Los Angeles Attorney Defends You on Charges of Statutory Rape
Working hard to protect your freedom
In California, statutory rape may be either a misdemeanor or felony. The severity of the penalties varies based on the age gap between you and the alleged victim. If you are 21 or older and the alleged victim is younger than 16, you may be charged with a felony and face four years in prison. At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we work hard to prevent that from happening. Since 2003, we have assisted many clients in Los Angeles with complicated sex crime cases. We know the consequences of a conviction, and we are ready to devise an effective strategy for you.
Legal age of consent in California
The legal age of consent in the Golden State is 18. Sexual contact with anyone other than your spouse who is younger than 18 is illegal, even if the individual consents. If you are not more than three years older than the victim, statutory rape is charged as a misdemeanor. If you are more than three years older than the victim, the offense may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
Defending a statutory rape charge
If you are charged with statutory rape in Los Angeles, it is in your best interest to seek help from an experienced defense lawyer right away. The two most common defenses in statutory rape cases are:
- You reasonably believed the victim was 18 or older
- You didn’t have sexual intercourse with the victim
It is important to understand that statutory rape cases are about age, not consent. So arguing that the victim agreed to, or even instigated, sexual intercourse will not benefit your case.
If convicted of statutory rape, do you register as a sex offender?
No. Regardless of whether you are convicted of felony or misdemeanor statutory rape, you do not have to register as a sex offender in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California. However, if you move to another state, you are subject to that state’s sex offender laws, which may require you to register.
Contact us for your defense to statutory rape charges
A statutory rape conviction can result in a criminal record and even jail time. We at the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi know how to craft a solid defense to protect your freedom and future. You can schedule a consultation with a lawyer at our firm by calling us at (310) 448-1529 or contacts us online. Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We have flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail to discuss your case.