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Update: California Releases Thousands of Pedophiles Early, Data Shows
According to Fox News, a recent analysis uncovered a concerning trend in California’s justice system: thousands of convicted pedophiles have been released from prison after serving less than a year, raising alarm bells among legal experts and advocates [1].
Statistics unequivocally demonstrate that pedophiles often don’t undergo genuine rehabilitation. Releasing them prematurely puts potential victims at risk of further harm, emphasized Samuel Dordulian, a former prosecutor specializing in sex crimes in Los Angeles.
According to data from California’s Megan’s Law website, over 7,000 sex offenders convicted of “lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age” were released from incarceration within a year of their conviction.
The early release of these individuals significantly heightens the risk of re-offense, leading to more innocent victims. It’s an alarming prospect, added Dordulian.
The analysis also revealed that offenders convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child and those involved in cases of kidnapping children under 14 for lewd acts spent less than a year behind bars. Shockingly, nearly 40 cases of sodomy with a child under 16 resulted in similarly brief incarceration periods.
The investigation, conducted based on data available until 2019 due to limitations in accessing recent information on the Megan’s Law website, highlighted a staggering 61,770 registered sex offenders in California. However, specific figures regarding the number of convicted pedophiles remain unclear.
Examining records of 54,986 sex offenders listed on the Megan’s Law website as of July 2019, the analysis found that 76% of these offenders were involved in crimes against children. The comparison of conviction dates to release dates revealed that convicted pedophiles served an average of just two years and 10 months in prison.
Also Read: Statute of Limitations for Statutory Rape
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Explained
While the legal implications of the phrase “lewd and lascivious” are not commonly understood, they are used to describe certain crimes of a sexual nature.
According to OLF, a broad range of behaviors falls under the umbrella of lewd and lascivious conduct, most of which can result in significant jail time, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent harm to relationships and status in the community [2].
Examples of Lewd and Lascivious Acts
Various actions that a person may be interpreted as lewd and lascivious conduct may be prosecuted. Some of the conduct that may be considered lewd and lascivious include:
- Groping
- Indecent exposure
- Sexually touching somebody else
- Getting somebody else to touch the defendant sexually
- Convincing or forcing others to touch each other in a sexual manner
In order to be found guilty of lewd and lascivious acts, the sexual contact must be determined to have been intentional and willful rather than accidental.
What are the Criminal Penalties for Lewd and Lascivious Acts?
According to LawInfo, in various states, lewd and lascivious exhibition typically constitutes a misdemeanor offense, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine. Should the defendant expose themselves, additional charges for indecent exposure may also apply [3].
Lewd and lascivious acts involving a child is a much more severe crime. This involves sexual contact with a child or causing the child to touch the offender for sexual desire. This does not necessarily have to involve touching the genitals, buttocks, or breasts and may include any touching of a child for arousal.
Referred to as lewd or lascivious battery, engaging in such acts with a child typically results in felony charges. Specific penalties vary based on the victim’s age, with additional repercussions for offenses committed against minors under 16, 15, or 14 years old. Age differentials between the perpetrator and the child further influence the penalties imposed.
Similar to statutory rape cases, consent is not a defense in cases of lascivious molestation involving a minor due to the minor’s inability to provide legal consent.
In most instances, lewd, indecent, or obscene acts involving a minor are considered registerable offenses. Following a conviction, the offender may be required to register as a sex offender, with mandatory registration with law enforcement post-release. Sex offenders must adhere to annual re-registration requirements or update their information upon relocation.
Related Articles:
- Difference Between Molestation and Sexual Abuse
- Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault
- What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
FAQs
What should I do if I am accused of lewd and lascivious conduct?
If you are accused of lewd and lascivious conduct, it is crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you, protect your rights, and develop a defense strategy. It is important not to speak to law enforcement or others about the case without first consulting with your lawyer.
Can lewd and lascivious conduct charges be defended?
Yes, lewd and lascivious conduct charges can be defended, depending on the facts of the case. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, consent (where legally applicable), or that the conduct did not meet the legal definition of lewd and lascivious. A skilled attorney can help evaluate the best defense strategy based on the specifics of your case.
How does the involvement of a minor impact a lewd and lascivious conduct charge?
The involvement of a minor in a lewd and lascivious conduct charge significantly increases the severity of the offense. Charges involving minors often result in harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. The law treats acts against minors with particular seriousness due to the vulnerability of children.
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References:
1. https://www.jcolaw.com/lewd-and-lascivious-conduct.html
2. https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/lewd-lascivious-behavior/
3. https://www.fox6now.com/news/california-releases-thousands-of-pedophiles-less-than-year-after-their-convictions-data-shows
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