Attorneys Explain Oklahoma Statutory Rape Charges

Rogers County prosecutes pursue Oklahoma Statutory Rape charges with extreme vigor. In August of 2016, a woman was arrested for assault and battery with a deadly weapon.  She shot a 31 year-old man she discovered in her teenage daughter’s bed.  Police report that the man would come to the teen’s room two to three times a week after her mother went to work on night shift.  While many people think of situations like this when it comes to Oklahoma statutory rape, this is not always the case.  Often statutory rape charges arise from a parent finding out about a sexual relationship between two consenting teenagers, while one is over the age of 18.  The parents are allowed to pursue statutory rape charges in such a situation.  If you or a loved one faces statutory rape charges, keep reading.  This article describes the legal effects of the accusations.

Oklahoma Statutory Rape Law:

Oklahoma law does not define statutory rape and its penalties in a single statute.  It is instead a combination of two separate statutes: 21 Okl.St.Ann. §§ 1111 & 1115. First, §1111 defines rape:  the penetration of another person sexually without consent.  It further states that rape is sexual intercourse with anyone under 16 years of age.  This makes rape a strict liability crime.

Defining Strict Liability in Rape:

Strict liability is a type of liability that is present regardless of the consent of both parties.  This makes the of-age participant completely and wholly liable for intercourse with an underage participant.  Thus, the underage participant may lie about their age and all liability still falls on the person over 18.  The punishments for statutory rape are significant.  You can find them under 21 Okl.St.Ann. § 1115.  If convicted of statutory, you face 1 to 15 years in jail.  Moreover, you must register on the Oklahoma Sex Offender registry.  This will have a bearing on where you are able to live and work in the future.

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Get The Legal Help You Need:

Strict liability crimes in Oklahoma are especially difficult to fight legally.  Teenagers find themselves in tough and tempting situations on a regular basis.  Nobody who makes a mistake, or who is deceived into a mistake should have to face the legal battle alone.  Our attorneys understand that every story has two sides.  Our first consultation is free.  This way we can specifically mold our defense to your situation.  Call us at 918.379.4862 or read our Claremore lawyers blog for additional information.