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Age of consent in missouri8/7/2023 ![]() Penalties for First-Degree Statutory Rape or Statutory Sodomyįirst-degree statutory rape or sodomy involves sexual acts with a minor who is younger than 14 years old. These crimes have the same penalties and differ only by the sexual act involved. What Are the Penalties for Statutory Rape and Statutory Sodomy in Missouri?Ī person who commits statutory rape or statutory sodomy in Missouri can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines. Defendants will face harsher penalties if they have certain prior sex offense convictions or share a familial relationship (by blood, marriage, or adoption) with the victim. Statutory sodomy involves any deviate sexual behavior (other than sexual intercourse as defined above), such as anal or oral sex or manual sexual stimulation, with an underage person.Īggravating factors. Sexual intercourse involves any penetration, however slight, of the female genitalia by the penis. Statutory rape refers to sexual intercourse with an underage person. Here's how the law defines these offenses and aggravating factors. If these statutory offenses involve "aggravating factors," the penalties increase. In Missouri, a person commits statutory rape or statutory sodomy by engaging in sexual intercourse, penetration, or stimulation with a child under the age of 17. Missouri's Statutory Rape Laws and Penalties The child's age is the important fact, as it determines whether that person can legally consent to sexual activities. ![]() For these unlawful offenses, it's immaterial whether the child consents to the activity. Anyone who engages in sexual activity with a child younger than 17 can face charges for statutory rape, statutory sodomy, or other age-based crimes. The law is complex and changes regularly. If you are trying to determine the legality of any kind of conduct, make sure to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. You can also reach the office by filling out this form, and we will call you to answer your questions.The information in this article provides an overview of the law relating to statutory rape. If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a sex crime involving the victim’s age, then call our office at 314.409.2659 so we can discuss your case and answer all of your questions. Further, and most importantly, the mistake of age has to be reasonable. The mistake is considered an affirmative defense, which means the defense has to interject the there was a mistake of age. Yes, mistake of age can be a defense to age-related crimes discussed here. Is Mistake of Age a Defense to These Age-Related Crimes? If one person turns 21, and the other person is still younger than 17, then the conduct becomes criminal, even if it is part of an ongoing relationship where the conduct had been legal. This exception is often referred to as a “Romeo and Juliet Law.” As long as the contact is consensual, and both people are between 14 and 21, then the conduct is not criminal. However, there is an exception to the age of consent if both people are over the age of 14 and under the age of 21. ![]() There is a link to some of the relevant Missouri Statute regarding the age of consent at the bottom of this page. Consensual sexual contact is always legal, as long as the people involved are 17 years old or older. Regardless of a person’s age, sexual contact without consent it always illegal. The facts and circumstances involved would affect the prosecutor’s decision about what charges to issue. Depending on the extent of the contact, a number of crimes can be charged, including: This means that it is illegal to have sexual contact with someone under the age of 17 years old. The age of consent in Missouri is 17 years old. What to Consider When Hiring a Missouri DWI Lawyer.License Suspension – Breath Test Over the Legal Limit.Weather Related Defenses to Field Sobriety Tests.Injury Related Defenses to Field Sobriety Tests.Age & Weight Related Defenses to Field Sobriety Tests.If a Teacher Gets a DWI, What Are the Consequences?. ![]() If a Nurse Gets a DWI, What Are the Consequences?.If a Doctor Gets a DWI, What Are the Consequences?. ![]()
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