Child Molestation Laws
Every year, about 1.3 million children are sexually assaulted. In response to epidemic proportion reports of child molestation and sexual abuse over the past two decades, numerous laws have been enacted to protect children from dangerous sexual offenders, including the laws detailed below.
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
This was the law that changed everything about the sex abuse laws into what we know about today. This law was created after little Adam Walsh was found murdered. It established a national sex registry, made substantial changes to abuse laws, enforced statutory minimum and maximum sentences, got rid of any statute of limitations for sex crimes against children, and many other (items) that we have come to know today. It also enforces civil proceedings, making sure victims receive damages and compensation.
Jessica's Law
Jessica's Law evolved after the 2005 case of Jessica Lunsford. The young girl was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a previous sex offender. This law prohibits registered sex offenders from living with 2,000 feet from any place where a child may congregate, such as a school or a park. Also, the registered sex offender must wear a Global Positioning Satellite (or GPS) and registration forms must be mailed out twice a year to the offenders. The sentences for the offender increases under this law as well, with some offenders possibly receiving life sentences. If any of these regulations are broken then the offender gets arrested and possibly goes back to prison.
Megan's Law
Megan's Law is the most famous of the (child) laws. This law arose from the case of Megan Kanka, where she was raped and killed by a sex offender that lived in her neighborhood, but no one knew about his past. Under this law, the public can go onto a website, www.meganslaw.ca.gov, to see if any registered sex offenders live in their area. It also provides information about the sex offender such as their name, address, and the crime they committed.
Chelsea's Law
One of the newest laws is informally named Chelsea's law. This law takes its name from San Diego teen Chelsea King, who was killed by a recently released sex offender. This law states that any violent sex offender must receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole. This law does not apply to low level sex offenders.
If your child has suffered abuse at the hands of a child molester, contact the child molestation victim lawyers at Estey Bomberger today for a free and confidential consultation of your legal rights. Our attorneys have consistently obtained precedent setting verdicts and settlements against child molesters, including a $30 million child molestation verdict in 2010 in Santa Clara County, CA.
Estey & Bomberger, LLP
Personal Injury Attorneys
Phone 619-543-1391
Toll Free 800-672-1036
