Stamford Statutory Rape Lawyer
Statutory rape is a serious criminal offense in Connecticut that can result in severe consequences if it is not handled by an experienced sex crimes attorney. If you face allegations of sexual intercourse by someone who could not consent by law, a tenacious Stamford statutory rape lawyer could mitigate the long-term penalties of your charges and defend your rights in court.
What Constitutes Statutory Rape in Stamford?
While the term “statutory rape” does not explicitly appear anywhere in the Connecticut Penal Code, that does not mean that these charges are any less severe. According to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-71, “statutory rape” is defined as Sexual Assault in the Second Degree.
This variant of sexual assault specifically applies to situations where someone engages in unlawful sexual intercourse without using or threatening force, as opposed to using force or engaging in illegal sexual contact. Additionally, these charges include minors under 16 years old who cannot consent to sex under any circumstances as well as several other individuals who cannot consent to sex due their position of lower authority as compared to the alleged aggressor. For example, psychotherapists who engage in sexual activity with their patients could be charged with statutory rape.
This statute also criminalizes sexual intercourse with anyone physically or mentally impaired by disease or disability to the degree that prevents them from consenting to sex. It is worth noting that certain sexual relationships between adults and minors can be prosecuted as Sexual Assault in the First Degree if the age gap is large enough or the minor is under 13 years old.
A seasoned attorney in Stamford can clarify how state courts and law enforcement authorities might approach a particular statutory rape allegation during a private meeting.
What Are the Potential Penalties Following a Statutory Rape Conviction?
While C.G.S. §53a-71 defines Sexual Assault in the Second Degree as a Class C felony, this classification only applies if the non-consenting participant is at least 16 years old. When an adult engages in sexual intercourse with someone who is legally a minor and is at least three years younger than the adult, a court may charge them with a Class B felony. Here, the maximum sanctions upon conviction could include between one to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
Furthermore, if statutory rape involves a minor younger than 13 years old, a court will charge the defendant with a Class A felony, which carries a minimum prison term of five years and ranges up to 25 years upon conviction. The minimum becomes ten years if the minor involved is under ten years old. A statutory rape defense attorney in Stamford could play a crucial role in advocating for a defendant’s rights in such circumstances.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Stamford Statutory Rape Attorney
Regardless of the legal terms used to describe this crime, statutory rape is an extraordinarily serious allegation that can have immense consequences both in and outside criminal court. Assistance from knowledgeable legal counsel can be vital to handling a case as proactively and effectively as possible.
If you are being investigated for or have been charged with any degree of sexual assault related to statutory rape, speaking with a Stamford statutory rape lawyer should be your priority. Click here to read our over 300 certified reviews on Avvo.com, and call Mark Sherman Law today for a consultation.