As California continues to grapple with several new laws on the table with regard to sex offenders, their status's, as well as their restrictions, we foresee not only further confusion, but further vilification of our young people, who would fall under the Romeo and Juliet category; were California fortunate enough to have one.
Early this month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered state corrections officials to alert the public (via public website) when a convicted sex offender "disappears" from supervision.
Prior policy dictated the department notify law enforcement agencies when this happens.
This comes on the heels of California's proposed "Chelsea's Law", which may require mandatory lifetime GPS tracking of ALL sex offenders (regardless of status), as well as a proposed bill by Assemblymen Pedro Nava and Paul Cook, which would require ANYONE (again, whether they've been identified as high risk or low risk) to carry a "marked" driver's license, or California identification card.
California currently monitors approximately 6,500 sex offenders through GPS tracking. Only two other states in the union, Delaware and Louisiana, currently require marked I.D.
With the passage of Jessica's Law in 2006, the percentages of homeless sex offenders, as well as those who have chosen to go underground, due to the near-impossible restrictions of the law, have steadily increased, and currently show no signs of stopping without immediate application of some sort of a "save" in the form of legislation. It is currently estimated that approximately 1/3 of California's sex offenders are homeless.
The California Sex Offender Management Board has stated that Jessica's Law is counterproductive, and costing California more than $25 million per year, trying to house paroled sex offenders; a poor use of taxpayer's money as its restrictions have never been shown to prevent new crimes, and may reduce public safety. Jessica's Law is another law which makes little distinction between high risk and low risk offenders.
"It seems unwise to spend such resources as a consequence of residency restriction policies which have no track record of increasing community safety", the panel said, while urging lawmakers to reevaluate housing restrictions.
The problem, as we see it, with enacting continuous legislation, under the guise of better protection of the public, is that until we RE-IDENTIFY our definition of "sex offender" to a clear and concise outline, more in keeping with its "original" definition (predators, pedophiles, common rapists) our young people will only continue to be criminalized and further vilified by each and every new law that California passes.
We remain dedicated to this fight, dedicated to bringing some semblance of reason back to what is becoming an increasingly hysteria-fueled response by lawmakers and uninformed California voters!
We continue to send informative letters and requests to our legislators, as well as invitations to visit our site in the hopes of promoting awareness and understanding of our cause.
We urge you, our readers to spread the word amongst your neighbors, family, and friends, sign our petition, write letters to our lawmakers, and continue to involve yourself in the change that we are seeking.
We are unwilling to allow an entire generation of young people to be, for all intents and purposes, THROWN AWAY, by mandatory prison sentencing, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, mandatory lifetime GPS tracking, and mandatory marked identification.
After all of the above, what possible chance will our teens have to live any semblance of a normal life? To become productive and contributing members of our future society?
We urge those of you who are not yet informed on the subject to educate yourselves, and your children, regarding the truth of what is happening to our young people.
We ask: Does the punishment fit the crime? Is this TRULY justice?
As always, we appreciate your support!
Awareness-Advocacy-Change
California Romeo and Juliet Law
Our purpose is the sharing of information, the raising of awareness, the advocacy for change. Named for the fated lovers in William Shakespeare's play, the "Romeo and Juliet" Law is an attempt to define and separate the consensual acts of teens in the context of loving relationships from violent and predatory sex offenders. We ask... SHOULD LOVE=CRIME?
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Unlawful Sex With A Minor - What It Really Means
One of the most common misconceptions we have encountered in our studies, conversations, and networking around the country has been the mistaken idea that Unlawful Sex With A Minor charges apply only to those who have been involved in a relationship in which one partner was a minor, the other partner, an adult (over eighteen years old in California).
It is important to note that Unlawful Sex With A Minor charges include any circumstance in which both partners involved in "consensual" intimate relationships, have been minors, as well.
Many parents, as well as their young teens, were unaware that these charges existed, and were just as serious for two sixteen year olds (for example), or a fourteen and sixteen year old, or any combination of "teens" under the age of eighteen years old.
