Sexual Abuse - Criminal Lawyers
What is Criminal Sexual Abuse?
The laws regarding criminal sexual abuse depend on whether the victim is an adult or child. Child sexual abuse is often referred to as child molestation, while adult sexual abuse is often called rape or aggregated sexual abuse:
- Child Sexual abuse
- A person is guilty of child sexual abuse (child molestation) if they commit any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body of a child to arouse, appeal or gratify, lust, passion or sexual desires
- A person convicted of child sexual abuse may be subject to the following punishment:
- Imprisonment
- Sex offender registration
- Loss of right to vote
- Mandatory aids testing
- Rape
- A person is guilty of rape if they engage in an act of intercourse against the will of the victim, accomplished by force, violence,duress, menace or fear of bodily injury.
- Statutory rape - A person is guilty of statutory rape if they engage in sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18. The statutory age varies by state,and is often 16. Some states also have age qualifications for the perpetrator.
- Aggregated Sexual Abuse
- A person is guilty of aggregated sexual abuse if the sexual abuse involves any of the following special circumstances:
- A weapon was used in the act
- Victim was over 60
- Victim was physically handicapped
- The perpetrator acted in a manner to threaten or endanger the life of the victim or any other person
- The perpetrator drugged the victim
- Statutory rape of a family member
- A person is guilty of aggregated sexual abuse if the sexual abuse involves any of the following special circumstances:
Accused of Criminal Sexual Abuse?
If you are a accused of Rape, Child Molestation, Child Abuse, or any other Sexual Abuse, you should speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system.
Victims of Sexual Abuse
If you are a victim of Rape, Child Molestation, Child Abuse, or any other Sexual Abuse, you should call the police. If there is sufficient evidence, the police will then forward your case to the District Attorney's office to prosecute the person who committed the sexual abuse against you.
If you are interested in bringing a civil lawsuit for money against the person who committed Rape, Child Molestation, Child Abuse, or any other Sexual Abuse against you, you should contact a attorney specialized in dealing with victims of abuse.
Vea esta página en español: Abuso Sexual Criminal o visita Abogados-Leyes.com para más información legal.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 01-12-2012 12:02 PM PST
