an office in Lakeport and can serve as a Lake County rape attorney for people in that community, as well as Clearlake and the surrounding parts of Lake County and Mendocino County. Contact me for a free initial consultation.

Protect Your Future and Fight Against Rape Charges

There is a lot at stake if you are facing rape charges. Not only are there criminal penalties such as fines and jail time, but the possibility of registration as a sex offender. Once you are on the sex offender registry, it is almost always for life. This is public record to anyone and the social stigma from this is devastating. Your future employment and work opportunities will be negatively affected. I will do everything I can to help protect your future and fight off rape charges by aggressively advocating for your innocence as well as thoroughly combing through the evidence and all relevant facts.

Statutory Rape Charges

In California, having sex with a minor (someone under the age of 18) is considered statutory rape. This is regardless of whether the sexual act was consensual or not. Even if the minor lied about their age, this is not a defense. The larger the age difference the more severe the criminal penalties. If you are facing statutory rape charges, now is the time to seek out the appropriate legal representation.

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DUI

April 5, 2018
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 |  Drug Crimes

DUI

Help for People Accused of DUI and Multiple DUI/DWI

Whether you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) for the first time or you are a repeat offender, you face serious consequences. Those consequences are even more severe if you are accused of causing injury or death in a car accident. You can get help from a local lawyer who knows the courts that handle these matters and will give you personal attention. You do not need to turn to a big law firm from outside of the area that is more concerned with getting the case over with than they are with getting you through this.

I am a Lakeport DUI defense attorney, working out of my office in Lakeport. I provide DUI/DWI defense representation to people in that community, as well as Clearlake and the surrounding parts of Lake and Mendocino Counties. Contact me for a free initial consultation.

Criminal Defense Against DUI and Drivers License Suspension

For many, the most damaging penalty associated with DUI/DWI is drivers’ license suspension. This is particularly true for truck drivers and other commercial drivers who rely on their ability to drive to do their job. Even the four-month suspension that happens automatically is long enough for a career to be lost.

I know how to defend you and your license. One of the strategies I may use is to negotiate a reduced charge. For example, wet reckless is an alcohol-related reckless driving charge that is less severe than DUI/DWI. This charge does not require license suspension.

Multiple DUI/DWI Charge

If you are facing a second, third or multiple DUI/DWI charge, potential criminal penalties are even more severe. You could face incarceration, increased fines and even felony charges. Now is the time to seek quality legal defense.

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Spousal Support

March 2, 2018
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 |  Family Law

Spousal Support

Spousal support is a complex issue that may have a significant impact on your immediate and long-term financial security. If you are faced with the prospect of a divorce that may involve a spousal support claim, it is important that you have a knowledgeable family law attorney on your side.

I am attorney J. David Markham, and I can provide the sound advice and quality legal representation you require. I have more than a decade of legal experience. As a former prosecutor and insurance defense lawyer, I have considerable trial experience and strong negotiation skills. To speak with me about your divorce, contact my law office

Protect Your Rights

A court may order either spouse to pay spousal support to the other party. The court may determine the amount and duration of the support award.

For couples married less than 10 years, the typical length of spousal support ordered is one-half the length of the marriage (or until the supported spouse is remarried). In long-term marriages (generally considered 10 years or more), spousal support can be awarded until either spouse’s death or re-marriage or a fixed date, depending on the circumstances of the parties.

Given the wide discretion that courts have to fashion spousal support awards, it is critical that you have a skilled attorney on your side who can negotiate a favorable resolution or make a compelling argument on your behalf at trial.

When representing clients in divorces involving spousal support claims, I take time to carefully review their financial circumstances. I analyze cases from a broad perspective to take into account the total impact of issues such as property division, child custody and spousal support. By taking a global perspective on such matters, I am better able to protect my clients’ rights and financial interests.

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