California law is clear on the fact that anyone under the age of eighteen years old is "incapable" of giving consent, making any intimate contact, even within the context of a loving, boyfriend/girlfriend (or boyfriend/boyfriend, girlfriend/girlfriend, as the case may be) relationship illegal.
Please see our "California Law Statutes" for the precise letter of the law. Educate yourselves, as well as your teens. While teen sexuality may seem a commonplace subject, and teen sexual activity may seem accepted, amongst teens, and in certain circles, "tolerated" to a degree by adults; these charges are extremely serious; their consequences, life altering.
It is important to note that Unlawful Sex With A Minor charges include any circumstance in which both partners involved in "consensual" intimate relationships, have been minors, as well.
Many parents, as well as their young teens, were unaware that these charges existed, and were just as serious for two sixteen year olds (for example), or a fourteen and sixteen year old, or any combination of "teens" under the age of eighteen years old.
California law is clear on the fact that anyone under the age of eighteen years old is "incapable" of giving consent, making any intimate contact, even within the context of a loving, boyfriend/girlfriend (or boyfriend/boyfriend, girlfriend/girlfriend, as the case may be) relationship illegal.
Please see our "California Law Statutes" for the precise letter of the law. Educate yourselves, as well as your teens. While teen sexuality may seem a commonplace subject, and teen sexual activity may seem accepted, amongst teens, and in certain circles, "tolerated" to a degree by adults; these charges are extremely serious; their consequences, life altering.
What Is Needed To Convict ? Common Misconceptions
A common misconception amongst teens, as well as some adults, with regard to Romeo and Juliet cases, is that it must be either the underage minor in the relationship or his/her parents that "press charges" in the case.
The truth is that only the District Attorney can actually bring charges against a person to make a case. However, the actual information, or initial "tip" can be passed along to the Police Department by ANYONE.
Countless cases have been charged and prosecuted despite the fact that the minor in question and his/her parents:
-had known of the relationship
-had acknowledged it was consensual in nature
- had actually objected to charges being brought.
Whether or not the other parties object to the bringing of charges is of no consequence, as once it has been reported to the police (and the District Attorney has determined there is enough evidence to bring charges) it becomes the complaint of the state, and is out of the hands of the citizens for good.
While there are mandated reporters; teachers, counselors, doctors, nurses, and daycare providers among them, whose duty it is to report anything of this nature to police, absolutely ANYONE can make a report regarding Sex With A Minor charges.
It is important to note that once charges have been brought, there are only 3 things needed to convict:
1. The "victim's" (legal terminology) initial statement.
2. The "responsibility of assumption" of the "victim's" age by
the defendant.
3. The "victim's" testimony.
Another common misconception is that there must be physical evidence to convict.
Many people assume there must be identifiable DNA (such as a "rape kit", a pregnancy, or other means of identification, such as a shared STD).
However, unlike murder, unlike just about every other type of crime, this "crime" requires absolutely NO physical evidence to convict.
Add to that the Statute of Limitations for "Statutory Rape" and related charges, being up to 3 years in California, and perhaps a picture is beginning to form of just how easily charges can be brought in these Romeo and Juliet cases.
We urge you to read the California Penal Code, as well as the Statutes relevant to these charges for yourself.
Take the time to speak with and educate your teens about the seriousness of these charges, the possible ramifications they may have on their lives, and how relatively easily these charges can be brought.
Each family teaches their own ethics, their own morality, with regards to their teenagers becoming sexually active. But until we can incorporate the facts and fundamentals of teen-related California Sex Crime Law into our student's Sexual Education classes, where we can ensure the broad spectrum of our youth will absolutely be informed; it is our duty as parents and educators to do so.
With the proposed Romeo and Juliet Law for California, we hope to bring a voice of reason to our Sex Crime laws.
