Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hello Sir/Ma'am. When my friend was 5 years old, she was molested by a 12 year old boy. Another friend of mine was 7 at the time, and she was molested by the same guy around the same time. The guy is now 23 years old, so this happend more than 10 years ago in the state of california. I know according to the California Statute of Limitations, she would still be able to report it. I would just like to know the likelihood of this guy being punished for what he did if they decide to press charges, and what kind of punishment would be dished out to him? Thank you for any of your help.


Asked on 2/13/11, 7:53 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

The best answer would come form the DA in the county where the crime occurred.

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Answered on 2/13/11, 11:15 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

The age of the criminal is not the issue. The molested victims should go to the police and try to file crime reports to have the criminal arrested. Then it is up to the police and DA to decide if they will prosecute on such old matters. Evidence and proof are the problem issues.

In civil law, the victims have until age 26 to sue the molester. The issues are to determine IF the case has merit [likelihood of winning and the other side found liable], value [substantial provable damages and injuries] and collectability [defendant with sufficient available assets to collect against] to make the case worth pursuing. If the victims are serious about pursuing a civil case under those guidelines, please feel free to have them contact me about getting counsel. I've been doing these cases for over 35 years.

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Answered on 2/14/11, 2:16 pm


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