Greenwich Statutory Rape Lawyer
Statutory rape is classified among the most serious category of felonies in Greenwich and could result in severe penalties for anyone convicted. If you face allegations of statutory rape, you should contact a Greenwich statutory rape lawyer immediately. A top defense attorney could help protect their rights and their future.
What is Statutory Rape in Greenwich Connecticut?
Statutory rape is formally known in Connecticut as C.G.S. § 53a-71, or sexual assault in the second degree. Generally, a person can be arrested for sexual assault in the second degree / § 53a-71 in Connecticut if they have sexual intercourse with someone who the law defines as being incapable of giving legal consent. Top Greenwich statutory rape lawyers most commonly see these arrests when the other person is too young to legally give consent. However, the other person may also be legally unable to give consent due to their physical condition at the time, their mental state, or if a special relationship exists between the two people.
What Situations are Considered Statutory Rape in Connecticut?
Even in a situation where consent technically is received (.i.e. there is no physical force or threat of force), sexual intercourse will be considered statutory rape or second-degree sexual assault in Greenwich if it involves:
- A minor under age 16
- Someone impaired by mental disease or disability
- A physically helpless individual
- A minor under age 18 and their guardian or caretaker
What are other Second Degree Sex Assault / Statutory Rape Scenarios in Greenwich?
In some cases of statutory rape, sexual conduct is prohibited due to concerns that one individual holds a position of authority over the other and could potentially abuse this position. This includes but is not limited to scenarios involving those in correctional facilities, psychotherapists and a current or former emotionally dependent patient, and medical professionals who engage in sexual contact with a patient under false pretense that the act serves a medical purpose.
What Are Potential Penalties for Statutory Rape in Greenwich Connecticut?
Depending on the circumstances, statutory rape may be pursued as either a Class B or Class C felony, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes §53a-71. How the court chooses to pursue a statutory rape charge typically depends on the alleged circumstances of the alleged second-degree sexual assault.
For example, if a statutory rape allegation involves a minor under the age of 16, the offense escalates to a Class B felony. Convicted people will face a potential sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment – nine months of which are mandatory and cannot be suspended, a potential fine of up to $15,000, and a period of sex offender probation.
However, if the alleged victim is 16 or older, then the sexual assault in the second-degree arrest will result in a class C felony charge by the courts in Greenwich. The penalties for this class of offense include a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of no more than $10,000, and a period of sex offender probation.
Consult with a Greenwich Statutory Rape Attorney
Unlike many other sex crimes, statutory rape does not have to include violence or the threat of violence. In some cases, the parties involved may believe they have consent and are unaware they are committing a crime. However, the penalties associated with this offense are just as serious as those connected to many other violent sex assault crimes.
In addition to guiding you through the criminal court process, a Greenwich statutory rape lawyer will assist with evidence collection and communicating with law enforcement. Your legal advocate may also advise you on whether to make a statement or other actions that could impact your case. In order to protect yourself and your rights, reach out today to schedule a case evaluation and start determining your options.