The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor, or lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, is generally committed when (1) the offender touches the child’s body or gets the child to touch the child’s body, the offender’s body, or someone else; (2) the touching occurs on bare skin or through clothing; (3) the touching was for sexual reasons; and (4) the child was under 14 years of age.

Laws regarding lewd acts with a minor vary from state to state, including the required age of the child and the required elements of the criminal offense. And some states classify the criminal offense of lewd acts with minor as the criminal offense of indecency with a minor, or lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child, or a similar offense.

Some states have expanded the definition of these laws to include looking at the body or private parts of a child in a sexual manner, or causing or forcing a child to witness sex acts in the presence of the child. These states prosecute persons who engage in such activity in online video chat rooms for this criminal offense.

The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor (or similar offense) is generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In California, the criminal offense of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor is codified under California Penal Code Section 288. This law makes it illegal for anyone to engage in any lewd or lascivious act with a child under the age of 14. Such acts include touching a child for sexual purposes or causing a child to touch themselves or someone else for sexual purposes, whether the touching is on bare skin or through clothing. The intent of the offender must be for sexual arousal or gratification or to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade the child. California law also addresses the issue of individuals who engage in such conduct online, including in video chat rooms, under various statutes that cover sending harmful matter to seduce a minor, contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, and similar offenses. Penalties for lewd acts with a minor in California are severe and can include imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender. It's important to note that the specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the offense, including the age of the child and the nature of the act.