Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Involuntary sexual intercourse

Is there an age limit to where a parent can file an involuntary sex. intercourse complaint? A police officer told me that after a certain age (the girl is 17), it is out of the parents' hands. The decision is left to the underage victim (or willing participant, as in this case). Is this true?


Asked on 12/27/07, 7:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Involuntary sexual intercourse

First off, the correct term for involuntary sexual intercourse is "rape".

Anybody can report a crime to the police. The victim is not the only one who can do so. Were the law otherwise there would be no way to report murders, kidnappings, etc.

A report by the victim may be more likely to result in a prosecution, but a report by a third party -- who may, but need not, be related to the victim -- will likely get the police to ask her some questions and perhaps persuade her to cooperate.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/27/07, 8:00 pm


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