New Law Strengthens Accountability for Sexual Offenses Committed in Victims’ Homes
RIVERSIDE – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1741 (AB 1741), legislation sponsored by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office that strengthens accountability for offenders who unlawfully enter a victim’s home and commit a sexual offense.
Under existing law, offenders who unlawfully enter a residence and sexually touch a victim may only face a misdemeanor sexual battery charge in certain circumstances. “Our office has seen firsthand the consequences of the current legal limitations—we are proud to sponsor this legislation,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Ivy Fitzpatrick, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office legislative representative. “Victims deserve to know that the law recognizes the full severity of what happened to them. Someone who violates the safety of a person’s home, then sexually violates that person’s body should face consequences that reflect the seriousness of their crimes.”
Also referred to as the “Safe at Home Act,” AB 1741 amends Penal Code section 243.4 to allow a felony “wobbler” charge when sexual touching occurs after an offender unlawfully enters a residence. A “wobbler” is an offense that can be charged or sentenced as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office thanks Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco for her leadership in advancing AB 1741 and Governor Newsom for signing this new legislation, furthering justice and advocacy for victims throughout California.
