Understanding Statutory Rape Law throughout California
Allegations of California statutory rape charges can change your life personally and professionally. Statutory rape is consentual sex between an adult and a minor. Statutory rape in California is a serious offense. California rape laws are very strict against those who are charged with the offense. However, like other sex crimes, allegations can be based on revenge, jealousy, or other highly emotional reasons and they can be false.
Rape charges require a strong legal rape defense. You need the knowledge of criminal law specialists and a team of investigators and experts to help you. Criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert J. Beles stand ready to defend you against statutory rape charges and other sex crimes. They represent clients accused of statutory rape in Pleasanton and throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including areas such as Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, Union City, Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.
California rape and sexual offense laws
There are several aspects of the law that need to be understood. Because even a simple expression of love between two individuals can be a criminal offense.
- Statutory rape under the California Penal Code is an act of sexual intercourse committed by an adult (over 18 years of age) against a person who is not a spouse and is a minor (under 18 years of age).
- Age gap between perpetrator and minor
- Any person who engages in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is not three years older or three years younger is guilty of a misdemeanor.
- If a minor is more than three years younger than the perpetrator, or if the perpetrator is older than 21 years of age and the minor under 16 years of age, the perpetrator is guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony with imprisonment in county or state prison.
- Statutory Rape Vertical Prosecution Program This program was initiated to empower law enforcement to prosecute adult men who have sex with teenage girls less than 18 years of age. The vertical prosecution portion of the program allows a single prosecutor to follow a specific case through the judicial process resulting in higher rate of convictions.
A solid rape defense in Pleasanton and throughout California
If you have been accused of California statutory rape charges, contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Beles. We are experienced in California sex and rape crimes. With five office locations, we are able to meet with you, evaluate your case, and provide an aggressive defense when your freedom is at stake.
To schedule a consultation now with an experienced Alameda County and Contra Costa County statutory rape defense lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Robert Beles online or call 510-836-0100.
| Robert Beles | - | State Certified Criminal Law Specialist |
| Anne Beles | - | State Certified Criminal Law Specialist |
| Paul McCarthy | - | State Certified Appellate Law Specialist |
| Emilio Parker | - | State Certified Immigration Law Specialist |
Contact us for a free consultation: (510) 836‑0100
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