We want to save our teens and young adults from mandatory prison sentencing, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, possible "aversion" therapy, possible lifetime mandatory GPS tracking, and any and all other punishments that were originally created and meant for violent and predatory sex offenses, primarily against children.
Please join us by reading the materials here, sharing with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and signing our petition!
We need to make the California Romeo and Juliet Law a reality, for the sake of all our young people!
California For Romeo and Juliet Law
Awareness-Advocacy-Change
The truth is that only the District Attorney can actually bring charges against a person to make a case. However, the actual information, or initial "tip" can be passed along to the Police Department by ANYONE.
Countless cases have been charged and prosecuted despite the fact that the minor in question and his/her parents:
-had known of the relationship
-had acknowledged it was consensual in nature
- had actually objected to charges being brought.
Whether or not the other parties object to the bringing of charges is of no consequence, as once it has been reported to the police (and the District Attorney has determined there is enough evidence to bring charges) it becomes the complaint of the state, and is out of the hands of the citizens for good.
While there are mandated reporters; teachers, counselors, doctors, nurses, and daycare providers among them, whose duty it is to report anything of this nature to police, absolutely ANYONE can make a report regarding Sex With A Minor charges.
It is important to note that once charges have been brought, there are only 3 things needed to convict:
1. The "victim's" (legal terminology) initial statement.
2. The "responsibility of assumption" of the "victim's" age by
the defendant.
3. The "victim's" testimony.
Another common misconception is that there must be physical evidence to convict.
Many people assume there must be identifiable DNA (such as a "rape kit", a pregnancy, or other means of identification, such as a shared STD).
However, unlike murder, unlike just about every other type of crime, this "crime" requires absolutely NO physical evidence to convict.
Add to that the Statute of Limitations for "Statutory Rape" and related charges, being up to 3 years in California, and perhaps a picture is beginning to form of just how easily charges can be brought in these Romeo and Juliet cases.
We urge you to read the California Penal Code, as well as the Statutes relevant to these charges for yourself.
Take the time to speak with and educate your teens about the seriousness of these charges, the possible ramifications they may have on their lives, and how relatively easily these charges can be brought.
Each family teaches their own ethics, their own morality, with regards to their teenagers becoming sexually active. But until we can incorporate the facts and fundamentals of teen-related California Sex Crime Law into our student's Sexual Education classes, where we can ensure the broad spectrum of our youth will absolutely be informed; it is our duty as parents and educators to do so.
With the proposed Romeo and Juliet Law for California, we hope to bring a voice of reason to our Sex Crime laws.
We want to save our teens and young adults from mandatory prison sentencing, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, possible "aversion" therapy, possible lifetime mandatory GPS tracking, and any and all other punishments that were originally created and meant for violent and predatory sex offenses, primarily against children.
Please join us by reading the materials here, sharing with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and signing our petition!
We need to make the California Romeo and Juliet Law a reality, for the sake of all our young people!
California For Romeo and Juliet Law
Awareness-Advocacy-Change
Unlawful Sex With A Minor Vs. Lewd And Lascivious Conduct - the Differences
Under California law, there are two separate categories that one may be charged in with regard to Romeo and Juliet scenarios.
The first is "Unlawful Sex With A Minor" (formerly known as "Statutory Rape").
The second is the far more serious of the two, "Lewd and Lascivious Conduct".
These are the two main categories from which other charges (such as "Oral Copulation" or "Sexual Battery") may stem.
Although the general subject matter is similar, the distinct definitions, circumstances, and consequences are vastly different.
UNLAWFUL SEX WITH A MINOR (formerly known as "Statutory Rape"):
Unlawful Sex With A Minor charges are the less serious of the two. The basic definition involves an act of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person below the legal age of consent, but above the age of a child (usually determined to be 14 years of age).
An Unlawful Sex With A Minor case can be charged as either a misdemeanor, or a felony. In legal terms, this is what is known as a "wobbler", and largely depends on the age of the minor involved as to how it will be charged.
