Top Palm Beach Gardens, FL Statutory Rape Lawyers Near You
Attorney Gabriel Will Guide You On The Right Course Of Action To Protect Your Reputation And Future. Over 30 Years Of Experience
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Charged With a Crime? We Will Aggressively Protect Your Rights and Future. Former Prosecutor. Call 24/7. Free Consultation.
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Proven Record of Trial Successes from DUI to Double Homicide
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Top-Rated LOCAL Criminal Defense. 150+ Yrs Combined Experience. A+ BBB, Super Lawyers, Superb 10 AVVO, Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
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Our Firm has the Diligence and Stamina to Fight for You, Even in Serious Criminal Cases. We Pay Attention to the Details!
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1 W. Las Olas Blvd, Suite 600, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
A law firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A. experienced in helping clients with Statutory Rape issues.
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1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 2700 M-1, Miami, FL 33131
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O’Brien Hatfield, PA has experience helping clients with their Statutory Rape needs in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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4123 Eastridge Circle, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
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Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter has experience helping clients with their Statutory Rape needs in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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4601 Military Trail, Suite 206, Jupiter, FL 33458-4837
Assisting people in Florida with their Statutory Rape needs. Learn More.
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9130 S Dadeland Blvd, Two Datran Center, Suite 1910, Miami, FL 33156
Get experienced legal representation for Statutory Rape issues. Clients in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida can turn to Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A. for help.
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2420 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145
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Assisting with Statutory Rape issues in Palm Beach Gardens and across Florida.
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3700 Airport Road, Suite 401, Boca Raton, FL 33431
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Representing clients with Statutory Rape issues in Florida, Whittel & Melton, LLC, a reputable law firm based in Palm Beach Gardens.
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524 Datura St., Suite 108, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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Musca Law has experience helping clients with their Statutory Rape needs in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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400 SE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-1124
222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
6400 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 510, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
4800 N Federal Hwy, Suite 205B, Boca Raton, FL 33431
2030 S. Douglas Road, Suite 214, Coral Gables, FL 33134
777 South Flagler Drive, 1900 Phillips Point West, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
333 SE 2nd Ave, Fl 20, Miami, FL 33131
6505 Blue Lagoon Dr, Suite 105, Miami, FL 33126
721 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
2300 Glades Rd, Suite 200W, Boca Raton, FL 33431
66 W Flagler St, Suite 1005, Miami, FL 33130
2424 N Federal Hwy, Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL 33431
7351 Wiles road, Suite 101, Coral Springs, FL 33067
303 SW 6th Street, Penthouse West, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
2400 E Commercial Blvd, Suite 1100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
777 South Flagler Drive, Suite 1700 West Tower, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
1875 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Palm Beach Gardens Statutory Rape Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Statutory Rape attorneys in Palm Beach Gardens and checks their standing with Florida bar associations.
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What Is Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape is sexual intercourse or sexual contact with someone who is below the age of consent (which varies from state to state). Someone below the age of consent cannot legally consent to a sexual relationship, even if they give verbal consent. It is not up to the underage individual whether or not to press statutory rape charges. The prosecutor can charge a defendant with statutory rape offenses without the alleged victim’s consent.
The penalties for statutory rape depend on the jurisdiction. Statutory rape can be charged as rape, sexual abuse of a minor, or other sexual offenses. Criminal penalties may depend on a number of aggravating and mitigating factors, including:
- Age of the victim
- Age difference between the parties involved
- Type of sexual activity
- Giving the victim alcohol or drugs
How Is Rape Different From Statutory Rape?
Rape is unlawful sexual intercourse. Rape can be committed through force, coercion, or when the victim cannot give consent. For example, someone who is passed out or drugged may not have the mental state to consent to sexual penetration. With statutory rape, the victim cannot give consent because the law does not consider them to be old enough to give legal consent.
With underage sexual intercourse, it does not matter what the underage person does or says. The underage individual may be encouraging or pursuing sex but they still cannot give legal consent. If the underage person says they will not tell anyone, the defendant can still be charged if law enforcement officers find out about the sexual relationship.
In some cases, parents or guardians may be okay with a sexual relationship between the defendant and their minor child. However, it does not matter if the parents give consent or the victim says that it is okay. If a teacher, counselor, or other friend’s parent finds out about the sexual relationship and reports it, the police can still make an arrest for rape or sexual assault.
What Is the Age of Consent?
The age of consent is 16 to 18, depending on the state. However, the defendant’s age may also be considered in statutory rape charges. There may need to be a sufficient age differential between the victim and the defendant, if the victim is above an age minimum. There may also be a minimum age of the defendant in order to prosecute someone for statutory rape. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to understand the legal defense strategies in your case.
How Much Jail Time Can a Person Get for Statutory Rape?
In most cases, statutory rape or sexual assault of a minor is a felony offense. The felony penalties for a statutory rape conviction may include more than a year in prison. When the minor victim is under a certain age, the prison sentence can be much longer, including up to life imprisonment.
In addition to jail time and fines, statutory rape may be considered a “registerable offense.” After the defendant serves their sentence and is released from jail, they may have to register with local law enforcement agencies as a sex offender. Sex offenders have mandatory registration every year or whenever they move.
Sex offenders are put on a database that is public information and can be searched by the defendant’s name or search location. The sex offender registry may have identifying information, including:
- Name
- Photograph
- Physical description
- Address
- Sex crime
Is It a Defense if Someone Lied About Their Age?
In some cases, it may be a defense if the defendant had an honest and reasonable belief that the victim was over the age of consent. However, simply claiming the victim lied about their age may not be enough. It can help the defendant’s case if there are factors supporting their claim, including:
- Victim had a fake I.D. and claimed an older age
- Victim was in a place where minors are not generally present, including a bar
- There were other witnesses who were told and thought the victim was older
However, even if the defendant has substantial evidence of a reasonable belief of the age of consent, there may be a bar to this defense if the victim is under a certain age. If you have questions about this or other legal defenses, talk to a sex crimes defense attorney.
Can You Sue for Statutory Rape?
For criminal statutory rape laws, it is up to the prosecutor to bring criminal charges. The victim is not required to support criminal charges and the victim cannot drop criminal charges. Even if the victim comes to the defendant’s defense, the prosecutor can still pursue a felony conviction.
The victim of statutory rape may be able to file a civil complaint against the defendant for civil penalties. A civil cause of action may allow the victim to recover damages from the defendant, including monetary compensation.
Do You Need a Statutory Rape Lawyer?
There are severe penalties associated with a statutory rape charge, including harsh prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration. A criminal defense attorney can provide an aggressive defense strategy to help you avoid criminal charges. Contact an experienced attorney for legal advice.