Lewd Acts on a Minor (Child Molestation) – PC 288

Sex crimes are one of the most serious offenses that you can be convicted of in California. Committing a lewd act on a minor is one of the most common sex crimes. Section 288 of the California Penal Code makes it a crime for a person to willfully and lewdly commit any lewd act on the body of a minor with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desire of that person or the child. If you have been accused of committing this crime of child molestation, it is crucial for you seek the legal services of a Los Angeles criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Section 288 presents various scenarios on how a defendant can be convicted of a committing a lewd act on a minor. Your Los Angeles criminal lawyer is experienced and skilled in aggressively defending you in under each circumstance.

Under Section 288(a), the general way of committing child molestation is to touch a child who is under 14 years of age or having the child touch the defendant’s body with the intentions of sexual arousal. This felony can carry a prison sentence of up to 8 years.

Another way of committing this crime is if the accused used force or fear to commit lewd acts on the minor with the intent of sexual arousal. This crime is also punishable up to 8 years in state prison.

Yet another way of being convicted of child molestation is if the child is 14 or 15 years of age and the accused is at least 10 years older than the minor. This crime is considered a “wobbler” because prosecutors have the discretion of charging the crime as a felony or misdemeanor. The difference is that the felony has a state prison sentence of a maximum of 3 years, whereas the misdemeanor carries a maximum of 1-year county jail sentence.

In addition to the prison terms that accompany this crime, if the defendant is charged, he or she must also register as a sex offender under Penal Code section 290.

There are various defenses available for the charge of child molestation. Your Los Angeles criminal lawyer will evaluate your case to determine what will be the best defense in your specific case.

If you or a loved one is facing a charge for committing a lewd act on a minor, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyer as soon as possible. For a free consultation with dedicated Los Angeles criminal lawyer Daniel Cota, call (800) 351-6860.