San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
Saturday, March 7th marked the seventh anniversary of the Balboa Park “Chelsea’s Run” to commemorate the 17-year-old Poway High School student who was sexually assaulted and killed in 2010 by convicted sex offender John Gardner. Chelsea King was abducted while running in a Rancho Bernardo park by Gardner, the same man who admitted to killing Amber Dubois of Escondido. Garner pled guilty and was sentenced to life without parole.
Six months later, “Chelsea’s Law” was passed after being signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The law sharply increased penalties for those convicted of sexual assaults on minors (including the sentencing of life without parole). It also included reforms to increase outreach to paroled sex offenders most likely to re-offend, and made GPS monitoring mandatory for child sex offenders. It also barred sex offender parolees from being near where children congregate.
A report released five years after the enactment of Chelsea’s Law concluded that at least 332 defendants were charged statewide under various aspects of the Law. In San Diego County, 22 people were charged under the law between September 2014 and August 2015, including two who received terms of 25 years to life.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Aggravated sexual assault of a child is an extremely serious crime. It is a felony punishable by 15 years imprisonment to life, along with a fine of up to $50,000. The sentence will increase if there is multiple victims. See CA Penal Code § 269. Additionally, those convicted will be required to register as a sex offender.
One will be charged under § 269 if s/he allegedly sexually assaults a minor under the age of 14, or if the victim is a minor (under 18 years old) and seven years younger than the defendant.
Aggravated Kidnapping
The crime of aggravated kidnapping occurs when someone:
- Uses force, fear, or fraud against a minor under age 14; or
- Demands a ransom;
- Causes the victim bodily harm or death;
- Violates California’s carjacking law under Penal Code § 215.
See CA Penal Codes § 207, 208, 209. A conviction of aggravated kidnapping carries a prison sentence of five years to life, depending on the circumstances.
San Diego Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, and Assault Lawyer
Being accused of a sexual criminal offense is no joke, especially when the crime involves minors. The Law Offices of David M. Boertje defends clients under investigation or charged with committing sexual offenses of all types. We will walk you from your arrest, bail, to your criminal trial and give you your best options to keep you out of jail. If you or a loved one have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting someone or kidnapping, do not wait to contact the Law Offices of David M. Boertje today.