Child Molestation Attorney in Torrance

Facing Life-Changing Child Molestation Accusations

Allegations involving a minor can threaten everything you value, including your freedom, reputation, and family relationships. If you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation in Torrance, you do not have to face this alone, our child molestation attorneys in Torrance can help you. Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP is a criminal defense firm focused on guiding people through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience in Southern California. Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with 38 years in practice, and he is recognized as a certified criminal law specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Together with attorney Michelle Mathes and our team, we work to protect your rights, your future, and your dignity.

If you are looking for a child molestation attorney in Torrance, we invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation. We listen carefully, explain your options in plain language, and help you take the next step with a clear plan. You can also call us at (310) 361-3068.

The Stakes In Child Molestation Cases

When accusations involve a child, the legal system treats these cases with particular seriousness. In California, child molestation charges can lead to felony convictions, significant prison time, and, in many situations, mandatory sex offender registration. The specific penalties depend on the charges, the age of the minor, and the facts that prosecutors choose to allege.

Beyond formal penalties, the personal and professional consequences can be severe. You may face immediate no-contact orders with the alleged victim and sometimes with all minors in your household. Employers may suspend or terminate you. Licensing boards, immigration authorities, and family courts may open their own proceedings based on the same accusations.

Accusations alone can damage your standing in the community before any judge or jury hears your side. People often feel that they have been convicted in the court of public opinion overnight. Social media, school communities, and extended family networks can react quickly, sometimes without accurate information.

In Los Angeles County courts, child molestation cases are often prosecuted aggressively. The District Attorney’s Office may assign these matters to units that focus on sex crimes and child abuse. These prosecutors are trained to build emotional narratives for juries and to seek strict conditions in plea agreements. Having seasoned criminal defense counsel who understands this environment can be critical.

Our firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense. Our child molestation lawyers in Torrance work hard to help clients understand what charges mean, how sentencing laws operate, and what options might exist in their specific situations. When you understand the stakes clearly, you are better prepared to make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Why Choose Our Child Molestation Attorneys in Torrance

Choosing the right defense team is one of the most important decisions you will make after being accused of child molestation. At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we are based in Torrance and devote our practice entirely to defending people against criminal charges. This includes complex and highly sensitive cases involving allegations of misconduct with minors.

Our firm is led by Robert Ernenwein and Michelle Mathes. Robert began his career as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and has practiced criminal law for 38 years. This background gives him a detailed understanding of how prosecutors evaluate evidence, decide whether to file charges, and approach plea negotiations and trials.

Robert is also recognized as a certified criminal law specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. This designation reflects extensive experience in criminal cases and a commitment to maintaining high professional standards. In cases as serious as child molestation, that depth of criminal law knowledge can be especially important.

Attorney Michelle Mathes brings more than 25 years of experience in criminal law. Together, our attorneys collaborate on strategy and case preparation. We review the law, the facts, and the potential consequences from multiple angles, then tailor a defense plan to the individual client.

Clients who contact our office in Torrance speak directly with our attorneys, not through layers of intermediaries. We take time to listen without judgment, to answer your questions, and to keep you informed at each stage. Our goal is for you to know what is happening in your case and why specific decisions are being made.

We also work with a former LAPD private investigator. This resource allows us to conduct thorough investigations, including interviewing witnesses, reviewing digital records, and examining law enforcement procedures. Combined with our dedicated staff, this helps us respond quickly to developments in your case and prepare carefully for court.

What To Do If You Are Accused

When you learn that you are being accused of child molestation, it is natural to feel the urge to explain yourself to the police, family members, or the accuser. What you say in those first hours and days can have a lasting impact on your case. It is crucial to act carefully and to seek legal guidance from a child molestation attorney in Torrance as soon as possible.

Law enforcement officers and detectives are trained to gather statements that can later be used in court. Even if you believe you can clear up a misunderstanding, speaking without an attorney can lead to statements that are taken out of context or interpreted against you. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Using those rights is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to protect yourself.

Court orders and temporary protective orders can limit your contact with the alleged victim or with minors generally. Violating these orders can lead to new charges or stricter conditions. It is important to follow any conditions set by the court while your attorney works to address them.

Digital evidence is often central in these cases. Text messages, social media, photos, and other electronic records can be reviewed by both the prosecution and the defense. Deleting or altering potential evidence can create serious problems and may be misinterpreted as an attempt to hide information. Preserving relevant materials and bringing them to your attorney is usually more helpful.

Our child molestation attorneys in Torrance encourage people in this position to contact counsel as early as possible, including while a case is still in the investigative or pre-filing stage. Early involvement can allow your attorney to communicate with detectives and, when appropriate, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office before final charging decisions are made.

