Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

California legal term

Substantial sexual conduct in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Substantial sexual conduct” 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 “Substantial sexual conduct” mean in California criminal law?

“Substantial sexual conduct” means penetration of the vagina or rectum of either the victim or the offender by the penis of the other or by any foreign object, oral copulation, or masturbation of either the victim or the offender. (Cal. Penal Code § 1203.066)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.