Tampa Juvenile Rape Attorney

Rape is a serious criminal offense that involves nonconsensual sexual penetration of any kind. While rape crimes committed by adults tend to incur harsher penalties than those committed by juveniles, in Tampa, a juvenile rape conviction can also result in several years of imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. In certain circumstances, juveniles may be tried as adults. If you are under the age of 18 and accused of rape or if you are the parent of a juvenile accused of engaging in nonconsensual sexual acts, turn to an experienced Tampa rape lawyer immediately. Our firm fights rape allegations aggressively, especially when the accused offender is a minor. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation so we can discuss the best possible defense strategy for your case.

Rape, also referred to as sexual battery, can involve several types of nonconsensual sexual acts committed on either adults or minors. The offender can also be an adult or minor. However, all rape crimes, even minor-on-minor rape offenses, involve some form of oral, vaginal, or anal penetration by one party upon another who did not consent to the act.

In cases of juvenile rape allegations, offenders are often given more leniency, especially if the alleged offender and the alleged victim are close in age (generally 3 years). While juveniles may engage in unwanted sexual acts with an adult, more often than not, juvenile rape crimes tend to involve two minors.

Although two minors may engage in consensual intercourse, the older minor may be accused (and convicted) of statutory rape. In some cases, a juvenile may be tried as an adult (person over 18 years of age) if they engaged in sexual intercourse with a younger juvenile, even if the sexual act was consensual. For these reasons, it is critical that juveniles seek legal representation with a knowledgeable Tampa rape lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations, speak with witnesses and medical examiners, and structure the best possible legal defense to either reduce or completely eliminate the charges at hand.

Penalties for juvenile rape crimes in Tampa are often less severe than those for adults but can still result in jail time and hefty fines. The age of the alleged victim, whether physical violence or the use of a deadly weapon was involved, whether the victim was incapacitated or suffered a mental disorder, among other circumstances can all influence the penalties that may be imposed.

However, in certain cases, the juvenile may be tried as an adult. If the juvenile is tried as an adult, he or she may face the same types of penalties as an adult convicted of rape. If the alleged victim is under the age of 12, the juvenile may face up to life in prison, a $10,000 fine, and mandatory registration as a sex offender for life.

Juveniles (and adults) are often accused of rape and other sexual crimes unfairly. The alleged offense may have been fabricated by either the alleged victim or the victim’s parents as a form of revenge. If the alleged rape crime occurred between two juveniles that were dating, the alleged victim may accuse the other out of jealousy or spite if their relationship came to an end – among numerous other reasons.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, any juvenile accused of a sex crime needs aggressive legal representation to avoid incurring strict penalties and potentially life-changing consequences. If you or your child was accused of juvenile rape, contact a Tampa rape lawyer at our firm today by phone at 866-608-5529 or online to schedule a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL consultation.