California’s Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault Charges

*This post was originally published on January 15, 2018. It has been updated to include new information.

Awareness and activism around sexual assault has grown significantly over the past few years. Dozens of well-known individuals have been publicly accused of assault, and investigations and lawsuits against alleged offenders are on the rise.

This movement is is crucial for holding predators accountable, but there are certainly still barriers to justice. One barrier for some victims is the statute of limitations on sexual assault lawsuits. Fortunately, that is no longer an issue for victims in California.

California Bill Revokes Statute of Limitations on Rape and Sexual Assault Cases

Up until last year, California had a 10 year limit on rape and sexual assault charges. In 2016, the state passed SB813, which revoked the statute of limitations. The law also ended the time limit on older cases, as long as the statute of limitations has not yet expired. However, the law does not retroactively remove the statute for cases that have already timed out. The law received a unanimous vote in the California Legislature and was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. It went into effect last year.

No More Secret Sexual Harassment Settlements

Another new law aimed at protecting victims of sexual harassment was signed into law this September. Governor Brown signed a bill that prohibits secret settlements and non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment. While the claimant may choose not to disclose their identity, the perpetrator will not have that option. The law takes effect January 1, 2019.

“These laws send a strong message to sexual predators: that they cannot count on time running out, or on secret settlements, to escape the consequences of their actions,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Palm Springs

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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