Statutory Rape Charges

Norfolk Sex Crime Lawyer on Your Side!

In Virginia if you are 18 years old and you have sex with a 13 or 14 year old, this is a Class 4 Felony that is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. If you are 18 years or older and have sex with someone who is 15, 16 or 17, this is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by a year in jail and a $2,500,000 fine.

The age of consent in Virginia is 18. The difference between statutory rape and rape is that force is not usually involved. Most of the time the "victim" gives their consent, even though they cannot legally give this consent. These are strict liability laws that render a minor incapable of agreeing to sexual intercourse.

If you are convicted of this crime, you could be registered as a sex offender for the rest of your life. By securing the right, aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent you, your freedom and your future don't have to remain in jeopardy.

Defenses that Could Apply to You

In order to convict you of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that you had sex with the victim and that the victim was under 18. Our firm will scrutinize statements made by the alleged victim that indicated that he/she was over the age of 18, the victim's general appearance and where you met the alleged victim.

Get an aggressive attorney in your corner!

Statutory rape accusations often stem out of anger, jealousy or revenge. At other times, statutory rape accusations can simply be the product of an honest mistake. If you saw someone at a bar who ordered a drink but unbeknownst to you was using a false driver's license and was actually a minor, it is understandable why you might try to hook up with this individual.

Our firm will identify every piece of evidence that could be used to exonerate you and will showcase this evidence. If you have been arrested for statutory rape it is important that you remain silent. Don't try to explain your viewpoint until you have a competent criminal defense attorney on your side advising you what to do. Prosecutors are under a lot of pressure to convict perpetrators of this crime.

They might coax a testimony out of a minor that is exaggerated against you. Jurors as well can have an automatic bias against someone they perceive as guilty of committing this crime. Don't allow your rights to be jeopardized! You are innocent until proven guilty and we will turn over every piece of evidence necessary to uphold your innocence! As a former police officer, our founding attorney has the knowledge and firsthand experience you need on your side.