Statutory Rape Defense
A Few Years Can Last a Lifetime
When you are young, it is easy to think that your actions today will be gone tomorrow. That no matter what happens to us will soon be yesterday’s news or a distant memory. When it comes to sexual conduct, however, misinformation and mistakes can have devastating consequences that can last for years and even a lifetime. If you are in California and have, or plan to, engage in sexual conduct with a minor, especially if you are over the age of 18, there are certain key facts you should know.
If you have been charged with illegal conduct in this area, there are certain things you should do and people you should call and a criminal defense attorney should be at the top of the list.
Sexual Intercourse with a Minor in California
In California, in accordance with California Penal Code Section 261.5, it is unlawful to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor – legally any person under the age of 18 – if you are yourself over 18 or if the person you are engaging in intercourse with is at least three years younger than you are, no matter how old you are.
Therefore, a 17-year-old engaging in sexual conduct with a 13 year old is unlawful. A 19-year-old engaging in sexual conduct with a 17-year-old is also unlawful. In either scenario, a charge of statutory rape is possible, and the consequences can be severe, ranging from misdemeanor to felony with a broad spectrum of potential sentences.
There are some exceptions. California’s “Romeo & Juliet” exception, for example, seeks to protect defendants who are separated by fewer than three years from the minor – but it does not automatically absolve those individuals from guilt. Even when the exception applies, misdemeanor charges can still be brought and sex offender registration may still be required. Also, unlike in many other states, a claim that you were mistaken about a person’s age or not aware that they were underage can sometimes help a defendant if approached in the right way by experienced legal counsel. Finally, there is a marital exemption to the statutory rape law: married individuals can legally engage in sexual conduct even if their ages would prohibit it if they were not married.
Often, these situations arise between people who, in other circumstances, would be viewed as consenting individuals. Sometimes, the two people involved have feelings for one another or have been in an ongoing relationship for some time. The circumstances of individual cases do play into these kinds of cases and judges and prosecutors can be swayed to take them into account, especially if presented by an informed, knowledgeable and experienced defense team.
The Consequences of a Statutory Rape Conviction
Any person found guilty of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the perpetrator can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, and can be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.
Any person over the age of 21 years found guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is under 16 years of age can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, and can be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years.
There are also potential civil penalties that can become extremely costly for defendants. An adult found guilty of statutory rape may be liable for civil penalties in the following amounts:
- An adult who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor less than two years younger than the adult can be found liable for a civil penalty not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000).
- An adult who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least two years younger than the adult can be found liable for a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
- An adult who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least three years younger than the adult can be found liable for a civil penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
- An adult over the age of 21 years who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years of age can be found liable for a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
Charged with Statutory Rape
It should now be clear that, in this context, facts and circumstances matter. Having an attorney who knows the law, has dealt extensively with the prosecutors and judges involved and is familiar with the full spectrum of options available to defendants is crucial. At the Law Offices of Jerod Gunsberg, we have negotiated hundreds of plea bargains in this area and often, have managed to avoid sentencing altogether. With years of experience with statutory rape cases, Jerod Gunsberg and his team know that taking the time to truly get to know and understand each defendant’s story is important because it can determine the outcome of the case.
Being charged with rape in this context can be an agonizing and painful experience for all involved. If you want someone who will worry about your case and your future as much as you do, do not hesitate to contact Los Angeles sex crimes defense lawyer Jerod Gunsberg. Jerod and his team of experienced criminal justice practitioners offer discreet, sympathetic and supportive counsel while engaging in aggressive negotiations and offering unparalleled and passionate advocacy on behalf of clients.
If you or a loved one is facing charges or have been contacted by law enforcement in LA, Los Angeles County or anywhere in the state of California to discuss accusations of statutory rape, call criminal defense attorney Jerod Gunsberg in Los Angeles at (323) 633-3423 for a confidential consultation or get in touch via the secure contact form on this page. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.