Statutory rape is unlawful sexual activity with a minor. In Tennessee, penalties for statutory rape are severe, carrying jail time, steep fines, community service, and even requiring that you register on the sex offender registry. Unlike other sexual charges, you can be charged with statutory rape even if the underage person consents or if you were unaware of their minor status.

If you have been charged with statutory rape, there is no time to waste in securing assistance from a sex crimes attorney. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced Nashville statutory rape lawyer at our firm who can safeguard your rights.

Types of Statutory Rape Charges

Tennessee Code §39-13-506 recognizes the following types of statutory rape charges that our Nashville attorneys can help you defend against.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape is the sexual penetration between an adult and someone who has not reached the age of consent. You will be charged with statutory rape if the victim is 13 or 14 years old and you are at least four years older, or if the victim is 15 to 17 years old and you are at least five years older than the victim. Statutory rape is classified as a class E felony, with a potential prison sentence of one to six years and a maximum fine of $3,000.

Mitigated Statutory Rape

Unlawful sexual penetration between two persons when the victim is 15 to 17 years old and the defendant is four or five years older. Like statutory rape, mitigated statutory rape is a class E felony, which carries a prison sentence of one to six years and a potential $3,000 fine.

Aggravated Statutory Rape

Aggravated statutory rape is the unlawful sexual penetration between two individuals when the victim is between 13 and 17 years old, and the defendant is at least ten years older than the victim.

Unlike statutory rape and mitigated statutory rape, aggravated statutory rape is a class D felony. A class D felony conviction carries an incarceration period between 2 and 12 years and a maximum fine of $5,000. If you are convicted of aggravated statutory rape, you will be required to register as a sex offender.

Which Charges Result in a Sex Offender Registry Listing?

You will be required to register on the sex offender registry if you have been convicted of a variety of sex offenses. These include

As a registered sex offender, you will have your personal information, such as past and current addresses, nicknames, date of birth, a physical description, and a photograph posted to the Tennessee sex offender registry website. This website is public information, easily ruining your reputation in your community. For help mitigating these consequences, get in touch with our statutory rape lawyers in Nashville to start building a defense case.

Speak with Our Statutory Rape Lawyer in Nashville Soon to Start Building a Defense

A statutory rape conviction can result in devastating consequences. At Beasley Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Nashville statutory rape lawyer will take all measures to defend the charges brought against you to protect your freedom. Contact us online today or call (615) 846-9889 to schedule your free consultation.