Age of Consent Questions for California

Q&A on statutory rape laws, age of consent laws, sexual assault laws for California. Ask your Question

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Complicated situation. Is there a solution?

:: October 31, 2007 02:32

Many will not agree with me and I understand but its important for me to get an answer. My girlfriend is 17 years old. I am between 22-25 years old. I got her pregnant. I know that its illegal but I am here to take care of my responsibility. I dont want to get locked up rather I want to know if theres a way to legally take care of my responsibilty. My child and my girl. I heard of such a thing that if i can prove that I can be responsible the judge may reconsider from getting me in jail. Is this true? Please help. Thank You.

There really is no way to answer your question with any accuracy. We'd be guessing at best and could be completely off base. These situations are handled in the prosecutors offices and judges chambers on a case by case basis. It's simply not possible to give you an "absolute" or even a guess on what a judge or prosecutor may or may not do. Your best possible chance at getting an answer to this question would be to discuss the situation with a local criminal attorney who handles sex offense cases. Sorry we can't be more helpful to you.

Sexual intercourse between two underaged boys

:: October 07, 2007 22:09

I have recently had sex with a 14 year old me being 17 there is a little more then 3 years age difference between us. My mother has been yelling at me how I will have to register as a pedophile since I'm turning 18 in a month. My first question is how would a case be handled between two people who were minors at the time of intercourse, and my second question would be is my mother correct in that I will have to register as a sex offender? Another thing that worries me is he is also claiming that the event was not consensual and that I raped him. How would I prove that I did not rape him and that I had asked before hand? Many thanks for your help.

How this is handled would be at the discretion of a juvenile court judge and the DA's office. Juvenile cases are closed from public view. There is really no way to speculate on what "might" happen with any accuracy. This could be handled within the juvenile court system or, it's possible the judge may recommend the case be heard in adult court. As far as proving whether consent was given, this may come down to being "your word against his", unless someone else was witness to the events. Registration as a sex offender is determined based on what you are finally convicted of. If you are convicted under section 261.5 "Unlawful Sexual Intercourse" you would NOT be required to register as a sex offender in the State of Californa. If it is determined to be a forceable or violent sexual act and you were convicted under a different sexual offense statute, it is highly likely that you would be required to register as a sex offender for a specified period of time. If charges have been filed against you, it is in your best interest to seek advice from a criminal defense attorney in California who specializes in sex offense cases.

2 years and three months

:: September 18, 2007 18:01

I just recently turned 18, and my gilfriend is 16. We have been dating for close to a year and a half, and her parents recently walked in while we were having sex. The parents said they are going to press charges, and i need to know if 1, at the age of sixteen she is required by law to testify, and 2, if 2 years and 3 months is a large enough age gap to press charges. Also, i have heard some things about people who are convicted of this, have to register as sex offenders the same as pedophials. is this true? This would put a huge hole in my evetaul plan to become a college English professor. Also, they have told me they are going to file a restraining order against me, barring me from seeing her again. Can they do this? Honestly, i dont really care what happens to me, i just need to know that i will be able to see her again. thank you for your time.

A minor under the age of 18 legally can not consent to sexual activity. The parents can file a complaint against you with the authorities and the complaint will be reviewed by the prosecutors office. Generally, no testimony is required by the minor. If the prosecutors office determines there is cause to arrest and prosecute you for unlawful sexual intercourse, you will most likely receive "Notice to Appear" through the mail and/or they will issue a bench warrent for your arrest and you may be picked up by a sherrif. This depends on local procedure. Given that you are less than 3 years older than the minor, under the California penal code this would be classed as a misdemeanor offense; unless you have previous criminal history of sexual offense or felony violations; in which case it could be classed as a more serious offense. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you may get probation or up to 1 year in jail. If you are more than 2 years older than the minor, you may also be fined up to $5000. If convicted for a violation of "Unlawful Sexual Intercouse" under California penal code 261.5, you are NOT required to register as a sex offender in the State of California. If, however, you move to another state where the same or similar violation requires you to register as sexual offender, you may be required by law to contact the sheriff in the county of the state where you will reside to explain the circumstance of your arrest. They must be the ones to determine whether registration as a sex offender is required in their state or not. Yes, the parents may have cause to file for a restraining order against you. If a restraining order is granted, you will be served with the order by a sherrif or an officer of the court. The order will spell out in great detail the provisions to be followed. You will have up to 60 days to contest the order but the order will be in full effect the moment it is served. If the order is violated by you, or by the 16 year old, you will be arrested for contempt of court and you will be encarcerated.

California Penal Code: Section 261.5 Unlawful Sextual Intercourse
Section 261.5. (a) Unlawful sexual intercourse is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the spouse of the perpetrator, if the person is a minor. For the purposes of this section, a "minor" is a person under the age of 18 years and an "adult" is a person who is at least 18 years of age. (b) Any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is not more than three years older or three years younger than the perpetrator, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (B) An adult who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least two years younger than the adult is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).

