California · Penal Code

PEN §264: (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.

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Rape is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for three to eight years, with enhanced sentences of seven to thirteen years for victims under eighteen.

Read the full statutory text
(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.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.