People v. Phillips, B221932

Conviction for annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18 affirmed

People v. Phillips, B221932, concerned a challenge to a conviction of defendant for indecent exposure and annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18.  In affirming the conviction, the court held that Penal Code section 646.7(a)(1) criminalized the offensive conduct, whether or not a particular child was the perpetrator's target, and to conclude otherwise, that a defendant can annoy or molest any child simply because he has not focused his actions on any particular child, makes no sense and would undermine the purpose of the statute to protect all children from sexual predators.

Related Link:

• Read the California Court of Appeal for the Fourth District's Full Decision in People v. Phillips, B221932