Fairfax Statutory Rape Lawyer

If you or your child have been accused of statutory rape, you will need a Fairfax statutory rape lawyer to advocate on your behalf in court. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a sex crimes lawyer in Fairfax.

Statutory rape is a very serious offense in Virginia, punishable by long jail sentences and sizeable fines. Being accused of statutory rape can have devastating long-term effects, both for young people who may be applying to college or jobs, and for adults with established careers.

Consult an Experienced Fairfax Statutory Rape Lawyer

Many people are unaware that certain commonplace relationships may constitute statutory rape. For instance, 17 year-old engaging in a sexual relationship with his 17 year-old girlfriend may suddenly be breaking the law once he turns 18.

With such fine legal distinctions between what is and is not permissible under Virginia law, you can benefit from the guidance and aggressive defense provided by a Fairfax statutory rape lawyer.

The attorneys at our firm understand what it takes to successfully argue a case in the Fairfax court system, and we can use that local know-how to fight for a beneficial outcome in your case.  Whatever the circumstances that led to the charges against you, a Fairfax statutory rape lawyer can defend you.

Statutory Rape of a Child Between Ages 13-15 in Virginia

Virginia law does not use the term “statutory rape.” Instead, the offense is covered by two separate statutes, depending on the age of the victim. The laws are very specific, and your Fairfax statutory rape attorney can analyze the facts in your case and determine whether your alleged conduct actually violated the law.

The first law prohibits carnal knowledge of a child between 13 and 15 years old. Carnal knowledge refers to all sex acts, not just intercourse. Anyone who engages in “consensual” sex acts with a 13 or 14 year-old can be found guilty of carnally knowing a child. Forced sex acts would constitute rape, not statutory rape or carnal knowledge of a child. Engaging in sexual acts with a child younger than 13 would also be considered rape.

Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child

The penalties associated with carnally knowing a child between 13 and 15 depend on the age of the accused, and on how much older than the victim the accused was at the time.

When an adult age 18 or older engages in sexual acts with a child over 13 but less than 15, this is considered a Class 4 felony under Virginia Code 18.2-63 punishable by two to ten years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

If the accused is less than 18, but is three years or older than the victim, this constitutes a Class 6 felony carrying a penalty of one to five years in prison. At the discretion of the court, the penalty could potentially be reduced to up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $2500. If the circumstances that led to the charges against you fall under this category, your Fairfax statutory rape lawyer can ask the court for these reduced penalties.

A minor who is less than three years older than the victim he or she is accused of carnally knowing has allegedly committed a Class 4 misdemeanor under Virginia Code 18.2-63.

Statutory Rape of a Child Age 15 or Older in Virginia

The second law dealing with so-called statutory rape in Virginia focuses on children between the ages of 15 and 18. If an adult over age 18 engages in consensual sexual intercourse with a 15, 16, or 17 year old who is not his or her spouse, this is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code 18.2-371 and is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and up to $2500 in fines.

Unlike the prohibition against carnally knowing a child between ages 13 to 15, sexual acts that are not considered intercourse are not addressed under this law. If you have not engaged in actual intercourse with an alleged victim who is older than 15, your Fairfax statutory rape attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed.