Are you suspected of a sex crime, or have you been arrested on statutory rape charges? Being investigated for a crime can be an experience that completely changes the course of your life. Every aspect of your life, from your job to your friends, could be impacted by the stigma of such a serious crime. Even if you are found innocent, it can be challenging to repair your reputation. At May, Rammell & Wells, our team provides a legal defense without judgment to our clients facing sex crime charges. The legal ramifications of a sex charge can send a tidal wave of problems your way. It’s important to have legal representation even if you think the charges aren’t serious. In Idaho, all sex crime charges are considered serious crimes. While you may think statutory rape is a minor offense if you and your partner are consenting, you may be mistaken in your assumption. Statutory rape charges carry serious life-altering consequences – even up to life in prison.
Under Idaho Code §18-6101, statutory rape consists of any penetration where:
- the victim is younger than 16 years old, and the defendant is at least 18 years old, or
- where the victim is 16 or 17 years of age, and the defendant is at least three years older than the victim.
How is Statutory Rape a Crime?
Statutory rape is an age of consent crime because a person cannot consent to a sexual act if they are not old enough to do so. Any sex act with a person under the age of consent is a sex crime. The age of consent is based on the age of the older partner in the instance being considered. All sex without consent, according to the Idaho Code, is a sex crime. The age of consent in Idaho is 18 years old, so even a 17- and 18-year-old could be violating the law. It’s important to note that Idaho does not have a close in age exemption which is found in many other states. The judge determining the sentencing in the case will consider the age difference between the victim and offender, but statutory rape is a very serious crime according to Idaho Code §18-6104, the penalty for any type of rape in Idaho ranges from one year in prison to life. Even if you get a short prison sentence, a rape charge of any kind can have long-lasting consequences even after the time has been served for the crime. It can be difficult to find employment, education options, and future romantic partners. Every area of your life can be impacted by this single decision, so a legal representation for a statutory rape charge is a must!
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you could be facing up to life in prison. Building a legal defense for a statutory rape case can be a difficult task without the proper experience. The Idaho attorneys at May, Rammell, and Wells can listen to the details of your case and help you mount a defense to fight your charges. Fighting criminal charges isn’t the time you want to risk not fighting and hiring a team who will fight with you. You can count on us to provide you with professional advice and representation. Call us today at (208) 623-8021 to schedule a consultation.