Penal Code 288(i) PC – Lewd Acts with a Child Causing Bodily Harm

Penal Code 288(i) PC in California addresses lewd or lascivious acts with a child involving the infliction of bodily harm. This section recognizes the increased severity of the offense when it includes physical harm to the child.

Here are key points regarding Penal Code 288(i) PC:

1. Lewd Acts with a Child:
   • This law pertains to engaging in lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.
2. Bodily Harm:
   • The offense is aggravated by the additional element of causing bodily harm to the child during the commission of the lewd acts.
3. Severity of the Offense:
   • Inflicting bodily harm elevates the seriousness of the offense, leading to more severe consequences for the perpetrator.
4. Penalties:
   • Violation of Penal Code 288(i) PC can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
5. Intent:
   • The prosecution typically needs to establish that the defendant engaged in the lewd acts with the intent to sexually gratify themselves or the child and that bodily harm occurred during the commission of these acts.