Top Parsippany, NJ Statutory Rape Lawyers Near You
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Experienced, Aggressive, Criminal Defense including DUIs in all New Jersey Courts. 24 HOUR AVAILABILITY.
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21 Main Street, Suite 200W, Hackensack, NJ 07601
For legal issues concerning Statutory Rape, let Sutnick & Sutnick, LLC, a local practice in Parsippany, New Jersey, help you find a solution.
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470 Grant Ave, Oradell, NJ 07649
Clients needing legal solutions for Statutory Rape can connect with Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi, a local New Jersey practice.
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501 Grand Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
If you need Statutory Rape help in New Jersey, contact Law Ofiice of Prosper A. Bellzia, a local practice in Parsippany, for legal representation.
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142 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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In Parsippany, New Jersey area, Weisberg & Klauber, LLC can help clients with their Statutory Rape needs.
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481 Bloomfield Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104
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Need representation for your Statutory Rape issues? Aiello Harris Abate Law Group, PC offers local assistance in Parsippany, New Jersey.
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600 Valley Rd, Suite 205, Wayne, NJ 07470
The Law Office of Robert J. Cascone helps Parsippany clients with their Statutory Rape needs.
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87 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
15 Commerce Blvd., Succasunna, NJ 07876
80 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
201 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102
425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 302, Roseland, NJ 07068
6 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
1037 Raymond Blvd, Suite 1800, Newark, NJ 07102
49 Market Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
549 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
15 Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ 07059
165 East Main Street, Denville, NJ 07834
One Gateway Center, Suite 1510, Newark, NJ 07102
1037 Raymond Blvd., 6th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
245 Main Street, Suite 203, Chester, NJ 07930
Park 80 West, Plaza II, 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 200, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
277 North Broad St, PO Box 234, Elizabeth, NJ 07030
46 Wilson Drive, Sparta, NJ 07871
347 Mt. Pleasant Ave #203, West Orange, NJ 07052
8 Campus Dr, Suite 105, Parsippany, NJ 07054
Parsippany 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.