Statutory Rape

It is vital for anyone arrested or charged with statutory rape to contact a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney right away. You have legal rights, and are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. At The Justice Firm, we know the serious and life-changing consequences those charged with statutory rape face if convicted. We provide unsurpassed legal guidance and support, working vigorously to protect your freedom and reach positive results.

Even if you are under investigation and have not been charged, consulting with a capable lawyer is important. False accusations can literally ruin an individual's career and reputation if rumors begin to circulate in public. You may believe that you can talk to police and make them see things your way or prove your innocence, but these attempts typically backfire. Law enforcement personnel are not your friends; they will use every trick in the book to get you to say something that they can use to arrest or charge you. Prosecutors are just as eager to secure a conviction, which could ultimately ruin your life. We urge you to contact the Los Angeles statutory rape defense lawyers at The Justice Firm immediately.

One of the most confusing and misunderstood of all sex crime charges, statutory rape is often referred to as Unlawful Sexual Intercourse under California law. Basically, engaging in consensual sexual intercourse with any individual who is younger than 18 is illegal. The seriousness of the punishment usually depends on the difference in age between the defendant and the alleged victim. For example, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor offense if the age gap is three years or less; however a difference in age greater than three years may be charged as a felony at the prosecutor's discretion, as statutory rape then becomes a "wobbler" crime.

When an alleged victim is younger than 14, the criminal charges may be more serious; you may be charged with child molestation. This is why it is vital you obtain the legal guidance and support of an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney.

The criminal penalties an individual will face if found guilty of statutory rape vary widely, depending as mentioned earlier on the disparity in age between the alleged victim and the perpetrator. However, the following offers a basic guideline of the punishment a defendant may face if convicted:

• Fines of between $1,000 and $25,000
• If charged as a misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail
• If charged as a felony, two (2), three (3), or four (4) years in state prison

The punishment may be much harsher depending on factors including the alleged victim's age, the defendant's criminal history, and more.

Regardless of your situation, there are several defense strategies which may be effective in preventing a conviction. The best case scenario occurs when you contact an attorney immediately, before charges have been filed. Your Los Angeles statutory rape defense attorney may be able to prevent charges being filed, or have the charge reduced to minimize the negative consequences. At The Justice Firm, we use all of our skill, experience, and knowledge to obtain outstanding results for our clients. Contact us today at 310-914-2444.