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.
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.
