Penal Code 288i is used to prosecute lewd acts with a child causing bodily harm in the state of California. The court always treats PC 288i charges as a felony. This means a conviction could lead to a long period of prison time.
Basics Facts About Lewd Acts with a Child in California
PC 288i is an example of a sex crime involving minors in California. These charges are prosecuted very harshly by the court.
Committing a lewd act with a child is against the law in California. “Lewd acts” are acts designed to cause sexual arousal or gratification. Individuals commit a lewd act if they:
- Touch a child for sexual gratification
- Make a child touch themselves for sexual gratification
- Make a child touch someone else for sexual gratification
Individuals must act with intent to be charged with carrying out a lewd act. This means they must complete the act on purpose and with the goal of gratifying sexual interest. Additionally, PC 288i charges only apply if the lewd acts were performed with a child under the age of 14.
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Understanding PC 288i in California
PC 288i is not used to prosecute all acts of lewd conduct involving a child. Individuals only face this charge if they cause bodily injury while carrying out a lewd act. The court defines bodily harm as an injury caused by force when defining PC 288i charges.
The court looks at the facts of each case to decide if a child sustained bodily harm. However, bodily harm may involve something as minor as a black eye or other bruises.
There are several other charges related to lewd acts involving minors. These charges include lewd acts with a child under 14 and lewd acts with a child and force used.
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Results of a Conviction for a PC 288i Violation
Lewd acts with a child causing bodily harm is a felony charge in California. Felonies are treated very seriously by the court system. Individuals could face life in prison if they are convicted under PC 288i. However, the court may offer the possibility of parole in these cases.
If an individual is granted parole, they must register as a sex offender. PC 288i convictions require the lifetime registry as a sex offender. Individuals must update their registration every year around their birthday and each time they move.
Individuals are legally required to register as sex offenders after a PC 288i conviction. Failure to register as a sex offender will result in further criminal charges. It could also result in more jail or prison time for the accused.
Find out more about the sex offender register with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. The Simmrin Law Group can help you understand your defenses for failure to register as a sex offender. Get additional information by calling (310) 896-2723.
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Defenses for PC 288i Charges in Los Angeles
A sex crimes lawyer in Los Angeles can assist you with PC 288i charges. There are some defenses that may work to resolve these charges. The defense used may depend upon your unique situation. In some cases, a lawyer may argue that:
You Touched a Child Accidentally
Individuals must act with intent to be convicted of committing a lewd act. If you accidentally touched a minor child, you may be able to avoid a PC 288i conviction. You may also be able to avoid charges if you were not touching the child for sexual purposes.
You Did Not Cause Bodily Harm
PC 288i charges only apply if someone causes bodily harm while carrying out a lewd act. A lawyer may work to show that you did not injure a minor child during a lewd act. However, you could still face charges for child sexual abuse.
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The Simmrin Law Group Can Help Defend Your Case
Penal Code 288i deals with the crime of lewd acts with a child causing bodily harm. This is an example of child sexual abuse, which is a sex crime in California. The Simmrin Law Group handles sex crime charges involving adults. If you are facing these charges, contact us at (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form.
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