In California, the age of consent plays a crucial role in determining when someone is legally able to give their consent to engage in sexual activities. These laws are often misunderstood or ignored altogether, leading to serious legal repercussions. Fortunately, there are some simple laws that everyone should be aware of before making any kind of intimate decision. The age of consent is the age at which a person can legally consent to sexual activity.
Per Penal Code Sex within that marital relationship is not considered a crime, even if one or both spouses are below the age of consent. An example is when two people are close in age, say a year-old and an year-old, who engage in consensual sexual activity despite their ages.
If you violate the age of consent laws in California, you could face serious consequences, including charges of statutory rape. Statutory rape is defined as having sexual intercourse with someone under the age of The primary determining factor in the classification is the difference in age between you and the alleged victim. In addition to facing criminal charges, a conviction for statutory rape can also result in civil penalties. Some common defense strategies include arguing that the alleged victim had already reached the age of consent at the time of the sexual act or that you reasonably believed they were of legal age.
Here are four tips to help you navigate the complex rules and regulations surrounding the age of consent in California:. Get legal counsel as soon as possible. A statutory rape conviction can have serious and long-lasting consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
At the Nieves Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge to defend clients accused of sex crimes, including statutory rape. We understand these cases can be complex and emotionally charged. We are committed to providing you with compassionate and effective legal representation. Contact us today for a consultation. With more than 12 years of experience in criminal defense, she has zealously represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including DUIs, domestic violence, expungement, federal crimes, juvenile law, motions to vacate, sex crimes, violent crimes, and other criminal charges.
