Top Brooklyn Park, MN Statutory Rape Lawyers Near You
Catherine is an aggressive trial attorney that is experienced in complex criminal cases.
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AGGRESSIVE. EXPERIENCED. RESULTS - Respected by Prosecutors & Judges. Call Today.
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Trust Your Future To A Renowned Defense Lawyer In Minnesota - More Than 100 State And Federal Cases Tried And Won
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Aggressive Criminal Defense When You Need It. Our Firm’s Respected Brother-Sister Team Of Attorneys Can Protect Your Rights If You’re Facing DWI/DUI Criminal Charges.
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COMPASSIONATE, ASSERTIVE AND READY TO DEFEND YOU! If you have been charged with a crime, call Mike to privately discuss your case. Experienced and Professional.
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We Are a Twin-Cities Law Firm Handling DWI, Criminal Law Matters for Clients in Need of Aggressive Representation and Excellent Customer Service.
650 Third Avenue South, Suite 260, Minneapolis, MN 55402
When you need legal representation for your Statutory Rape, connect with William Mauzy, Attorney at Law in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
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701 Xenia Ave S, Suite 565, Minneapolis, MN 55416
In Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Mankey Law Office, a local practice, helps clients with their Statutory Rape problem.
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7040 Lakeland Ave N, Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Assisting with Statutory Rape issues in Brooklyn Park and across Minnesota.
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663 Carver Bluffs Parkway, Carver, MN 55315
Select a local Brooklyn Park, Minnesota firm for diligent Statutory Rape representation.
302 N 10th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
In Brooklyn Park, Minnesota area, Groshek Law PA can help clients with their Statutory Rape needs.
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609 S. 10th St, Suite 200 A, Minneapolis, MN 55404
80 S 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402
7900 Xerxes Avenue South, Suite 1700, Minneapolis, MN 55431
2640 Eagan Woods Dr, Suite 220, Eagan, MN 55121
370 Selby Avenue, Suite 207, St. Paul, MN 55102
80 S 8th St, Suite 2800, Minneapolis, MN 55402
121 South Eighth Street, Suite 893, Minneapolis, MN 55402
3435 Washington Drive, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55122
2124 Dupont Ave S, Suite 101, Minneapolis, MN 55405
310 4th Avenue South, Suite 5010, Minneapolis, MN 55415
100 S. Fifth Street, Suite 1900, Minneapolis, MN 55402
33 South 6th St, Suite 3600, Minneapolis, MN 55402
5200 Willson Rd, Suite 150, Edina, MN 55424
PO Box 501, St. Michael, MN 55376
222 S 9th St, Suite 1600, Minneapolis, MN 55402
1611 County Road B West, Suite 101, Roseville, MN 55113
2200 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
7825 Washington Ave South, Suite #220, Bloomington, MN 55439
3109 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
90 S 7th St, Suite 2200, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Brooklyn Park Statutory Rape Information
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What Is Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape is sexual intercourse or sexual contact with someone who is below the age of consent (which varies from state to state). Someone below the age of consent cannot legally consent to a sexual relationship, even if they give verbal consent. It is not up to the underage individual whether or not to press statutory rape charges. The prosecutor can charge a defendant with statutory rape offenses without the alleged victim’s consent.
The penalties for statutory rape depend on the jurisdiction. Statutory rape can be charged as rape, sexual abuse of a minor, or other sexual offenses. Criminal penalties may depend on a number of aggravating and mitigating factors, including:
- Age of the victim
- Age difference between the parties involved
- Type of sexual activity
- Giving the victim alcohol or drugs
How Is Rape Different From Statutory Rape?
Rape is unlawful sexual intercourse. Rape can be committed through force, coercion, or when the victim cannot give consent. For example, someone who is passed out or drugged may not have the mental state to consent to sexual penetration. With statutory rape, the victim cannot give consent because the law does not consider them to be old enough to give legal consent.
With underage sexual intercourse, it does not matter what the underage person does or says. The underage individual may be encouraging or pursuing sex but they still cannot give legal consent. If the underage person says they will not tell anyone, the defendant can still be charged if law enforcement officers find out about the sexual relationship.
In some cases, parents or guardians may be okay with a sexual relationship between the defendant and their minor child. However, it does not matter if the parents give consent or the victim says that it is okay. If a teacher, counselor, or other friend’s parent finds out about the sexual relationship and reports it, the police can still make an arrest for rape or sexual assault.
What Is the Age of Consent?
The age of consent is 16 to 18, depending on the state. However, the defendant’s age may also be considered in statutory rape charges. There may need to be a sufficient age differential between the victim and the defendant, if the victim is above an age minimum. There may also be a minimum age of the defendant in order to prosecute someone for statutory rape. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to understand the legal defense strategies in your case.
How Much Jail Time Can a Person Get for Statutory Rape?
In most cases, statutory rape or sexual assault of a minor is a felony offense. The felony penalties for a statutory rape conviction may include more than a year in prison. When the minor victim is under a certain age, the prison sentence can be much longer, including up to life imprisonment.
In addition to jail time and fines, statutory rape may be considered a “registerable offense.” After the defendant serves their sentence and is released from jail, they may have to register with local law enforcement agencies as a sex offender. Sex offenders have mandatory registration every year or whenever they move.
Sex offenders are put on a database that is public information and can be searched by the defendant’s name or search location. The sex offender registry may have identifying information, including:
- Name
- Photograph
- Physical description
- Address
- Sex crime
Is It a Defense if Someone Lied About Their Age?
In some cases, it may be a defense if the defendant had an honest and reasonable belief that the victim was over the age of consent. However, simply claiming the victim lied about their age may not be enough. It can help the defendant’s case if there are factors supporting their claim, including:
- Victim had a fake I.D. and claimed an older age
- Victim was in a place where minors are not generally present, including a bar
- There were other witnesses who were told and thought the victim was older
However, even if the defendant has substantial evidence of a reasonable belief of the age of consent, there may be a bar to this defense if the victim is under a certain age. If you have questions about this or other legal defenses, talk to a sex crimes defense attorney.
Can You Sue for Statutory Rape?
For criminal statutory rape laws, it is up to the prosecutor to bring criminal charges. The victim is not required to support criminal charges and the victim cannot drop criminal charges. Even if the victim comes to the defendant’s defense, the prosecutor can still pursue a felony conviction.
The victim of statutory rape may be able to file a civil complaint against the defendant for civil penalties. A civil cause of action may allow the victim to recover damages from the defendant, including monetary compensation.
Do You Need a Statutory Rape Lawyer?
There are severe penalties associated with a statutory rape charge, including harsh prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration. A criminal defense attorney can provide an aggressive defense strategy to help you avoid criminal charges. Contact an experienced attorney for legal advice.