Virginia Beach Statutory Rape Attorney

What Are Virginia's Statutory Rape Laws?

Strictly speaking, Virginia law does not specifically identify certain crimes as statutory rape, but that is what they are for all intents and purposes. When someone is accused of having sex with a teenager aged 15,16, or 17, they are accused of violating a statute that forbids sexual activity with minors. Another statute lays out even harsher penalties for sexual activity with 13- or 14-year-olds.

These two crimes are what other states call “statutory rape” laws. Essentially, the state does not recognize a teenager under 18 as capable of consenting to sex with someone who is 18 years old or older. As a result, even if you were in a relationship with a 17-year-old as a 20-year-old, you could face statutory rape charges.

Harsh Penalties for Statutory Rape Charges in VA

Keep in mind that these statutes are not minor technicalities—if you’re found guilty of having sex with a minor, then you’re facing harsh, life-altering penalties.

Under Virginia statutory rape law, your charges come with the following penalties:

• For sex with a 15 to 17-year-old: 1 year in jail; $2,500 fine
• For “carnal knowledge of a 13 to 15-year-old: 2-10 years in prison; $100,000 fine

In either case, you may also be required to register as a sex offender—limiting your housing and employment opportunities for the rest of your life.

Whatever the situation may be, your future is on the line. What others believed was “consensual” is not recognized in the eyes of the law. Because people trusted in what they felt rather than what the law said, they’re sitting in prison without careers, housing, or their families.

Don’t make the same mistake—call an experienced defense attorney now. The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller has over 18 years of experience defending men and women from groundless statutory rape charges by getting their cases dismissed or acquitted.