When most people think of sex crimes, such as forcible rape or statutory rape, they think of a devious stranger taking advantage of a helpless woman or child. When in reality, sex crimes are more complex. There are several ways an individual may engage in sexual conduct and be unaware the conduct is unlawful and considered a sex crime.
It is not uncommon for an individual to commit the following offenses and be unaware the activity was criminal:
- Statutory Rape
- Rape of a “Mentally Defective” Person
- Rape of a “Physically Helpless” Person
Huntsville Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
The team of attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal have extensive experience defending individuals faced with sex crime charges, including rape, sexual battery, child pornography, and statutory rape. As former prosecutors, the attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal will skillfully build the strongest defense possible in your case.
Law Offices Of Segal & Segal proudly represents individuals throughout Huntsville-Decatur area, including anywhere in Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Limestone, and Jackson Counties. Contact the Law Offices Of Segal & Segal at (256) 533-4529 or submit an online form to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Alabama Sex Crime Information Center
- Can sexual conduct between partners in the same age or peer group result in a sex crime charge?
- Must both persons engaging in sexual conduct understand the nature of the activity?
- Can sexual conduct with an intoxicated person result in a sex crime charge?
Statutory Rape
In Alabama, it is against the law for a person age 18 or older to engage in sexual conduct with someone younger than 16. Under Alabama law, a person under 16 cannot lawfully consent to sexual conduct.
A minor cannot legally consent to sexual activities. Statutory rape is a common occurrence amongst individuals in the same peer group.
It is common for an 18-year-old senior to engage in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old sophomore boyfriend or girlfriend. The parties are in a relationship. The sexual conduct may reflect love and affection where both parties agree to have sex and no force or violence is involved. However, this conduct is still illegal because Alabama law says a minor cannot legally consent to sex. Under these facts, the 18-year-old can be charged with statutory rape.
There are several charges related to statutory rape, including:
- Second Degree Rape
- Second Degree Sexual Abuse
- First Degree Sexual Abuse
- First Degree Rape
Depending on the facts of the case, particularly the defendant's age, and victim, the defendant can face up to twenty years in prison and require sex offender registration.
There are several defenses and exceptions to charges of statutory rape. If faced with these charges, contacting an experienced statutory rape defense attorney is imperative.
Mentally Defective Person
The core of rape charges is the perpetrator engages in sexual activity with a person who is unable to consent or does not give consent. As discussed earlier, certain persons, like minors, cannot legally consent. Another class of persons that cannot consent to sexual conduct includes “mentally defective” persons or persons with mental diseases.
An individual is considered mentally defective when he or she cannot appraise the nature of their conduct due to a mental disease or defect. Essentially, the victim cannot understand the nature of the conduct and, as a result, cannot consent to the sexual conduct.
Should an individual engage in sexual conduct with a mentally defective person, he or she could be charged with second-degree rape. Second-degree rape is a Class B felony, punishable by imprisonment of no less than two years and no more than 20 years.
Should the victim be mentally incapacitated, meaning the person lacks sufficient mental capacity, the accused could face first-degree rape charges. First-degree rape is punishable by imprisonment of no less than ten years and no more than 99 years.
Physically Helpless Persons
Another class of persons that cannot consent to sexual conduct includes physically helpless persons. A person is considered “physically helpless” when the individual is rendered incapable of consent for any reason. Commonly, this occurs when a victim is intoxicated or passes out.
Engaging in sexual conduct with someone incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct can result in rape charges. Generally, an individual who engages in sexual intercourse with a member of the opposite sex incapable of consent because of being physically helpless will face first-degree rape charges. First-degree rape is a Class A felony, punishable by imprisonment of no less than ten years and no more than 99 years.
Madison County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Sex crime charges are a serious matter. It is imperative to consult experienced legal counsel to fight these charges. Trust experienced sex crime defense attorneys and former prosecutors at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal to build a strong defense on your behalf.
The attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal understand the seriousness of these charges. From the initial consultation, the attorneys at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal will listen to every detail of your case and develop a legal strategy to achieve the best results based on your unique circumstances.
Law Offices Of Segal & Segal diligently represents individuals faced with sex charges, including sexual abuse, rape, sodomy, child sex abuse, and indecent exposure. Law Offices Of Segal & Segal represent clients throughout Alabama, including Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Albertville, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Law Offices Of Segal & Segal at (256) 533-4529 or submit an online form to schedule a free review of your case.