When an Accusation Changes Everything: Defending Attempted Rape Charges in California
Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes
Reviewed by Attorney Nate Gjesdal
October 22, 2025
It started with a phone call that no one ever expects to get.
A young man in Orange County.
He is a father and a full-time employee with no prior criminal record. This man now found himself accused of attempted rape after what he believed was a consensual encounter. Within days, he’d been arrested, booked, and released on bail. His family was in shock. His employer placed him on leave. His life was spinning.
When he came to Not Guilty Law, he didn’t talk about strategy first. We had a very honest conversation about the reality of fear — fear of losing his family, his reputation, his entire future.
That’s where Attorney Nate Gjesdal stepped in.
Nate began where most people overlook: the facts behind the accusation. He requested discovery, reviewed every piece of evidence, and spoke directly with witnesses the police had never contacted. What he found changed everything — inconsistencies in statements, missing text messages, and gaps in the timeline that didn’t add up.
But Nate’s role didn’t stop at analyzing evidence. He also helped his client navigate the most stressful part of any accusation: what to do, and what not to do. He advised who could serve as credible witnesses, who the client should avoid speaking with, and how to handle contact from law enforcement or the media. For many clients, that kind of steady, step-by-step guidance is what keeps a bad situation from spinning into something worse.
In California, attempted rape (Penal Code §§ 664/261) is among the most serious charges a person can face. Even an accusation can destroy a career. A conviction carries potential prison time, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and irreversible damage to one’s future.
But what many people don’t realize is that these cases are often built on perception, not proof. Memory fades. Evidence can be misinterpreted. Context disappears. That’s why having a skilled defense lawyer who knows how to slow things down and rebuild the truth piece by piece can make the difference between losing everything and clearing your name.
At Not Guilty Law, Nate treats every client as a person, not a case file. He believes in collaborative courtroom advocacy and working with prosecutors when possible, pushing hard when necessary, and never losing sight of what’s fair. In many cases, that approach opens doors to dismissals, reduced charges, or pre-filing resolutions before a case ever reaches a jury.
This particular case ended the way all defense lawyers hope for: the truth came out. Charges were dropped. The client walked away with his record clean and his life back!
Facing a Serious Allegation? Here’s What You Should Do Right Now
If you or someone you love has been accused of attempted rape or another serious felony in Southern California:
Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present. Even innocent explanations can be misinterpreted.
Gather anything that tells your side of the story. Messages, photos, social media posts, or people who were there.
Talk to your lawyer about potential witnesses. Not everyone close to you should testify. Your attorney helps identify who strengthens your defense and who may not.
Avoid discussing your case publicly or online. Small comments can and will be used against you later.
Contact an attorney immediately. Early intervention can shape the case before charges are even filed.
At Not Guilty Law, we defend people accused of serious crimes across Orange County and Riverside County from DUIs and domestic violence to sexual assault allegations that can change a life in an instant.
If you’re scared, confused, or unsure of what to do next, call Attorney Nate Gjesdal today. Your future deserves a fair defense and someone who will fight to tell your full story.
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