California legal term
sexual offense in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “sexual offense” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “sexual offense” mean in California criminal law?
“sexual offense” includes any of the following: (1) Rape in violation of Section 261, 261.4, or former Section 262. (Cal. Penal Code § 1202.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.