Sex with a Minor - Under the Age of 18

Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Having any form of sexual intercourse with a minor is a serious criminal offense in California. Under California law, sex with a minor constitutes the offense of statutory rape. Although “rape” is in the title of this offense, this does not imply forced or unwanted sexual intercourse. Rather, it involves nonconsensual intercourse, which is only deemed nonconsensual because the alleged victim is under the age of legal consent (under 18 years old). Sex with a minor is most often a felony offense and a conviction may result in up to 4 years in state prison as well as fines and sex offender registration.

The specific penalties for sex with a minor will vary mostly depending upon the age of the alleged offender and the age of the victim. They may also vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the case, the defendant’s criminal record (if any) and the jurisdiction. Following are some basic penalties which are covered under California penal code:

• Sex with a minor, when the defendant is less than 3 years older than the victim, is a misdemeanor offense and may be punishable by up to 12 months in county jail and fines of $2,000 to $5,000.
• Sex with a minor, when the defendant is more than 3 years older than the victim may be a misdemeanor or a felony offense, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment in state prison or county jail.
• Sex with a minor involving a defendant who is over 21 and a victim who is under 16 may be punishable by 2, 3 or 4 years in state prison.

Los Angeles Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer

Do not delay in consulting a Los Angeles statutory rape defense lawyer at Okabe & Haushalter if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges involving sex with a minor. Immediate action needs to be taken so you can avoid imprisonment, heavy fines and sex offender registration. At our firm, we have the expertise in this field to provide high-quality legal representation both inside and outside of the courtroom.

Contact Okabe & Haushalter today to discuss your charges with a skilled Los Angeles sex crimes attorney.