Being accused of statutory rape can have a huge impact on your life. Even if you are innocent, an accusation can damage your reputation and your standing in the community.
If you have been accused of statutory rape, you must take immediate action. Hiring an attorney can help you prove your innocence and avoid a prolonged court case.
Is Statutory Rape a Felony?
Yes, if there is a conviction for statutory rape in Georgia, it will most likely be a felony conviction.
Will I End Up on the Sex Offender list if I am convicted?
Yes. A conviction will result in your name on the sex offender registry if you are over the age of 21.This is a lifetime registration, and can make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, or passing a background check.
What Is Statutory Rape?
In Georgia, the minimum age of consent for sexual activity is 16 years old. Statutory rape is sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of 16.
Legally speaking, a sexual act with a person under the age of 16 is considered “nonconsensual,” as the other person is legally too young to consent.
What Are the Consequences for Statutory Rape?
A conviction for statutory rape will likely result in a jail sentence. If the defendant is under the age of 21, the mandatory sentence will last between one and twenty years. If the defendant is over the age of 21, the minimum sentence is raised to ten years, and the maximum remains at twenty years.
There is one specific set of circumstances under which the sentence will be different. If the victim is between 14 and 16 years old and the defendant is 18 years old or younger, the crime is considered a misdemeanor and will have significantly reduced penalties.
Possible Defenses for Statutory Rape
In all cases, the defense must be dictated by the circumstances of the case. But there are several common defenses that can be effective against a statutory rape accusation.
- There was no sexual contact between the two individuals. This will help get the case dismissed, as the charges hinge on proof of a sexual encounter.
- Both parties were under the age of 16. This can eliminate the charge of statutory rape, as neither party was able to give consent.
- The victim lied about his or her age. This may not get the charges dismissed, but it can have a significant impact on the punishment if it can be proven that the defendant was misled about the age of his or her partner.
These Cases Can Be Won
Sex crimes can be terrifying when you are facing the charges, but at the Turner Firm we have had success defending clients from these charges.
Recently, Mr. Turner was able to obtain a not guilty verdict from a jury after a four-day trial. Mr. Turner successfully defended his client from statutory rape by presenting a large amount of evidence and crafting a compelling narrative about the events that transpired. After the verdict was handed down, our client was free to return to his normal life.
No matter how bleak things may seem, there is always hope. At the Turner Firm, we can help you get back your life. Our team is ready to gather evidence and create an effective defense that will get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Schedule a free, no obligation case evaluation online.