CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles Times

Patrick McGreevy

State Sen. Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) said Monday that she will introduce legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for rape and some other sexual crimes to increase the chance that victims will get justice.

California law generally limits the prosecution of a felony sexual offense to 10 years after the offense is committed, but more time can be provided if new DNA evidence is found.

Leyva said a bill she will introduce when the Legislature reconvenes in January would eliminate the deadline for prosecuting crimes including rape, sodomy, lewd or lascivious acts, oral copulation, sexual penetration and continuous sexual abuse of a child.

“Survivors of sexual offenses, including rape, deserve to know that California law stands on their side as they seek justice,” Leyva said in a statement. “A sexual predator should not be able to evade legal consequences in California…