The father of my son's girlfriend wants to file statutory rape

:: September 02, 2007 09:51

Since the age of consent in California is 18 and my son is sixteen and the girl is thirteen; will be fourteen in two weeks, Can I file for statutory rape against the girl? they love each other and if anything did happen it was consensual or is my son the only one in trouble

You can file a complaint with authorities in the same manner the father is filing one against the 16 year old. Ultimately, it would be up to a juvenile system court judge to review and rule on the situation. Juvenile cases are handled very differently than adult cases for obvious reasons. They are sealed from public view. What can happen in a situation like this? There are any number of possibilities and they are not limited to the following. It is possible, that the age difference (especially if it is 3 years or more) could have a baring on whether the younger child would be considered a victim, or both children would be dealt with as perpatrators of an offense. It is possible, that prior offenses (if any) within the juvenile system could be considered by the judge and have a baring on a ruling for this offense. It is possible, both children could be dealt with in the same manner, charged with the same offense, and subject to the same penalties or treatment within juvenile system guidelines. It is possible, the 16 year old could be recommended for adult court and criminal penalties if a history of prior sexual offenses exist. It is possible, a judge won't charge either one with an offense but rather issue a restraining order establishing a legal boundary under specific guidelines to keep them apart. There are any number of ways this could be ruled on and the above are only a few possibilities.

same sex activities

:: August 31, 2007 20:20

is it unlawful for two consenting women, one who is 16 1/2 and the other who is soon to be 19 to have sex (they are girl friend and girl friend). The 19 year old's mother has threatened to call the police if she continues to see the 16 1/2 year. The parents of the 16 1/2 year old do not have a problem with the situation. Could they be held responsible as well.

The law in California has no gender lines. It applies to both male-female and same sex relationships. The age of consent is 18. In the situation you describe, the 19 year old could be at risk for legal action if a complaint is filed with authorities. It would highly unlikely that the parents of the 16 year old would be found criminally negligent; unless the parents were promoting, coercing, and/or participating in sex acts involving a minor.

A little confused?

:: August 21, 2007 14:38

My cousin is 22yrs old and hes dating a 17yr old and she is now pregnant. She will not turn 18 by the time she has the baby but she will only be a month away. Is he still in problems by this? Is it up to her grilfriend to press statury rape chargers or is it up to the mother is their anything that he can do? if charges were press what is he lookin at?

If sexual intercourse takes place prior to a minor turning the age of 18, it is considered unlawful in the state of California. It is up to your local prosecuting attorney to file charges as this is a violation against state law. Anyone can report this to authorities including the victim, a parent, a friend; certain professionals in the medical, legal or educational fields, including clergy, MUST, by law, report this to authorities if they have reasonable suspicion or knowledge. California Penal code 261.5 (c) Any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the perpetrator is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an adult who engages in an act of sexual intercourse with a minor in violation of this section may be liable for civil penalties in the following amounts: (C) An adult who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least three years younger than the adult is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Satutory Rape

:: August 03, 2007 20:38

My 21 year old son has a 8 month old baby with a 16 year old female. During their entire relationship her mother approved of it and my son even lived with them for while. There was a restaining order placed against him and he now has a warrant out for his arrest. What do we do?

The best thing he can do at this point is get an attorney to advise him of the best course of action. If he is the biological father of the 16 year old's baby, this is "proof" for the District Attorney that your son violated state law 261.5 "Unlawful sexual intercourse" and your son can be charged with this crime. There is a possibility for a show of leniency if your son is gainfully employed and supporting his child emotionally and financially; however, there are no guarantees. It is in his very best interest to have an attorney represent him in this situation.

Can a 16 yr old mother press charges to a 24 yrs for staitory rape

:: August 02, 2007 12:30

my brother is 24 and he is dating a 16 year old and i know they have had sex. and her mom wants to press charges on him for it.and her mom is stating that my brother beats her, which is not true can she press charges against him? and they also took him into custody for other reasons what type of charges and how long do you think they would give him if he would to get convicted.?

Yes, the mother (or anyone with knowledge of a crime) can report it to police. It is a violation of state law for a 24 year old to have sexual intercourse with a 16 year old. A parent can file a complaint with the police and it is up to the prosecuting attorney to determine the charges, if any, that will be filed. There is no way to determine what type of sentence he may recieve especially if there are other violations pending. If he is charged with "Unlawful Sexual Intercourse" under 261.5, he can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor due to the age difference between them. He can also face civil penalties if convicted in criminal court.

DATING A MINOR

:: August 01, 2007 12:50

WELL I HAVE A SISTER WHO IS 16 AND SHE IS DATING A GUY WHO IS 25 AND MY PARENTS ARE TOTALLY OKAY WITH IT THEY THINK THAT AS LONG AS HES NOT HURTING HER AND THERE BOTH HAPPY ITS OKAY CAN HER BOYFRIEND STILL GET IN TROUBLE?AND WHAT ABOUT MY PARENTS?

If the 16 year old and the 25 year old are in a sexual relationship, due to the age difference, the 25 year old can be charged with a felony, "Unlawful Sexual Intercourse" sentenced to serve time in prison and be liable for up to $15,000 in civil fines. Various counties in California have special vertical prosecution units assigned to prosecute only these cases. It is very serious and happens daily. In very rare circumstances, parents condoning these activities can be charged with a crime. A parents consent does not over-ride state law.

trying to get this clear

:: July 30, 2007 00:44

I'm 15 and the person I'm with is 18. We're not even thinking about sex, but what is underlined in the phrase "sexual contact" does that mean we cant even hug and hold hands?

Sexual contact is generally defined as touching the sexual private parts of another for the purpose of sexual gratification whether clothing is on or off. Hugging, and holding hands would not be considered "sexual contact".

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