Under California Penal Code 261.5, any sexual intercourse that takes place with a minor is known as “statutory rape” and charged as a sex crime. A minor could be anyone under the age of 18.
The offense of unlawful sexual intercourse could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the circumstances. It does not matter if the minor and the defendant were in a caring relationship at the time of the act, but rather that the minor was under the age of 18. Depending on the amount of years that separate the accuser and the defendant, can vary the sentencing as well.
If you are under investigation for statutory rape there are few things you need to realize. Regardless if you were in a relationship with the alleged victim, if the victim was under the age of 18, they are still under their parent’s protection and the parents of the child could file charges against you.
What Sentencing Do I Face If I Am Convicted In Murrieta?
Being convicted of a statutory rape charge could land you some serious consequences. Depending on your age and that of the accuser and whether or not the sexual contact was consented to, can all vary the amount of sentencing.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor for an unlawful intercourse with a sexual minor, you could be facing:
Misdemeanor Penalties:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to one year jail sentence
Felony Penalties:
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Formal probation
- Up to four years in a California state prison
If there was force involved, you could add another few years onto your prison sentence. Depending on your past criminal record and if any physical injuries were accrued during the act, you could be facing additional penalties for bodily injury as well.
Local Criminal Law Defense Experience Since 1999
If you have been accused of a statutory rape charge in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Banning, Perris, Corona, Winchester or Riverside, it is of the utmost importance that you contact a professional and experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend your case. A lawyer can help gather evidence and information that the accusing party was consenting and or that the accusations against you are false. Do not face the criminal justice system alone!
Contact our law office immediately! Our office is conveniently located near the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, California.