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Child molestation

Child molestation is an umbrella term used to describe any unlawful sexual activity involving a child and an adult.

Child molestation includes a number of offenses including:

  • Statutory rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Incest
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Indecent exposure
  • Lewd and lascivious conduct
  • Child pornography
  • Dissemination of pornography to minors
  • Child prostitution

Specifics of Child Molestation

Any sexual activity that occurs between and adult and a child, or a child and a much older minor, is considered unlawful child molestation.

Individuals who are below the age of consent established in that jurisdiction are deemed unable to give consent for sexual activity, and therefore any sexual act involving minors is legally considered child molestation.

Experts estimate that between 80,000 and 200,000 children are the victims of child molestation every year in the United States. A very high percentage of child molestation cases are never reported to the police.

Most laws require the reporting of any known of suspected cases of child molestation to the appropriate authorities.

Child Molestation & the Law

Child molestation allegations are taken extremely seriously in the legal system. Allegations and official charges of child molestation can have a devastating effect on defendants.

The legal ramifications of a child molestation conviction are extremely serious. If you would like to learn more about child molestation defense, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced legal professional in your area.

Related Child Molestation News

July 10. 2008 -  WV Man Claims He Was Wrongly Accused

July 27, 2007 - Georgia Justices Hear Appeal to Reduce Teen Sex Sentence

May 1, 2007 - Lawyers: Child Pornography Charges Difficult to Defend

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