If you are accused of child molestation, some immediate steps can help protect you:

• Do not discuss the allegations with police or investigators without an attorney present.
• Avoid any direct or indirect contact with the accuser or potential witnesses.
• Preserve text messages, emails, and other digital communications without editing or deleting them.
• Write down a timeline of events while details are still fresh in your mind.
• Contact our Torrance office to speak confidentially with an attorney about your situation.

How Our Attorneys Defend These Cases

Every child molestation case is different. The specific charges, the alleged conduct, the ages of those involved, and the available evidence all shape how a defense is developed. Our attorneys review each case from the ground up, starting with a detailed discussion with you about what happened from your perspective.

In many situations, these cases begin with an investigation. Officers from agencies such as the Torrance Police Department, LAPD, or other local law enforcement may interview the child, family members, and other potential witnesses. They may seek search warrants for phones, computers, or social media accounts. When we become involved during this stage, our child molestation attorneys in Torrance work to understand what investigators are doing and how that may affect your rights.

Once charges are filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the case typically proceeds through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and, if not resolved, trial. At arraignment, you are informed of the charges, and the court addresses issues such as bail and protective orders. Pretrial hearings can involve sharing evidence, filing motions, and negotiating with the prosecutor.

Our attorneys carefully examine the prosecution’s evidence, looking for inconsistencies, gaps, and alternative explanations. In many child molestation cases, credibility is central. We look at how and when the allegations were made, what was happening in family or school relationships at the time, and whether there may be motives to exaggerate or misinterpret events.

We work with our former LAPD private investigator when appropriate to locate and interview witnesses, gather records, and test the reliability of the state’s case. Digital and physical evidence are reviewed methodically. We consider whether forensic methods were applied correctly and whether there are issues with how interviews were conducted, especially with minors.

Not every case goes to trial. In some situations, it may be appropriate to explore negotiation or to consider options such as seeking reduced charges or diversion programs that may be available under California law. Whether such options are realistic depends on the facts, the charges, and the prosecution’s position. We discuss these possibilities openly with you so that any decision is made with full understanding.

When a case proceeds toward trial, preparation is intensive. Our trial work is informed by Robert’s experience as a former prosecutor and by our years of criminal defense practice. We analyze jury instructions, plan cross-examinations, and work to present your side clearly and respectfully. Our objective is to challenge the prosecution’s case wherever the evidence and law allow.

Local Courts & Child Molestation Charges

Many felony sex offense cases arising in and around Torrance are heard in the Torrance Courthouse, which is part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Some cases may be assigned to other courthouses in the county depending on where the alleged conduct occurred and how the case is charged.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office typically prosecutes these cases. The way a particular courthouse and prosecutorial unit handles scheduling, plea discussions, and trials can affect how your case progresses. Attorneys who regularly appear in these courts tend to be more familiar with local procedures, common practices, and expectations.

Our firm is located in Torrance, and we appear frequently in courts throughout the South Bay and the greater Los Angeles County area. This means we are familiar with how cases move through the Torrance Courthouse and related locations. We help you understand what to expect at each appearance, from arraignment through potential pretrial conferences and hearings.

Meeting locally with our attorneys can also make communication easier for you and your family. We strive to make sure you know where you need to be, what will likely happen at each court date, and how we are preparing for what comes next.

If you are searching for a child molestation attorney Torrance residents can turn to for informed, local guidance, our team is available to talk with you confidentially about your case and the courts that may be involved.

To speak privately with our Torrance criminal defense attorneys, call (310) 361-3068.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk to the Police Before I Have a Lawyer?

In most situations, it is safer to speak with an attorney before answering questions from police or detectives. Officers may use your statements in ways you do not expect. We can help you decide what to say, if anything, while protecting your rights.

What Penalties Could I Face for Child Molestation?

Penalties vary based on the specific California statute charged, the age of the minor, and your history. They can include years in state prison, fines, and sex offender registration. We review the potential sentencing ranges in your situation and discuss ways to address those risks.

Can Your Team Get involved While I am Under Investigation?

Yes, we often become involved while a case is still being investigated and before charges are filed. Early representation can allow us to monitor what law enforcement is doing and, when appropriate, communicate with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office about charging decisions.

Will You Keep My Case Completely Confidential?

Conversations with our attorneys are confidential under the attorney-client privilege. We treat these matters with great discretion and do not judge our clients. Our team focuses on protecting your rights and privacy while guiding you through each stage of the criminal process.

How is Ernenwein & Mathes Different from Other Firms?

Our firm offers over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, including a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and a certified criminal law specialist. We are based in Torrance, work only on criminal cases, and use a former LAPD private investigator to support thorough, fact-driven defenses.

We provide confidential consultations and direct access to our attorneys, not just staff members. Reach out to us today.