The Laws In Your State: California
California
Rape and Sexual Assault Crime Definitions
How does your state define sexual assault crimes?
Consent
There are a number of factors that determine if a person legally consents, from their age to whether they're incapacitated. Learn about consent in your state.
Mandatory Reporting
Do you suspect that a child or elderly person is being sexually abused? Find out when you’re required to contact the authorities, and how to do so.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations
Even if the crime took place years ago, there may still be time to prosecute. Find out details of your state’s statute of limitations.
Termination of Rapists' Parental Rights
Find out if your state blocks rapists from asserting parental rights, such as custody and visitation, over children conceived as a result of their crime.
Confidentiality Laws
Are you thinking of getting help but worried about confidentiality? Find out how your state protects conversations between victims and sexual assault service providers.
HIV/AIDS Testing of Sex Offenders
Find out if your state allows — or requires — HIV/AIDS testing of suspected or convicted sex offenders.
Lawfully Owed DNA
Does your state require people arrested or convicted of sex crimes to provide a DNA sample?
Legal Disclaimer
For reprint permission, please contact RAINN's vice president for public policy, Camille Cooper, at policy@rainn.org. RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date. The information is not presented as a source of legal advice. You should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made by RAINN. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. RAINN does not assume any responsibility for actions or non-actions taken by people who have used this information, and no one shall be entitled to a claim for detrimental reliance on any information provided or expressed. RAINN does not endorse, guarantee or warranty the accuracy, reliability or thoroughness of any referenced information, product or service.