Lewd Acts on a Minor – Sexual Assault
Penal Code 288
Sometimes a child’s body grows faster than they can understand. They have sexual questions and curiosities that get channeled into the wrong outlet, and they make poor choices not realizing the impact of their actions.
Sexual Assault is committed by your child touching another child somewhere on his/her body for sexual purposes. It is also referred to as “lewd acts on a minor/ under 14” or “acts of lewd and lascivious conduct.” These cases typically involve accusations that the child was touched or fondled on a sexual organ, or that some overt act of child molestation took place.
Lewd Acts
However, one can be charged with lewd acts even if the touching was not on a sexual organ, and even if the touching was done over the child’s clothes (rather than on the bare skin). Your child can also be charged even if the acts were consensual- if both children seemingly agreed to the conduct in question, like a game of Doctor.
Common Causes
These cases tend arise when a child or children reach the age of sexual curiosity and start exploring boundaries, often times with another younger relative. This does not mean that your child is “sexual predator.” In fact studies show these situations in children do not mean that your child will grow into a “predator.” It means they need boundaries, therapy, and education about their bodies and other people’s bodies.
Successful Defense
Katie Walsh is an experienced juvenile defense attorney with many successes in defending these types of allegations. Because the social consequences of a conviction under this particular statute are very serious, a person accused of such crimes must immediately enlist the help of an attorney who will fight hard for the best possible outcome. If your child has been accused of Sexual Assault, please contact the Law Office of Katie Walsh (714) 351-0178.