eric g johnson law
Experienced Criminal Defense
318-377-1555
  • Home
  • Attorneys
    • Eric G. Johnson
    • Rachel W. Bays
    • Staff
    • Client Testimonials
  • Cases We Handle
    • Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
      • Criminal Appeals
      • Post-Conviction Relief
    • Assault and Battery
      • Aggravated Assault and Battery
    • Criminal Defense
      • Arson and Criminal Mischief
      • False Imprisonment
      • Federal Computer Crimes
      • Federal Criminal Defense
    • Criminal Expungement
      • Louisiana Expungement Laws
    • Domestic Violence
      • Domestic Abuse Battery
      • Protective Orders
      • Violation of Protective Order or TRO
    • Drug Offenses
      • Drug Possession
        • Cocaine Possession
        • Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
        • Heroin Possession
        • Marijuana Offenses
        • Meth Possession
        • Prescription Drug Offenses
      • Drug Trafficking
      • Drug Court
    • DUI/DWI
      • DUI Defense Strategies
      • DUI with a CDL
      • Refusing DUI Tests
      • Underage DWI
      • Vehicular Homicide
    • False Imprisonment
    • Juvenile Offenses
      • Juvenile Sex Crimes
    • Resisting an Officer
    • Sex Offenses
      • Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
      • Child Pornography
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Prostitution
      • Sexual Battery
      • Video Voyeurism
    • Stalking
    • Theft
      • Burglary
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Identity Theft
      • Robbery
      • Shoplifting
      • Welfare Fraud
    • Traffic Violations & CDL Licenses
      • Driving Without a License
      • Vehicular Manslaughter
      • Hit and Run
    • Violation of Probation
    • Violent Crimes
      • Murder
      • Manslaughter
    • Weapons Offenses
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money and Asset Forfeiture
      • Counterfeiting
      • Money Laundering
      • Tax Fraud and Evasion
    • Trespassing
  • Areas We Serve
    • Bossier Parish
    • Caddo Parish
    • Claiborne Parish
    • Bienville Parish
    • De Soto Parish
    • Lincoln Parish
    • Ouachita Parish
    • Natchitoches Parish
    • Sabine Parish
    • Shreveport, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
      • Domestic Violence
      • DWI Lawyer
      • BUI Lawyer
      • Traffic Offenses Lawyer
      • Theft Lawyer
      • Marijuana Possession Lawyer
    • Monroe, LA
      • Drug Defense Lawyer
      • DWI Lawyer
      • Sex Offense Attorney
      • DUI Lawyer
    • Ruston, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
    • Tallulah,LA
    • Webster Parish
  • Recent Cases
  • Blog
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us

The Complete Guide to Consent Laws in Louisiana

May 18, 2024Eric G. Johnson

The law determines the age of consent, which is the age at which a person can legally consent to sexual contact or activity. In Louisiana, the age of consent is 17; therefore, it is against the law for anyone to engage in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 17. Louisiana law refers to statutory rape as carnal knowledge of a juvenile, and there are other offenses that a person could commit against a minor under the age of consent. If you have been charged with a sexual offense involving a minor, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney.

A person may be charged with either misdemeanor or felony statutory rape, depending on the ages of the parties involved. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help a defendant understand what punishments they face, and they can raise any defenses that might apply. John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has a team of dedicated criminal defense attorneys who understands the severity of statutory rape cases, and we want to help you today.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Guide to Louisiana’s Age of Consent Laws
  • Misdemeanor and Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
  • Other Laws Surrounding Louisiana’s Age of Consent
  • Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Today

The Guide to Louisiana’s Age of Consent Laws

A person who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor under the legal age of consent has committed statutory rape. The defendant cannot claim ignorance of the minor’s age as a defense. Even if the minor lied about their age or the defendant thought the minor was 17 or older, the defendant can be charged with statutory rape.

The punishment for carnal knowledge of a juvenile will vary in severity depending on the ages of both parties involved. The ages of the parties will determine if the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Additionally, if both parties are minors with an age gap of two years or less, they most likely will not be charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile because of their ages. This legal concept is colloquially referred to as the “Romeo and Juliet Law.”

Misdemeanor and Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile

A person will usually be charged with misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile when the victim is at least 13 years old and there is a two or three year age difference between the victim and the defendant. The punishment for misdemeanor statutory rape in Louisiana is imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.

The punishment for felony statutory rape is more severe. Upon conviction, the defendant faces imprisonment for up to 10 years, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, a person convicted of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile may be required to register as a sex offender. This requirement can affect the defendant’s future employment and housing due to the restrictions placed on sex offenders.

Other Laws Surrounding Louisiana’s Age of Consent

In addition to carnal knowledge of a juvenile, a person could be charged with indecent behavior with a minor. Indecent behavior with a minor is legally defined as committing “lewd and lascivious” acts on a minor under the age of consent. A person may also commit child enticement when they ask a minor under the age of consent to engage in sexual activity.

Louisiana also defines criminal sexual offenses committed against minors under a specific age. If a defendant lasciviously touches a minor under 15 who is at least three years younger than the defendant, the defendant has committed sexual battery. Finally, a person commits first-degree rape when they engage in sexual activity with a minor under 13.

Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Today

The laws surrounding the age of consent should be taken seriously. Minors under 17 cannot legally consent to sexual activity, and they must be protected from predators. Our criminal defense attorneys understand your reputation and future are at stake when you are charged with a sexual offense involving a minor. We want to help you defend yourself against the prosecution.

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has a team of attorneys who are aggressive litigators. We may be able to help you lessen your charges. To reach us, you can fill out our contact form or call (318) 377-1555 today.

Recent Posts

  • A Complete Guide to Ignition Interlock Devices in Louisiana DWI Cases
  • DWI Charges Involving Prescription Drugs
  • Navigating Louisiana’s Unique Drug Paraphernalia Laws
  • Explaining Louisiana’s Laws on Firearms and Felony Convictions
  • Top Medical Defenses to DUI: How Health Issues Can Impact Your Case

Practice Areas

  • Appeals And Post Conviction Relief
  • Louisiana Murder Defense Attorney
  • Criminal Defense
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Domestic Violence And Protective Orders
  • DUI And Vehicular Homicide
  • Louisiana Sex Offenses Attorney
  • Traffic Violations And CDL Licenses
  • White Collar Crimes

Contact Us

Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Facebook
LinkedIn
Yelp

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Office: 318-377-1555 | Fax: 318-377-1559
national association of criminal defense lawyers
lsba
criminal defense attorney louisiana
2018 top rated lawyer

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
415 Main Street,
Minden, LA 71055

Areas Served: 
 Serving the entire State of Louisiana including Minden, Ruston, Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, as well as Caddo, Webster, and Ouachita parishes.
Ⓒ 2025 John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. Disclaimer Privacy Policy. Legal Website Powered by Market My Market