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.
What Are My Defense Options?
If you’ve been accused of statutory rape, you do have options. The St. Louis sex crime attorneys at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC may be able to use one of the following defenses in your case:
- You did not know or could not have reasonably known the age of the victim
- The alleged sexual intercourse did not take place
- Duress
- Mental incapacity
Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC Today
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.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with statutory rape, contact the The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today. Our St. Louis criminal lawyers are prepared to go the distance in defense of your rights.
client testimonials
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"Thank God for Mark Hammer"
I cannot begin to explain in words how thankful I am that I contacted the Hammer Law Firm when I found myself facing criminal legal charges. I and my family will always be grateful beyond words for the role that Mark Hammer and The Hammer Law Firm played i
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"Mark and Nicole are the best law firm partners ever."
They are professional, courteous, and respectful to both the courts and their clients. This team of professionals is not in business just for the money, they are truly out to help their clients.
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After a thorough review, Mark began to address every legal issue confronting our son, he had already done his homework, which began to bring sanity back into our family as we sat there.
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We contacted Mark Hammer for help with our son. Mark was truly amazing! He worked hard for our son, was always a text or phone call away, and we could not have asked (or predicted) a better outcome! Absolutely in awe of him.
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"I could not have imagined getting through this difficult and uncertain time without the help of the Hammer Law Firm."
I absolutely recommend Mark and Nicole to anyone who is needing more than a lawyer, but people who do genuinely care about you and who want to get the best possible outcome to get you through this difficult time.
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"I have never met such dedicated attorneys that work so hard for the truth to come out at the trial."
I just wanted to thank you again for your compassion, kindness, and support given to my family throughout this ordeal. I thank the Hammer Law Firm for not only giving my son his life back but his family as well.
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WHY TRUST OUR ST. LOUIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM?
What Makes Us Different
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One-On-One AttentionWe work directly with you to determine the best possible outcome based on your goals and needs. We then create personalized legal strategies to set your case up for success.
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Accessibility & AvailabilityOur attorneys pride ourselves on always being available to address any questions you have regarding your case. With our team, you aren't just a number.
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Unique Legal InsightAs former prosecutors who know how the 'other side' operates, we have a unique insight that allows us to set our client's cases up for success.
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Experienced Legal CounselThe Hammer Law Firm, LLC team has more than 60 years of combined criminal law experience. We have the tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively advocate on your behalf.
When you want personal support and proven representation, you need to bring The Hammer Law Firm, LLC to the fight.