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Spotsylvania Statutory Rape Lawyer

Under Spotsylvania law, statutory rape is defined as a sexual act committed regardless of consent against a certain population that typically cannot consent under the law.

Individuals that cannot consent under the law are individuals who are under the age of consent, so under the age of 18, or individuals who are incapacitated. Consent does not matter in a statutory rape case.

If you are facing statutory rape charges, a distinguished defense lawyer can discuss your case with you, giving you peace of mind and legal insights on local laws. Contact a Spotsylvania statutory rape lawyer following any accusations you may be facing.

Romeo and Juliet Laws

Romeo and Juliet laws refer to individuals who are under the age of consent but who are similarly situated in age. What that means is there are two young people who are both not yet adults and who are close in age.

What this means is this situation is not charged as seriously or treated as seriously under the law. It is forgiven a little bit more, but it is still going to be a crime.

Romeo and Juliet clauses refer to two consenting individuals who are unable to consent by virtue only of their age but who are not alleging any forcible or otherwise aggressive sexual behavior.

Age Range

The specific age range in Virginia for these Romeo and Juliet laws would be if an individual is 15, 16, or 17 years old and the individual is consenting to sex with somebody who is 18. That 18-year-old could still be charged because the other individual is a minor.

However, the exception to the rule would just be a Class 1 misdemeanor as opposed to the felony offense of statutory rape. If you are facing allegations of violating these laws, it is important to speak with a Spotsylvania statutory rape lawyer about your case.

Other Sex Offenses

The difference between statutory rape allegations and other sex offense cases is intent. It does not matter what a person’s intent is.

There is no criminal intent. Meaning a person facing charges is considered guilty of the offense that is written if the act actually happened. The prosecutor just has to prove the act and the age or the act and the incapacitation.

When the intent is not valued, the case seems simpler to a Spotsylvania statutory rape lawyer and their client.

Role of Third-Party Allegations

A lot of times, statutory rape cases are brought to life because the complaint comes from a loved one, a parent or guardian of one of the individuals. Usually, that is the younger child or the younger individual.

Once the guardian or the well-meaning individual finds out what is going on and they report it, that is usually two consenting individuals who are underage do not report a statutory rape case.

Prosecution of Statutory Rape

Prosecutors take statutory rape seriously and they usually ask for the maximum punishment in regards to the statutory rape case. Contacting a Spotsylvania statutory rape lawyer may be critical to the outcome of your case and your future.

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