New Hampshire Statutory Rape Lawyer
Statutory rape is a serious crime and can carry penalties just as harsh as a standard rape conviction. If you have been accused of statutory rape or charged with a sexual assault offense based on a consensual relationship with someone who was underage, it is crucial that you consult an experienced sex crimes attorney right away. New Hampshire does not have a specific statutory rape law, but the traditional understanding of statutory rape typically falls under either the state’s aggravated felonious sexual assault or general felonious sexual assault laws. Speaking with a New Hampshire statutory rape lawyer who can protect your rights and speak on your behalf, may mean a world of difference to the outcome of your trial.
Age of Consent
The Romeo and Juliet provision does not apply to children under age 13 who cannot legally give consent, regardless of how close in age the other party is. Only persons aged 16 and older can give consent to sexual contact with adults under New Hampshire law unless the two parties are legally married.
Some states, including New Hampshire, have “Romeo and Juliet” statutes that carve an exception to statutory rape laws for consensual relationships between teenagers. In New Hampshire, the so-called Romeo and Juliet exception refers to relationships between teenagers and young adults who are close in age.
Specifically, this applies when the younger partner is at least 13 years old but younger than 16 years old, and the older partner is less than four years older than the younger partner. New Hampshire statutory rape lawyers can help potential clients defend any accusations they may be facing.
Aggravated Felony Charges
Under this provision, a teenager younger than 13 cannot consent to sexual contact. Anyone who engages in sexual contact with a child younger than 13 can be convicted of aggravated felonious sexual assault, a felony punishable by between 10 and 20 years in prison. When the alleged victim is between 13 and 16 years old and the purported perpetrator is more than four years older than the victim, they may be charged with general felonious sexual assault under New Hampshire law. This is a class B felony punishable by between one and seven years in prison.
Sexual Offender Status
A convicted statutory rape offender may be required to register with the New Hampshire sexual offender registry. Depending upon the conviction and type of offense, sexual offender registration may be required for at least 10 years and up to a person’s entire lifetime.
Consulting with a Statutory Rape Attorney
Regardless of the situation that led to statutory rape charges against you, you will need the assistance of a New Hampshire statutory rape lawyer. Statutory rape charges are not to be taken lightly. While the term may make some people think statutory rape is less serious than standard rape, the law in New Hampshire does not differentiate.
The consequences of a statutory rape conviction can include harsh prison sentences and a lifetime requirement for sexual offender registration. For this reason, it is essential that you contact a skilled statutory rape attorney as soon as possible after learning you may be facing statutory rape charges.