Spotsylvania Statutory Rape Penalties

The penalties for statutory rape in Spotsylvania depend on the specific facts of the case. When an individual is convicted of statutory rape of someone under a certain age, they could be facing life in prison depending on the circumstances.

Due to this fact, and the severity with which this offense is treated, anyone facing these charges should take them seriously and consult an experienced statutory rape lawyer about their case. A lawyer will have the ability to clarify any local laws that may be related to their case and help build a defense.

Level of Penalties

If it is a situation where the individual facing Spotsylvania statutory rape penalties is 18 and the other individual is within a year of age that is still punishable as a Class one misdemeanor.

If two individuals are both under the age of consent and they are within a year but over the age of 15, that is punishable as a Class one misdemeanor. The same applies if both individuals are between 13 and 15. That is going to be considered a Class one misdemeanor. It just depends on the age for a statutory rape case.

Who is Typically Charged

They apply to anybody who is charged. If there is a victim who is not charged, the victim will not get the penalty. The state could potentially charge both people but usually, it is the older individual who is charged in a statutory rape case.

Difference to Traditional Rape Charges

Spotsylvania statutory rape penalties differ from traditional rape charges because rape is traditionally charged as a felony. If it is charged as a misdemeanor offense, that would be the only difference. Consensual relations between two individuals under 18 can still face charges if either both are within a year of age or if one individual is 18 and the other individual is 17.

If the individual is 18 and the other individual is 17 and it is consensual, that can be charged as a misdemeanor offense.

However, that is an exception. Another exception, on the opposite side of the spectrum, would be the mandatory life in prison punishment for an over 18 defendant who is convicted raping somebody under the age of 13.

Sex Offender Registry

The relationship between the sex offense registry and Spotsylvania statutory rape penalties is that person’s presence on the sex offender registry. An individual charged with statutory rape will most likely be on the sex offender registry for life if they are convicted.

Obtaining a Defense Attorney

An alibi could be used as a potential defense for Spotsylvania statutory rape penalties. Somebody who is facing statutory rape charges should look for a defense attorney who is going to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of the case and to build a robust and aggressive defense for the defendant in that case.