Riverside Child Molestation Lawyers

Understanding Child Molestation Laws in California

California has extensive laws regarding child molestation; these differ based on conduct, the child’s age, the age difference between the alleged perpetrator and the child, and whether physical contact or intent occurred. 

Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under Fourteen 

• Penal Code § 288(a): Touching a child under fourteen for sexual purposes or with sexual intent, which is a felony. Touching over clothing counts.
• Penalties: Three, six, or eight years in prison, which can increase with aggravating factors. 

Lewd Acts with a Child Fourteen or Fifteen 

• Penal Code § 288(c)(1): Sexual touching of a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old when the offender is at least ten years older, which can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Penalties: Up to three years in prison (felony) or up to one year in jail (misdemeanor).

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child 

• Penal Code § 288.5: Ongoing sexual abuse of a child under fourteen, at least three acts over three months or more, charged as a felony.
• Penalties: Six, twelve, or sixteen years in prison. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child 

• Penal Code § 269: Serious sex crimes (rape, sodomy, oral copulation, etc.) with a child under fourteen, charged as a felony.
• Penalties: Fifteen years to life per count. 

Annoying or Molesting a Child

• Penal Code § 647.6: Inappropriate conduct toward a child under 18 that is sexual, which does not have to be physical contact. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Penalties: Up to a year in jail for a misdemeanor or up to three years for a felony.