What’s the difference between "kidnapping", “rape” & “sexual assault"? If you’re charged with these crimes in Poughkeepsie, you’ll need legal help fast. Contact an experienced Poughkeepsie defense lawyer at New York Lawyers Team immediately. Rape is known by several terms: sexual assault, violation of a child, corruption of a minor, carnal knowledge of a minor, or unlawful carnal knowledge. Rape is different from forcible rape because there’s a chance there was no overt force or violent threat involved. The law assumes that a child under the age of 18 or a mentally challenged adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the sexual act. Statutory rape is defined as sexual intercourse between an older person and someone below the legal age of 18 years (but above 14 years). Even if the underage individual consents, the charge of statutory rape can still be applied. Sexual relations with a younger child is referred to as child molestation and is typically treated as a more serious crime.
The specifics of kidnapping, rape and sexual assault charges: It’s the state’s job to prosecute cases but it’s often the parents of the victim who initially contact law enforcement officials. The following details can affect the severity of the charges for this offense:
When both parties are under 18: The age of the involved parties determines the severity of the charges. Both male and females can be equally prosecuted. In California, there is no exemption when both parties are under 18. As a result, one of the parties (and it’s often the male) can still be prosecuted for having consensual sex with another minor.
If you are facing kidnapping, rape and sexual assault charges in Poughkeepsie, seek legal representation and advice from the lawyers at New York Laywers Team. A conviction for any sex crime can greatly affect the rest of your life, so it’s best that you aggressively fight these charges in court to protect your future. The attorneys at New York Lawyers Team fight tirelessly for each client regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. Our clients know they are working with attorneys who will do what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for the case.