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HomePenal CodeRape Penalties And FinesPt. 1Ch. 1§ 264 Rape Penalties And Fines

§ 264 Rape Penalties And Fines

Penal Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 264 Rape Penalties And Fines

This law says that rape is a serious crime with long prison sentences. If the victim is a child under 14, the punishment is even harsher.

Key Takeaways

  • •Rape is punishable by 3, 6, or 8 years in prison for adults.
  • •If the victim is under 14, the prison time is 9, 11, or 13 years.
  • •If the victim is 14 or older (but still a minor), the prison time is 7, 9, or 11 years.
  • •The judge can also add a fine up to $70, but only if the person can afford it.

Example

An adult forces a 12-year-old child to have sex.

The adult would go to prison for 9, 11, or 13 years because the victim is under 14.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 264 Rape Penalties And Fines

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), rape, as defined in Section 261 or former Section 262, is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years. (b) In addition to any punishment imposed under this section the judge may assess a fine not to exceed seventy dollars ($70) against a person who violates Section 261 or former Section 262 with the proceeds of this fine to be used in accordance with Section 1463.23. The court shall, however, take into consideration the defendant’s ability to pay, and no defendant shall be denied probation because of the defendant’s inability to pay the fine permitted under this subdivision. (c) (1) A person who commits rape in violation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 261 upon a child who is under 14 years of age shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 9, 11, or 13 years. (2) A person who commits rape in violation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 261 upon a minor who is 14 years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 7, 9, or 11 years. (3) This subdivision does not preclude prosecution under Section 269, Section 288.7, or any other law. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 626, Sec. 21. (AB 1171) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

imprisonmentconsiderationprobationfinedefendantpunishmentabilityviolation

Related Statutes

  • § 261.5 Statutory Rape Age Rules
  • § 17 Felony And Misdemeanor Classification
  • § 264.2 Victim Notification Requirements
  • § 265 Forced Marriage Or Defilement
  • § 267 Child Trafficking For Prostitution

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Penal Code. Section 264.
View Official Source