What is statutory rape?
Statutory rape refers to the sexual intercourse of a person who, by law, is deemed legally unable to consent to that sexual activity. In New Jersey, the age of consent, meaning the age that a person is determined legally capable of consenting to sexual intercourse, is 16. However, a person 13 years or older is also allowed to engage in sexual intercourse if his or her partner is less than 4 years older. An individual who is 20 cannot legally have sexual intercourse with his 15 year old girlfriend without facing legal consequences.
It is important to understand your state’s law regarding statutory rape and the age of consent before engaging in sexual activity. If you or someone you know is facing charges of statutory rape, contact the experienced New Jersey sex crimes attorney at the Law Offices of Jason A. Volet, LLC, at 732-503-8968 today.