With a minor not more than 3 years older or 3 years younger than the accused:
MISDEMEANOR/ Up to 1 year in County Jail/ $1000 in fines.
With a minor more than 3 years younger:
MISDEMEANOR or FELONY/ 1 year in County Jail or State Prison/ $1000-$10,000 in fines.
When the accused is 21 years of age and minor is 16 years of age or younger:
MISDEMEANOR or FELONY/ 1 year in County Jail OR 2,3, or 4 years in State Prison / $1000-$10,000 in fines.
"Consent" is not a defense to these charges, as California law deems that anyone under 18 years of age (a minor) is incapable of giving consent.
All of these convictions require probation/parole.
Unlike the more serious Lewd and Lascivious charges, Unlawful Sex With A Minor DOES have a provision that says if one honestly and reasonably believed that the alleged "victim" was over the age of 18 at the time, one CANNOT be convicted under this law.
The three requirements to prove this are:
Statements made by the "victim" that he/she was over 18 years of age.
General appearance or attire of "victim"(leading one to believe they were older).
Where the accused met the "victim" (as in an adult venue, such as an 18 and over club, or at an adult party).
However, these requirements, in many cases, are hard to prove.
If convicted of Unlawful Sex With A Minor in California, the law does NOT require Sex Offender Registration.
LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS CONDUCT:
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct charges are by far the more serious of the two.
The main reason someone in a Romeo and Juliet case would be charged with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct RATHER than Unlawful Sex With A Minor, is the age, as well as the age difference, of and between the minor and the adult.
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct involves touching a minor anywhere on the body (even on the outside of the clothing) "with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions or sexual desires of either party".
Each independent act (each touch to different parts of the body, whether they are sexual parts or not) is counted as an "act", or a "count". This means that even if there were only one occasion, or one "incident", several "acts" could be charged.
Sexual Intercourse is not required to be charged under this law.
A Lewd and Lascivious charge is always a Felony charge.
Involving a Minor, below 14 years old/ 3, 6, or 8 years in State Prison/$10,000 in fines.
Parole/Possible GPS tracking device/Possible psychotherapy or behavior modification.
Mandatory Lifetime Sex Offender Registration.
Mistaken belief in the minor's age is NOT a defense to this charge.
"Consent" is not a defense, as California law deems that anyone under the age of 18 years old (a minor), is incapable of giving consent.
Although the exact definition of this law varies from state to state, in California, Lewd and Lascivious Conduct can be comprised of many different charges.
Prostitution, pornography, indecent acts, indecent exposure and co-habitating with an unmarried partner in a sexual relationship (this one is rarely used any more), all fall under the Lewd and Lascivious law.
The first is "Unlawful Sex With A Minor" (formerly known as "Statutory Rape").
The second is the far more serious of the two, "Lewd and Lascivious Conduct".
These are the two main categories from which other charges (such as "Oral Copulation" or "Sexual Battery") may stem.
Although the general subject matter is similar, the distinct definitions, circumstances, and consequences are vastly different.
UNLAWFUL SEX WITH A MINOR (formerly known as "Statutory Rape"):
Unlawful Sex With A Minor charges are the less serious of the two. The basic definition involves an act of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person below the legal age of consent, but above the age of a child (usually determined to be 14 years of age).
An Unlawful Sex With A Minor case can be charged as either a misdemeanor, or a felony. In legal terms, this is what is known as a "wobbler", and largely depends on the age of the minor involved as to how it will be charged.
With a minor not more than 3 years older or 3 years younger than the accused:
MISDEMEANOR/ Up to 1 year in County Jail/ $1000 in fines.
With a minor more than 3 years younger:
MISDEMEANOR or FELONY/ 1 year in County Jail or State Prison/ $1000-$10,000 in fines.
When the accused is 21 years of age and minor is 16 years of age or younger:
MISDEMEANOR or FELONY/ 1 year in County Jail OR 2,3, or 4 years in State Prison / $1000-$10,000 in fines.
