Statutory rape refers to engaging in sexual activity with someone who has not reached the age of consent, which is 18 in the State of Florida. Even if the juvenile verbally consents, they lack the legal authority to do so, which makes the act statutory rape. The crime of statutory rape is extremely serious, and if you’ve been charged, the sooner you have an experienced Lake County statutory rape lawyer in your corner, the better off you’ll be. Our trusted sex crime attorneys fight hard to bring forth all exculpatory evidence and prevent an adverse result.
The crime of statutory rape in Florida refers to engaging in sexual activity with someone who is not yet 18. Even if the underage participant is invested in the relationship and participates freely in the sexual activity, they lack the legal capacity to consent.
The consequences of a statutory rape conviction in Lake County, FL vary according to things like the ages of both parties and the nature of the sexual act, and the legal consequences are considerable. The crime of statutory rape is often charged as a second-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. Additional penalties can include:
Having a crime on your record can seriously tarnish your social standing, but a statutory rape charge takes the matter to a whole new level. Few charges inspire as much outrage in the community as sex crimes that involve minors, which include statutory rape.
Your plans for pursuing higher education, renting or buying a home, or finding a job can also be thwarted. Even after all the legal fines and penalties are behind you, a conviction for statutory rape can haunt you well into your future. Don’t wait to retain the skilled legal counsel that you need.
We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, the young star-crossed lovers. The law recognizes that young people fall in love, and when they are close in age, even if one has crossed the age of majority and other has not, Florida makes legal concessions.
The state allows some wiggle room for underage teens who are at least 16 years old to engage in sexual relationships with others who are under 24 years old. This helps to level the playing field for young people who form sexual relationships with one another, which is a fact of life. This may be a prominent defense option if you are charged with statutory rape in Lake County.
Under Florida’s so-called Romeo and Juliet Law, those between the ages of 18 and 23 can engage in consensual sexual relationships with minors who are 16 or 17. Such relationships generally aren’t considered crimes unless the juvenile is disabled.
For those who are 14 or 15 years old, a consensual sexual relationship with someone who is no more than four years older is allowed the same legal leeway. It should be noted, however, that it remains strictly illegal to have sex with someone who is not yet 14, even under the Romeo and Juliet Law.
This means that if someone who is 18 has sex with someone who is 13, the older participant can fight against having their name added to the sex offender registry, but could still face legal charges.
It’s important to understand that not knowing the other person’s real age will have no legal bearing on your case. If you engage in a sexual relationship with someone who says they are of legal age, but is not, then you could be on the hook for statutory rape.
Ultimately, the Romeo and Juliet law does not negate the age of consent. It can, however, be used as an exception to prosecution.
A skilled Lake County statutory rape lawyer at The Umansky Law Firm is well-acquainted with the legal challenges of sex crime laws and charges in Florida, as well as the common defenses. We will put our impressive legal skill and knowledge to good work for you. Learn more about what a criminal defense attorney can do to help by contacting us online or calling us today.
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