What is a “Lewd or Lascivious Act?”

In California, it is a crime to willfully commit a lewd or lascivious act with a person under the age of 14. Section 288(a) of the California Penal Code provides that any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony.

An accusation of a lewd and lascivious act is extremely harmful. If convicted, you could face up to eight years in state prison and will have to register as a sexual predator. Further, if convicted of multiple counts by multiple victims, you could face life in prison.

A lewd and lascivious act can be anything from lifting a child up onto your lap to sexually molesting a child. Because the definition of lewd and lascivious is not clear, it is important that you hire the experienced Southern California sex crimes attorneys at Wallin & Klarich if you have been charged with a violation of Section 288(a). Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience handling complex sex crimes cases. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have the skills and expertise to provide you with the best possible defense. If you or a loved one has been accused of a lewd or lascivious act, contact an attorney at Wallin & Klarich immediately. Our experienced defense attorneys can be reached by phone at 1-888-749-0034. We will be there when you call.