Orange County Statutory Rape Attorney

Defending People in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino & Los Angeles

Although a common charge for those in their twenties and thirties, statutory rape offenses can be charged against anyone 18 years of age or older who engages in any type of sexual act with a minor. There are countless situations in which persons accused of committing statutory rape are completely unaware that they engaged in sexual acts with a minor. Regardless, those who are convicted can be ordered to spend time in jail, pay thousands of dollars in fines, and register for inclusion on California’s sex offender registry.

If you have been accused of statutory rape in California, it is crucial to hire an experienced statutory rape attorney. Statutory rape is a serious crime that can carry significant penalties, including jail time and probation. A statutory rape attorney can help you protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, a skilled Orange County statutory rape defense lawyer can help you better understand your charges as well as any options you may have available. By taking advantage of a free consultation, you may receive information about statutory rape charges that could greatly affect your case outcome.

Call (844) 285-9559 or fill out our contact form to speak with an Orange County statutory rape attorney about your case for free.

Statutory Rape Defined in California

The phrase statutory rape is a general term used to describe non-forcible sexual relations that take place when an individual (regardless of age or gender) has sexual relations with an individual not old enough to legally consent to the behavior. Although it usually refers to adults engaging in sex with minors under the age of consent, the age at which individuals are considered competent to give consent to sexual conduct, it is a generic term, and very few jurisdictions use the actual term “statutory rape” in the language of statutes.

Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms and penal codes for the crime, such as “sexual assault,” “rape of a child,” “corruption of a minor,” “carnal knowledge of a minor,” or simply “carnal knowledge.” Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act.

Statutory rape is illegal sexual activity between two people when it would otherwise be legal if not for their age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent.

The term statutory rape generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of puberty. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called “child molestation,” are uniformly treated as a more serious crime.

Is It Illegal if Two People Engage in Sexual Activity When One Person is Under 18 but Both Parties Believe They Are Over 18?

Yes. Even if both parties believe they are over 18, if one party is actually underage it would still constitute as statutory rape. In California, sexual activity between a minor (under the age of 18) and an adult is illegal. However, a good-faith belief that the alleged victim was over 18 is a defense to statutory rape.

Maximum Penalties for Statutory Rape Violations

In California, statutory rape violations can be charged as felony or misdemeanor offenses, depending upon a variety of different factors. The following are maximum penalties for those facing statutory rape charges in Orange County, California:

Misdemeanor

• Informal probation
• A year in county jail
• Up to $1,000.00 in fines

Felony

• Four years in California state prison
• Up to $10,000.00 in fines

Defense from Our Orange County Statutory Rape Attorneys

Those facing charges for rape of a minor in California are encouraged to contact our law offices for a free case evaluation. You can receive a consultation for up to one hour. Our legal professionals can help guide you through this process and help you better understand the charges that have been brought against you.

Call (844) 285-9559 to get help now from our Orange County statutory rape defense lawyers.