"Consent" is not a defense to these charges, as California law deems that anyone under 18 years of age (a minor) is incapable of giving consent.
All of these convictions require probation/parole.
Unlike the more serious Lewd and Lascivious charges, Unlawful Sex With A Minor DOES have a provision that says if one honestly and reasonably believed that the alleged "victim" was over the age of 18 at the time, one CANNOT be convicted under this law.
The three requirements to prove this are:
Statements made by the "victim" that he/she was over 18 years of age.
General appearance or attire of "victim"(leading one to believe they were older).
Where the accused met the "victim" (as in an adult venue, such as an 18 and over club, or at an adult party).
However, these requirements, in many cases, are hard to prove.
If convicted of Unlawful Sex With A Minor in California, the law does NOT require Sex Offender Registration.
LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS CONDUCT:
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct charges are by far the more serious of the two.
The main reason someone in a Romeo and Juliet case would be charged with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct RATHER than Unlawful Sex With A Minor, is the age, as well as the age difference, of and between the minor and the adult.
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct involves touching a minor anywhere on the body (even on the outside of the clothing) "with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions or sexual desires of either party".
Each independent act (each touch to different parts of the body, whether they are sexual parts or not) is counted as an "act", or a "count". This means that even if there were only one occasion, or one "incident", several "acts" could be charged.
Sexual Intercourse is not required to be charged under this law.
A Lewd and Lascivious charge is always a Felony charge.
Involving a Minor, below 14 years old/ 3, 6, or 8 years in State Prison/$10,000 in fines.
Parole/Possible GPS tracking device/Possible psychotherapy or behavior modification.
Mandatory Lifetime Sex Offender Registration.
Mistaken belief in the minor's age is NOT a defense to this charge.
"Consent" is not a defense, as California law deems that anyone under the age of 18 years old (a minor), is incapable of giving consent.
Although the exact definition of this law varies from state to state, in California, Lewd and Lascivious Conduct can be comprised of many different charges.
Prostitution, pornography, indecent acts, indecent exposure and co-habitating with an unmarried partner in a sexual relationship (this one is rarely used any more), all fall under the Lewd and Lascivious law.
Validity of the Victim's Testimony Clause
We have recently received mail regarding the question of the validity of the "Victim's Testimony Clause".
The victim's testimony is one of three things needed to convict someone in California in an Underage Sex With A Minor, or Lewd and Lascivious Conduct case.
It happens quite frequently in cases that would fall under the Romeo and Juliet Law, were California to have one, that the "victim" will refuse to testify against their boyfriend or girlfriend. There is a clause in California law that prevents the victim having to testify if it is deemed that their participation in testimony would be detrimental to said victim.
However, it is not often that this clause is upheld. Any aggressive district attorney will subpoena the victim, or at least their testimony (whether or not it is in open court or by deposition). In these cases, the testimony must be given, and to do it by deposition bypasses the clause in that it is reasoned that behind closed doors it is somehow less detrimental or traumatic.
Therefore, it is almost unheard of that the victim's testimony will not be taken, in one form or another, whether the victim initially wishes to grant it to the court or not.
The victim's testimony is one of three things needed to convict someone in California in an Underage Sex With A Minor, or Lewd and Lascivious Conduct case.
It happens quite frequently in cases that would fall under the Romeo and Juliet Law, were California to have one, that the "victim" will refuse to testify against their boyfriend or girlfriend. There is a clause in California law that prevents the victim having to testify if it is deemed that their participation in testimony would be detrimental to said victim.
However, it is not often that this clause is upheld. Any aggressive district attorney will subpoena the victim, or at least their testimony (whether or not it is in open court or by deposition). In these cases, the testimony must be given, and to do it by deposition bypasses the clause in that it is reasoned that behind closed doors it is somehow less detrimental or traumatic.
Therefore, it is almost unheard of that the victim's testimony will not be taken, in one form or another, whether the victim initially wishes to grant it to the court or not.
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