Penal Code 288.5 PC- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

Penal Code 288.5 PC in California addresses the crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child. This is a serious offense that involves a pattern of lewd or lascivious acts committed against a child under the age of 14 over a substantial period of time.

Here are key points regarding Penal Code 288.5 PC:

1. Pattern of Conduct:
   • The law requires a series of three or more acts of substantial sexual conduct over a period of time, not just isolated incidents.
2. Victim Age:
   • The victim must be under the age of 14 at the time of the acts.
3. Substantial Sexual Conduct:
   • The term “substantial sexual conduct” includes various forms of sexual abuse, such as oral copulation, penetration, or other lewd acts.
4. Aggravated Circumstances:
   • This offense is considered more severe than other child molestation offenses due to its repetitive and continuous nature.
5. Penalties:
   • Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a serious felony in California. If convicted, the penalties can include a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
6. Prosecution’s Burden:
   • The prosecution must prove the existence of a pattern of conduct and the age of the victim beyond a reasonable doubt.

This law is designed to address situations where a child is subjected to ongoing sexual abuse, highlighting the gravity of such offenses.