Statutory Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania

What Is Statutory Sexual Assault?

Statutory sexual assault is a criminal offense defined under Pennsylvania law. Here are the key points:

Age Difference: A person commits statutory sexual assault when they engage in sexual intercourse with a complainant who is under the age of 16 yearsand to whom they are not married. The age difference between the accused and the complainant determines the severity of the offense.
- Four to Eight Years Older: If the accused is four to eight years olderthan the complainant, it is considered a felony of the second degree.
- Eleven or More Years Older: If the accused is eleven or more years olderthan the complainant, it becomes a felony of the first degree.
No Marital Relationship: The complainant and the accused must not be marriedto each other at the time of the offense.

Circumstances Leading to Accusations:

Several situations can lead to accusations of statutory sexual assault:

Age Discrepancy: When an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor who is below the age of consent (16 years in Pennsylvania), it may result in statutory sexual assault charges.
Lack of Consent: Even if the minor consents to the sexual activity, the law recognizes that they are not legally capable of giving valid consent due to their age.
Parental Concerns: Parents or guardians may report the incident to law enforcement if they discover an inappropriate relationship between their child and an older individual.
Educational Settings: Cases involving teachers, coaches, or other authority figures engaging in sexual activity with students fall under this category.

Statutory Language:

The statutory language for statutory sexual assault is as follows:

“Except as provided in section 3121 (relating to rape), a person commits a felony of the second degree when that person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant to whom the person is not married who is under the age of 16 years and that person is either:

Four years older but less than eight years older than the complainant; or
Eight years older but less than 11 years older than the complainant.”

Why Choose Lee Ciccarelli and His Attorneys?

Experience: Lee Ciccarelli and his team have extensive experience handling criminal defense cases, including those related to sexual offenses. They understand the nuances of Pennsylvania law and can provide effective representation.
Legal Expertise: Statutory sexual assault cases require specialized knowledge. Lee Ciccarelli’s attorneys are well-versed in criminal law and can build a strong defense tailored to your specific situation.
Protecting Your Rights: Accusations can be life-altering. Lee Ciccarelli will fight to protect your rights, ensure due process, and explore all legal avenues to achieve the best possible outcome.
Compassionate Advocacy: Facing such charges is emotionally challenging. Lee Ciccarelli and his team offer compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.

If you or a loved one is accused of statutory sexual assault in Pennsylvania, seek legal counsel promptly. Contact Lee Ciccarelli and his team to discuss your case and protect your rights.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance related to your specific situation 1 2 3 4