St. Louis Statutory Rape Defense Attorney

MRS §566.032-4: Statutory Rape in the First and Second Degree

In Missouri, it is a crime for an adult to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor, regardless if the minor was a consenting participant. For this reason, the Missouri Revised Statutes §566.032 states that a person can be charged with statutory rape in the first degree if he or she has, or attempts to have, "sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years old."

If the offender was at least 21 years old when he or she engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 17, he or she could be charged with statutory rape in the second degree. Given that this is considered to be a statutory offense, the prosecution does not need to prove that the defendant used force. An individual cannot legally provide consent until he or she has reached the age of adulthood, thereby making it illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor even without the use of force or coercion.

We Can Fight for Your Rights in St. Louis, Missouri

Lawmakers in Missouri are particularly harsh on people who have been accused of sexual deviance. In fact, statutory rape in the first degree is a felony sex crime for which the authorized term of imprisonment is five years to life. The minimum term of imprisonment can be extended to ten years if:

• The defendant displayed a deadly weapon
• The defendant inflicted serious injury
• The defendant subjected the victim to sexual intercourse with more than one person

Even a conviction for statutory rape in the second degree could result in up to seven years behind bars.

Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC Today

If you or someone you care about has been charged with statutory rape, please do not delay in contacting a St. Louis criminal defense attorney from The Hammer Law Firm, LLC. We provide initial case evaluations that are free and absolutely confidential. Our lawyers are standing by to take your call and listen to your case.