Child sex crimes can run the gamut. While some are the act of a perpetrator preying on non-consenting young victims, some are more in line with what is called statutory rape where someone who has reached the age of maturity has had ‘consensual’ sexual relations with someone under the age of 18. Statutory rape is defined by age on the premise that minors are incapable of giving informed consent.
Many times when we hear of statutory rape, we think of an 18 year old high school student and his 16 year old girlfriend. Although it may seem severe to some, if in fact, a child is 16 or older, but under the age of 18, even consensual sexual relations may be charged as statutory rape, a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in up to a $10K fine and up to 9 months in prison.
On the other hand, if the child is younger, between the ages of 13 to 15, any form of sexual contact by a defendant over the age of 18 could result in a Class C felony, or, if the child is under 13, Class A or B felony charges are typical. All felony crimes can result in lengthy periods of incarceration and substantial fines. Simply stating that someone has misrepresented their age or that you are a consenting couple is not a defense.
If a defendant is a child himself (or herself), and commits a criminal offense of a sexual nature, they will likely fall under the juvenile justice system. Juvenile courts have wider discretion when imposing penalties, but it should not be left to chance. It is important to seek the help of an experienced juvenile criminal defense lawyer if your minor has been charged with a sex crime, especially in the age of the internet where kids seem to have a blind spot when it comes to sexting or posting inappropriate pictures, which could be construed as sending or receiving child pornography.
If You Are Facing Statutory Rape Criminal Charges Contact the Wisconsin Criminal Defense Lawyers of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for Immediate Assistance
If you or a family member is facing statutory rape criminal charges, whether as an adult or a juvenile, contact the Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for immediate assistance today. It is important to understand the seriousness of the charges and prepare an aggressive defense against charges that may very well be out of proportion to the actual events. Contact our offices today for a free consultation at 262-542-3900.
