Top Erlanger, KY Statutory Rape Lawyers Near You
If You Have Been Charged with A Crime In NKY, Call Me. I'm Available 24-7 If Needed to Help You, Because Life Gets Legal After 5:00. For DUI, Drug, Theft or Sex Crime, Call Me.
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Criminal charges and convictions impact your life! If you've been charged with a DUI, Drugs, Sex crime or any KY offense, you need a successful Trial Lawyer like Mike Bouldin. Call
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If You Were Arrested and Charged with A Crime, Call the Lawyer Up Firm!
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For Help Anywhere Throughout The 859 Area with Any Criminal Matter including DUI, Drug Charges, Expungements, Traffic Violations and Sex Crimes, Call Our Office for Immediate Help.
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334 Beechwood Rd, Suite 550, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
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Get experienced legal representation for Statutory Rape issues. Clients in Erlanger, Kentucky can turn to Pharr Law Group for help.
7 West 7th Street, Covington, KY 41011
The Law Office of Marvin Knorr & Associates helps Erlanger clients with their Statutory Rape needs.
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7415 Burlington Pike, Suite C, Florence, KY 41042
In Erlanger, Kentucky, Omega Law PLLC, a local practice, helps clients with their Statutory Rape problem.
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541 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 500, Covington, KY 41017-5710
7310 Turfway Road, Suite 210, Florence, KY 41042
25 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 201, Crestview Hills, KY 41017
421 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011
19 W 11th St, Covington, KY 41011
300 3rd St, Suite 1 East, Newport, KY 41071
526 Greenup Street, Covington, KY 41011
2400 Chamber Center Dr, Suite 300, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
50 E Rivercenter Blvd, Suite 850, Covington, KY 41011
50 East RiverCenter Blvd, Suite 200, Covington, KY 41011
19 W 11th St, Covington, KY 41011
226 Main St, Florence, KY 41042
7348 US 42, Suite 202, Florence, KY 41042
337 York St, Newport, KY 41071
1002 Washington Avenue, Newport, KY 41071
303 Greenup St, Suite 300, Covington, KY 41011-1756
6900 Houston Road, Ste 33, Florence, KY 41042
629 Main Street, Suite B, Covington, KY 41011
517 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011
100 East RiverCenter Blvd, Suite 480, Covington, KY 41011
334 Beechwood Rd, Ste. 550, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
334 Beechwood Rd, Suite 503, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
Erlanger Statutory Rape Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Statutory Rape attorneys in Erlanger and checks their standing with Kentucky bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
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.