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Alexandria Statutory Rape Lawyer

Rape cases in the state of Virginia are taken seriously, including allegations of statutory rape. Alexandria prosecutes statutory rape charges vigorously and proper counsel could potentially advise you on the next steps following an accusation. An Alexandria statutory rape lawyer could instruct you on the implications of a statutory rape offense, such as potential penalties and sentencing. By contacting a skilled sex crimes attorney you could help to build your defense.

Age of Consent In Virginia

The legal age of consent in Virginia is 18, which means that if a person is 17 or under they cannot legally consent to any sexual activity. There generally does not need to be any allegation that force was used or even that the act was against the individual’s will for a statutory rape charge to be claimed. If the person who committed the offense is 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment could be life in prison, required registry on all sex offender lists, and other penalties.

Romeo and Juliet Clauses

In the instance that two individuals are close in age, Virginia law considers Romeo and Juliet clauses. These laws are defined by the possibility that two individuals are close enough in age and in a consensual sexual relationship. An example of this could be the age difference between individuals that are between 15 and 17 years old. This clause was largely created for the potential of underage couples, where one or both is below the age of consent.

Difference Between Statutory Rape and Other Rape Cases

Statutory rape cases are different than other rape offenses because the plaintiff may be a child. A seasoned Alexandria statutory rape lawyer representing the defendant may know how to handle the situation and convey a strong case on the behalf of the defendant.

Although consent is the cornerstone in most rape cases, for a statutory rape charge, even if consent is granted a person could still be charged with a statutory rape offense. Virginia law does not recognize anyone below the age of 18 as viable to consent to any sexual activity with a legal adult. Therefore the intent of defendant also plays a prominent role in the prosecution’s argument. Since the prosecution must show that a person intended to have intercourse with a minor, intent to commit the offense is a necessary component for the prosecution.

What is a Third-Party Allegation?

Third parties often involved are the parents of the plaintiff or a person who may have legal responsibility for them, such as a teacher or a coach. It is common for the parents or guardians of a child to bring charges to the attention of the authorities on behalf of a minor. Since the plaintiff may not be the first to relay the allegation, the police will need to talk to them directly to find out what happened and the credibility of their testimony.

Role of an Alexandria Statutory Rape Lawyer

The first thing an attorney could do is gather all of the evidence, both from the prosecution and from the defendant to build their case. An individual needs someone who has handled a case like this previously and knows how to build a solid defense.

Having a knowledgeable attorney could be pivotal to a statutory rape case and could have a significant impact on the outcome of the trial. An experienced sex crimes attorney could know the proper way to go about the case, and how to deal with a potential trial. By contacting an attorney, you can help to bolster your case and defend your reputation.

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