Many other factors play a role in what specific charges could be brought against a person accused of a statutory sex offense. North Carolina also has a “strict liability” definition of this charge, so even if the accused had a good-faith belief about the age of the victim, or even if the victim lied about their age, they cannot use “mistake of age” as a defense. Because of the age of consent law, you won’t be able to rely on express or implied consent from the victim, since being underage itself is assumed to render the alleged victim incapable of consenting to sexual activity. If you or a loved one have been accused of statutory rape, it is essential to hire a defense lawyer experienced in defending clients against this specific sex-crime charge. The Stakes Are High In All Statutory Rape Cases In short, parental approval is not sufficient to avoid the accusation of statutory rape. Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, specialist physicians).
YOUNGEST AGE OF CONSENT PROFESSIONAL
However, other persons are bound by state reporting requirements to notify the authorities of sexual relationships between minors and their older partners as part of their professional duties, including: Parents or legal guardians who discover that their minor child is in a sexual relationship with older youth or an adult may report the situation to law enforcement, who can investigate the accused. If both parties are minors, and the age difference between them is less than four years, the state’s “Romeo and Juliet” exemption applies, and the older minor will not be prosecuted.
YOUNGEST AGE OF CONSENT MOVIE
There are no laws preventing minors from dating each other, i.e., going out for a movie or to dinner together. Read on for more information about this “Romeo and Juliet” exception in North Carolina. This threshold is usually between two and four years of age. Most states also recognize that sexual activities between minors shouldn’t be criminalized if the age gap between the defendant and alleged victim is relatively small. The age of consent across the country generally ranges from 15 to 17. However, each state sets its own consent laws. This is lower than the federal age of majority (for purposes of voting laws and other adult privileges), which is 18. How Does The Age Of Consent In NC Compare To Other Jurisdictions?Īs noted above, the official age of consent for sexual activities in our state is 16. Our goal as a firm is to minimize the consequences of any charge that may be lodged against you. We offer determined and aggressive advocacy for your due process rights. The attorneys of Roberts Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, provide focused, strategically informed representation for those accused of statutory rape and related sex offenses. Your career, family relationships, and community standing can be damaged with a conviction.
A conviction on these charges can lead to prison time and possibly lifetime identification as a sex offender.Įven if a defendant is also a minor, they can be charged with statutory rape, depending on how many years older they are than the alleged victim.Ĭrimes related to the age of consent can sometimes seem confusing, especially if the alleged victim consented to the activity or was even a longtime boyfriend or girlfriend of the defendant.
If you are in a sexual relationship with someone under that age, you may be at risk of being charged with statutory rape or other crimes. The age of consent in North Carolina is 16 years of age, which means that on a person’s 16th birthday, they are considered capable of consenting to sexual intercourse.
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