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California criminal charge

Aggravated sexual assault of a child in California

Current through 2026 California legislative session

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a criminal offense under California law, defined by Cal. Penal Code § 269. Its classification is not fixed: California assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.

Defined by Cal. Penal Code § 269.

How is aggravated sexual assault of a child classified in California?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Aggravated sexual assault of a child
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Aggravated sexual assault of a childFelonyAny person who violates this section by committing one of the enumerated acts under (a)(1)-(a)(5) upon a child under 14 who is at least seven years younger than the defendant is guilty of a felony punishable by 15 years to life in state prison.Cal. Penal Code § 269(b)

Common questions about aggravated sexual assault of a child in California

Is aggravated sexual assault of a child a felony or a misdemeanor in California?

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a felony in California under Cal. Penal Code § 269.

Aggravated sexual assault of a child: felony (Cal. Penal Code § 269(b))

Which California statute covers aggravated sexual assault of a child?

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is governed by Cal. Penal Code § 269.

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.