Society tends to perceive sexual offending as crimes committed by adult men against women, and especially against children of both sexes. Those who commit sex offenses against minors and younger children are often believed to be predators and pedophiles and thus understood to be adult perpetrators of child molestation and violent rape crimes. This is not always the case. Unfortunately, juveniles themselves are also responsible for committing serious sex offenses against other minors in California.
We identify what types of child on child sexual abuse qualify for discretionary criminal prosecution and which ones require being heard in a criminal rather than a juvenile court. We will conclude with answers to some Frequently Asked Questions from our readers. According to the U. Those who have been identified as having committed child on child sexual abuse cover a broad age range:. Juveniles identified as having committed child on child sexual abuse are more likely than adults to do the following:.
Upon arrest and investigation, the law enforcement agency determines whether the minor may be released to the custody of his or her parent s or guardian s , or if the minor is to be detained in Juvenile Hall.
If a minor 14 years of age or older sexually abuses a child under 14, the juvenile offender can face felony charges. Provided that the alleged juvenile offender does not have a serious arrest record, the matter may stay in the juvenile courts. In cases of murder and certain forcible sex offenses committed under aggravated circumstances, California law requires that minors over age 14 be prosecuted as adults.
A minor convicted of a felony sex offense in a criminal court is subject to the same sentencing and punishment authorized by law for an adult offender.
