Statutory Rape

I was charged with unlawful intercourse with a minor, Penal Code Section 261.5(c), Oral Copulation of a minor, Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1) and Sexual Penetration of a minor with a foreign object, Penal Code Section 289(h), [all felonies]. I was looking at up to 5 years in prison for these offenses [and registration as a sex offender for life]. I was more than 10 years older than the victim. I hired Attorney Will Bruzzo to represent me on this matter. Mr. Bruzzo fought hard in the case to get a Misdemeanor. I have no prior record. In the end, the case went all the way to preliminary hearing. The District Attorney finally offered me a plea to a Misdemeanor Penal Code Section 261.5 and DISMISSED the remaining charges [which required sex registration for life.] I was not sentenced to any jail except for time I spent before bailing out. I am happy with this result. I served virtually no jail and I do not have to register as a sex offender. I also do not have a felony on my record. [Client also violated the Protective Order while the case was pending which prohibited him from seeing the minor. He was charged with a misdemeanor Penal Code Section 166(c)(1). That case was also dismissed as part of the agreement] I would therefore refer Mr. Bruzzo for any Penal Code Section 261.5(c) [Unlawful intercourse with a minor], Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1) [Oral Copulation with a minor], Penal Code Section 289(h) [Sexual Penetration of a Minor with a foreign object] case. Date: 2/7/20

I found a new job and went through a background check with the new employer. At that time they informed me I had a felony warrant for Penal Code Section 261.5, Unlawful Intercourse (Statutory Rape). I was completely unaware of this warrant and had never been given any notice it existed. I wanted a good lawyer who had experience with these charges and felony warrants. I hired Attorney Will Bruzzo to represent me because of his over 20 years of experience in criminal matters. Mr. Bruzzo appeared in court with me to recall the warrant-he convinced the judge NOT to set bail since I had voluntarily appeared. On the next court date we once again appeared and he spoke with the District Attorney briefly. The District Attorney then agreed to DISMISS the case. Mr. Bruzzo got a felony case that went to warrant DISMISSED in two appearances. This was a very stressful situation for me and my family. I am grateful to him and I would enthusiastically recommend him for any Penal Code 261.5 Unlawful Intercourse case or other criminal matter. Date: 12/16/13

I was charged with two counts of Felony Penal Code Section 261.5(c), Unlawful Intercourse (Statutory Rape) for having intercourse with a person under the age of 18; I was looking at a maximum of over 4 years of prison time and a felony record. In addition, because I am not a U.S. citizen, a conviction of this type would subject me to deportation and make it impossible for me to become a citizen. I hired William W. Bruzzo to represent me as he is very familiar with these types of crime and with the Courts and the District Attorneys. He worked very hard to present positive information on my behalf to the District Attorney. Mr. Bruzzo had several negotiation sessions and also got the probation department to participate in the process. In the end, Mr. Bruzzo got BOTH FELONY COUNTS DISMISSED. This is despite the fact I admitted to the crimes. I truly believe that Mr. Bruzzo’s experience and familiarity with the court made the difference in my case. I would enthusiastically recommend him for any criminal matter. Date: 8/21/05