Chattanooga Statutory Rape Lawyer
Defending Against Statutory Rape Allegations in Tennessee
Navigating the complexities of statutory rape charges can be overwhelming and intimidating. It's crucial to have an experienced and knowledgeable legal advocate on your side. A skilled Chattanooga statutory rape lawyer can provide the guidance and representation needed to address these serious allegations.
Call the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today at (423) 250-1499 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our statutory rape attorney in Chattanooga!
What is Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape refers to sexual activity between an adult and a minor who is not legally capable of consenting due to their age. In Tennessee, the legal age of consent is 18. Any sexual relationship where one party is under 18 can lead to statutory rape charges, irrespective of the minor's consent. This law exists to safeguard minors, who are deemed incapable of making informed decisions about sexual activity due to their age.
What are the Penalties for Statutory Rape in Tennessee?
The penalties for statutory rape in Tennessee are severe and can have long-lasting consequences. They vary based on the ages of the victim and the accused and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are the key categories of statutory rape and their respective penalties:
- Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure: Involves a defendant who is in a position of authority over the victim (e.g., teacher, coach). This is a Class B felony with a potential prison term of 8 to 30 years and fines up to $25,000.
- Aggravated Statutory Rape: This situation arises when the defendant is at least ten years older than the victim. It is classified as a Class D felony, carrying a possible sentence of 2 to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
- Mitigated Statutory Rape: Involves a defendant who is between four and five years older than the victim. This is a Class E felony with a possible sentence of 1 to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $3,000.
- Statutory Rape: This applies when the defendant is between four and ten years older than the victim. This is a Class E felony with potential penalties including 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
Defenses Against Statutory Rape Charges
A Chattanooga statutory rape lawyer can explore various defenses to help mitigate or dismiss the charges. Some potential defenses include:
- Mistake of Age: If the defendant reasonably believed that the minor was of legal age, which can be supported with evidence, it may be used as a defense.
- Lack of Evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence can be crucial. The charges may be reduced or dismissed if the evidence is insufficient or unreliable.
- False Accusations: Proving that the charges are based on false accusations can result in the dismissal of the case.
- Violation of Rights: If law enforcement violated the defendant’s rights during the investigation or arrest, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
Contact Our Chattanooga Statutory Rape Attorney Today
Facing statutory rape charges requires immediate and effective legal intervention. Understanding the gravity of the situation and the potential penalties is crucial. A Chattanooga statutory rape lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to navigate the legal system, develop a robust defense strategy, and protect your rights. If you or someone you know is facing statutory rape allegations, obtaining professional legal assistance is crucial to pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today to schedule a meeting with our statutory rape lawyer in Chattanooga!
