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Understanding “Strict Liability” in Oklahoma Sex Crime Cases

Under Oklahoma sex crime laws, there are certain offenses that are considered “strict liability” offenses, one of which is statutory rape. Because statutory rape is prosecuted as a strict liability crime, if an individual over the age of 18 has sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16, that person is guilty of …

Under Oklahoma sex crime laws, there are certain offenses that are considered “strict liability” offenses, one of which is statutory rape. Because statutory rape is prosecuted as a strict liability crime, if an individual over the age of 18 has sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16, that person is guilty of statutory rape in Oklahoma, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the encounter. In cases such as these, it doesn’t matter if the sex act was consensual or even if the two individuals were in a relationship at the time the intercourse occurred. According to Oklahoma law, and in the eyes of the court, if the sex occurred, statutory rape took place. If you are facing charges for a strict liability offense, like statutory rape, in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to enlist the legal help of our qualified sex crime defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center. The consequences associated with a statutory rape charge are severe and long-lasting. With the help of our reputable criminal defense team, you can protect your legal rights and build a strong defense in your case.

Statutory Rape and Age of Consent Explained

The reason that statutory rape is considered a strict liability offense is that individuals under the age of 16 are legally unable to consent to sexual intercourse under Oklahoma law, and neither is a person whose mental illness or unsoundness of mind prevents him or her from giving legal consent, or a person who is under the supervision or custody of a state or local agency when the encounter involves an authority or employee of that agency (student and teacher relationships, for example). Because statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with an individual under the age of 16, who is legally unable to give consent, there is no intent requirement for a statutory rape charge to apply. One thing to keep in mind though, is that the prosecution in your case must provide proof of the victim’s age at the time of the alleged sexual encounter, and must also prove that sexual intercourse occurred in order for the statutory rape charge to be legitimate.

Penalties for Oklahoma Statutory Rape Charges

It is important that you understand the concept of strict liability offenses, because the penalties associated with a conviction for serious sex crimes like statutory rape are severe in Oklahoma. If you are convicted of Oklahoma second-degree rape involving a victim under the age of 16, for example, and you are 18 or older, you could face imprisonment for one to fifteen years. If you are convicted of Oklahoma first-degree rape involving a victim 14 years of age or younger, and you are 18 or older, you could face a prison sentence of five years to life. In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, being convicted of a strict liability offense like statutory rape could land you on the Oklahoma sex offender registry for the next 15 years, 25 years, or for the rest of your life, depending on the severity of your crime.

Our OK Sex Crime Defense Lawyers Can Help

When it comes to Oklahoma sex crimes, the law doesn’t always provide protection for alleged sex offenders, even if they profess their innocence. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to sex offenses that may result in the Constitutional rights of the accused being taken advantage of, despite his or her right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. For this reason, and for the purpose of avoiding a sex crime conviction, hiring a knowledgeable sex crime defense lawyer after being charged with an Oklahoma sex offense is extremely important. With the help of our experienced sex crime defense team at Oklahoma Legal Center, individuals in Oklahoma facing a sex crime conviction can ensure that their legal rights are protected and can significantly improve the chances of a favorable outcome in their case.

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