Columbia Statutory Rape Penalties

In South Carolina, sexual crimes are severe and can carry harsh consequences which include prison time. When the alleged offense involves a minor, the consequences could be even more significant. If convicted of a sex crime involving a minor, alleged offenders could face severe consequences such as life in prison, depending on the age of the alleged victim and the severity of the crime.

Those who are charged with statutory rape should speak to atenacious statutory rape attorney immediately. They could begin working on your case and building a strong defense. Call today to learn more about Columbia statutory rape penalties and legal options.

Statutory Rape Offense Levels

There are different degrees of charges for the crime of statutory rape. These could be found at South Carolina Code, Sections 16-3-655. The varying degrees of criminal sexual conduct with a minor are first degree, second degree, and third degree. These levels of offenses impact the Columbia statutory rape penalties a defendant could be facing.

First Degree

Criminal sexual conduct with a minor first degree involves an alleged victim who is under 16 years of age, and the defendant has a prior conviction for criminal sexual conduct with a minor. This is considered a felony offense, and offenders could face up to life in prison if the alleged victim is less than 11 years of age. Criminal sexual behavior with a minor in the first degree in which the person has a prior record carries jail time of ten to 30 years.

Second Degree

Criminal sexual conduct with a minor or attempt on an alleged victim that is 11 to 14 years of age is a second-degree felony, which carries the penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Also, the criminal sexual conduct with a minor or the attempt of the act with an individual under the age of 16 is a second-degree felony.

Third Degree

A third-degree criminal sexual conduct felony charge is when someone tries to attempt or commits a lewd act, and the alleged victim is under 16 years of age, and the accused person is over the age of 16. This offense carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years. For more information about the levels of charges and statutory rape penalties in Columbia, reach out to a seasoned attorney.

Sex Offender Registry

One of the consequences of a statutory rape charge in Columbia is the sex offender registry. Sex offender registry offenses and all the conditions are found under South Carolina Code of Laws 23-3-430. When someone is put on the sex offender registry, it is for life. There is no way to get off of the sex offender registry in South Carolina.

Sexually Violent Predator

There is also a sexually-violent offense under statute 44-48-30, sub-section 2, which states that if convicted of the crime, not only would someone be put on the sex offender registry, but because it is considered a sexually violent offense, they would also be evaluated by mental health professionals. The mental health professionals could determine whether the person is regarded as a sexually violent predator.

Based on the evaluation, if the results find that the person is a sexually violent predator, the individual could have a separate civil proceeding. The purpose of this is to treat the person and see if they need to be detained at a mental health facility.

How an Attorney Could Help

Immediately after being charged with statutory rape, individuals should seek legal counsel. There are different defenses and tactics a criminal defense attorney could use to fight the specific charges. They could review evidence, determine whether the prosecution has a case, whether the minor lied and much more.

Speak to a dedicated attorney to learn about the Columbia statutory rape penalties and how it will relate to your case. Call today to get started.