Santa Maria, CA asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for California

Q: A minor boy12 innapropriately touched my daughter 3 years ago when she was 9 she is 12 and just tood me what can i do?

What can i do since he also is a minor he was 12 or 14 at the time i cant remember the boy lives in Texas but it happened in california.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. Here's some information that may be helpful:

Under California law, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse is generally within 8 years of the victim turning 18. However, if the abuse occurred when the victim was under 18, the victim has until they turn 26 years old to file a lawsuit. So, if you want to pursue a civil lawsuit against the boy or his parents, you may still have time to do so.

If you want to report the incident to the authorities, you can contact the law enforcement agency where the incident occurred. Even though the boy was a minor at the time, he could potentially be charged with a crime. However, please note that laws and procedures may vary by state, so it may be best to consult with an attorney or local law enforcement agency to better understand the laws in Texas.

It's important to support your daughter and provide her with any necessary counseling or therapy to help her cope with what happened. You can also contact local support organizations, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) for additional resources and support.

Again, please note that laws and procedures may vary by state, so it may be best to consult with an attorney or local law enforcement agency to better understand your legal options and how to proceed.

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