Were you charged with statutory rape in Redwood City, California? These allegations can affect your freedom, reputation, and future. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can protect your rights throughout the legal process and identify the defense strategy that fits the facts of your case.
Our attorneys have 30 years of combined experience and have handled thousands of criminal defense cases, including more than 50 trials. Our legal team includes a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. We represent clients in Redwood City, throughout San Mateo County, and across Silicon Valley.
Contact our law offices to schedule a confidential consultation at (650) 299-0500 with a Redwood City statutory rape attorney to learn more about your charges and legal options.
How Ahmed & Sukaram Can Help If You’re Facing Statutory Rape Charges in Redwood City, CA
A statutory rape accusation can be extremely stressful because the stigma alone can affect your life before your case reaches a courtroom. The prosecution still bears the burden of proving every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. A Redwood City sex crimes attorney can examine the evidence and challenge weaknesses in the case against you.
Ahmed & Sukaram represents people facing serious sex crime charges in Redwood City and throughout San Mateo County.
If you hire us, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your charges and the evidence against you
- File motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or evidence
- Gather exculpatory evidence that supports your defense
- Seek dismissal when the facts and law support it
- Keep you informed of your legal rights and options at every stage
- Represent you at court hearings and take your case to trial when that is in your best interest
Get in touch with our Redwood City criminal defense lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss the next steps in your case.
California’s Statutory Rape Law
California Penal Code § 261.5 defines the offense commonly referred to as statutory rape as unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Section 261.5 prohibits sexual intercourse with a person under 18 who is not the spouse of the person accused.
A minor’s willingness to participate does not, by itself, prevent liability under Penal Code § 261.5. The age difference between the parties is also central to how the offense may be charged.
Under § 261.5:
- If the parties are no more than three years apart in age, a violation under § 261.5(b) is a misdemeanor.
- If the minor is more than three years younger than the defendant, the offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- If the defendant is 21 or older and the minor is under 16, the offense may also be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with different sentencing rules applying to a felony conviction.
When an offense may be treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony, how the case proceeds depends on the charge filed and the circumstances involved. A Redwood City sex crimes lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and how California law can apply.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Statutory Rape Conviction in Redwood City?
The potential penalties depend on the applicable subsection of Penal Code § 261.5 and whether the offense is treated as a misdemeanor or felony.
A misdemeanor conviction can result in county jail, a criminal fine, and probation, depending on the subsection and circumstances.
If the minor is more than three years younger than the defendant and the offense is treated as a felony under § 261.5(c), the applicable felony term is generally 16 months, two years, or three years under California Penal Code § 1170(h).
If the defendant is 21 or older and the minor is under 16, a felony conviction under § 261.5(d) carries a term of two, three, or four years.
Adults who violate § 261.5 may also face statutory civil penalties. The amount depends on the parties’ ages and the circumstances of the offense. A conviction can also create serious collateral consequences involving employment, professional opportunities, and reputation.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Statutory Rape Charges?
Several defenses may be available in a statutory rape case, but the right approach depends on the evidence and circumstances.
Possible issues our Redwood City statutory rape lawyers can investigate include:
- You reasonably and in good faith believed the other person was 18 or older.
- No sexual intercourse occurred.
- The accusation is false, possibly because of a personal conflict or misunderstanding.
- Key evidence or statements may be subject to suppression because they were unlawfully obtained.
- The prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to meet its burden of proof.
The facts matter in any statutory rape case. Our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys can review the evidence, explain which defenses may apply, and determine how to respond to the charges during a confidential consultation.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Redwood City Statutory Rape Attorney Today
Statutory rape charges in Redwood City, CA, can carry serious consequences, but a charge is not a conviction. You are presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, our attorneys have 30 years of combined experience handling criminal cases in San Mateo County and throughout Silicon Valley. Contact our offices today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Redwood City statutory rape lawyer.