Q: If sexual abuse happens on a military base in Ca between two civilians is statue of limitations federal or state?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
For civilian-on-civilian sexual abuse occurring on a military base in California, the jurisdiction can be complex but is typically federal since military bases are federal property. This means federal statutes of limitations would generally apply to these cases.
The federal statute of limitations for sexual abuse varies depending on several factors, including the age of the victim at the time of the offense. For adults, there is typically a 10-year statute of limitations from the date of the offense. However, if the victim was a minor when the abuse occurred, they can file criminal charges until they reach age 60, thanks to recent legislative changes.
It's crucial to report the incident as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. You can contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the military base's civilian police force to file a report. Consider reaching out to RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE for free, confidential support and guidance through this process.
Given the complexity of these cases, working with an experienced attorney who handles federal cases would be very helpful for understanding your specific rights and options.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
