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Sex Crimes

Statutory Rape

If you have been charged with statutory rape in Missouri, contact the St. Louis sex crime attorneys at JMH Law Firm, LLC for a free consult.

St. Louis Statutory Rape Defense Attorney

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MRS §566.032-4: Statutory Rape in the First and Second Degree

In Missouri, it is a crime for an adult to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor, regardless of whether the minor was a consenting participant. For this reason, the Missouri Revised Statutes §566.032 states that a person can be charged with statutory rape in the first degree if he or she has, or attempts to have, "sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years old."

If the offender was at least 21 years old when he or she engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 17, he or she could be charged with statutory rape in the second degree. Given that this is considered to be a statutory offense, the prosecution does not need to prove that the defendant used force. An individual cannot legally provide consent until he or she has reached the age of adulthood, thereby making it illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor even without the use of force or coercion.

We Can Fight for Your Rights in St. Louis, Missouri

Lawmakers in Missouri are particularly harsh on people who have been accused of sexual deviance. In fact, statutory rape in the first degree is a felony sex crime for which the authorized term of imprisonment is five years to life. The minimum term of imprisonment can be extended to ten years if:

  • The defendant displayed a deadly weapon
  • The defendant inflicted serious injury
  • The defendant subjected the victim to sexual intercourse with more than one person

Even a conviction for statutory rape in the second degree could result in up to seven years behind bars.

What Are My Defense Options?

If you’ve been accused of statutory rape, you do have options. The St. Louis sex crime attorneys at JMH Law Firm, LLC may be able to use one of the following defenses in your case:

  • You did not know or could not have reasonably known the age of the victim
  • The alleged sexual intercourse did not take place
  • Duress
  • Mental incapacity

Contact JMH Law Firm, LLC Today

We provide initial case evaluations that are free and absolutely confidential. Our lawyers are standing by to take your call and listen to your case.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with statutory rape, contact JMH Law Firm, LLC today. Our St. Louis criminal lawyers are prepared to go the distance in defense of your rights.

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