What Makes Columbia Statutory Rape Cases Unique

Columbia prosecutes statutory rape cases vigorously. If a third party, the minor themselves, or somebody else makes statutory rape allegations, law enforcement would immediately investigate the case. If law enforcement believes the accusation is credible, they would charge the individual accused and arrest them. After that, the prosecutors aggressively prosecute these statutory rape cases.

If you have been accused and charged with statutory rape, it is best to seek help from a diligent attorney in Columbia. They could help you understand the charges and understand what makes Columbia statutory rape cases unique. A knowledgeable statutory rape attorney could review the facts of the case and collect evidence to build a defense.

How Does Statutory Rape Allegations Differ From Other Rape Cases?

One aspect that makes statutory rape cases unique is the misconception of age. The allegations are based on the age of the person. The reason it is different from other rape cases comes down to whether the person consented to the activity, the unwanted touching, or use of force. Under statutory rape, the case pertains to the alleged victim consenting to the sexual relationship.

The person’s age does not give them the authority under the law to make that decision on their own, and the person who is the adult should know better. There is no excuse based on whether the person consented to the sexual relationship. The adult should have known that they should not have sex with a minor, regardless of whether the minor consents to the sexual relationship. The penalties for statutory rape can be severe, including a hefty prison sentence. Speak to a knowledgeable attorney to learn more about the differences between statutory rape cases and other rape cases.

Lack Of Intent

The role of lack of intent when defending statutory rape charges refers to the defendant’s misconception of the other person’s underage status. The statutory rape attorney will have to try to prove that the minor intended to deceive them, made efforts to conceal their age, and presented to the adult that they were older or that they were an adult. Then, the person who would be accused and arrested would not have had the intent to have a sexual relationship with the minor.

Presence Of Consent

What makes the statutory rape case unique is that it focuses on the minor’s age and not whether they consented. In other words, one of the most common defenses is generally not available in statutory rape cases.

Third-Party Statutory Rape Allegations

Third-party allegations occur when the parent of the minor or other family finds out that the minor was having a sexual relationship with an adult.

Allegations of statutory rape often are reported by someone other than the alleged victim who generally has a close relationship with that person.

How A Statutory Rape Attorney Could Help

There are many factors to consider when fighting a statutory rape allegation. Experienced attorneys will look at the facts and the evidence to help build a strong defense. What makes Columbia statutory rape cases unique is that it the focal point of the case is the minor’s age and not whether they consented.

Individuals should reach out to a statutory rape attorney to learn about their legal options and how they could avoid the penalties of a conviction. Call today to learn about how an attorney could help your case.