Our Child Sex Abuse Attorneys Have Fought For Victims And Their Families For Over 30 Years
As a parent, you may be distressed to find out your child has been engaging in sexual activity with an adult or another minor. Even if your child has done so consensually, you may still have legal recourse and a viable case, depending on the circumstances.
For more than three decades our team at TJC • ESQ has served families and children who have been harmed through sex crimes. We are familiar with Rhode Island and Connecticut laws regarding consent and age limits. We provide peace of mind for minors and parents in the wake of confusing sexual matters, and our experienced sexual abuse lawyers can provide you and your family with trustworthy, authoritative legal counsel you can depend on during this difficult time.
Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our attorneys today.
Statutory Rape Laws In Rhode Island And Connecticut
It is illegal to engage in sexual activity with someone who cannot provide consent. Since minors are deemed incapable of consenting to sex, it is therefore illegal for anyone age 18 or older to engage in sexual activity with someone under the age of 16, regardless of whether a minor invites such activity.
In Connecticut, restrictions and penalties for statutory rape vary according to the ages of those involved. Anyone who has a sexual encounter with a minor and does not meet the requirements for aggravated assault or forcible rape may be subject to the following consequences:
- Class A felony: Intercourse between a child age 12 or younger and someone who is 14 or older is considered sexual assault in the first degree. This can result in a maximum of $20K in fines and 25 years behind bars.
- Class B felony: Intercourse between a child age 14 or 15 and a person who is more than 16 or 17 years old (respectively) is considered sexual assault in the second degree. This can result in a maximum of $15K in fines and 20 years in prison.
- Class D felony: These are reserved for persons of any age (including minors and adults) who have nonpenetrating sexual contact with a child age 14 or younger. This can result in a maximum of $5K in fines and 5 years in prison.
(For all intents and purposes, “intercourse” can be defined as penetration of a sexual nature, to any degree, and with any body part or object.)
Rhode Island law differs in that when the victim is under the age of 14, the act would be considered child molestation rather than statutory rape. Both states offer more serious punishments when the victim is younger and the sexual act is more extreme.
You may not be able to make a case for statutory rape if your child willingly engaged in sexual activity with someone close to their own age, thanks to so-called “Romeo and Juliet” laws. In other states, it could complicate things if your child deliberately misled the other party by claiming to be older than they were at the time.
How Do I Know If I Have A Case For Statutory Rape?
You may be able to take legal action against the adult or other minor in question if the circumstances warrant statutory rape charges. Contacting an experienced child sex abuse lawyer is the best thing you can do upon discovering your child has been engaging in sexual activity (consensually or nonconsensually) with an adult or another minor. At TJC • ESQ, we have the answers you need to move forward with confidence.
Call 401-400-4254 today to speak to a child sexual abuse attorney today.
TJC • ESQ is now a part of Burns & Levinson, one of the largest and most respected family law firms in the nation. Learn more.
