SUMMARY (click here)
Most states do not refer specifically to statutory rape; instead they use designations such as sexual assault and sexual abuse to identify prohibited activity. Regardless of the designation, these crimes are based on the premise that until a person reaches a certain age, he is legally incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse. Thus, instead of including force as a criminal element, theses crimes make it illegal for anyone to engage in sexual intercourse with anyone below a certain age, other than his spouse. The age of consent varies by state, with most states, including Connecticut, setting it at age 16. The age of consent in other states ranges from ages 14 to 18.
Some states base the penalty for violations on the age of the offender, with older offenders receiving harsher penalties. For example, California, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and New York reserve their harshest statutory rape penalty for offenders who are age 21 or older.
States range in their sentencing of child rape perpetrators. Alabama has some of the most wide ranging statues in the country.
First-degree rape for someone age 16 or older to have sexual intercourse with someone under age 12. - Life in prison or between 10 and 99 years
Second-degree rape for someone age 16 or older to have sexual intercourse with someone between age 12 and 16, when the actor is at least two years older. - Two to 20 years in prison
Idaho, anything goes but only if you are a female rape victim.
Rape of a female under age 18. - One year to life in prison
Louisiana demands carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Now, I don't know if any perpetrator of child rape is going to admit to carnal knowledge of anything, so I think the wording is a bit bizarre. Carnal knowledge is not up to the courts to decide, it has to measure the intent based on evidence. Subjective information is not a reasonable standard for trial of anyone.
Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile is sexual intercourse with consent between (1) someone age 19 or older and someone between age 12 and 17 or (2) someone age 17 or older and someone between age 12 and 15. - Up to 10 years in prison (with or without hard labor)
Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile is sexual intercourse with consent between someone age 17 to 19 and someone age 15 to 17 when the difference in their ages is greater than two years. - Up to six months in prison
Kansas gets strange and delineates a crime as 'aggravated.' Like what child is going to aggravate anyone for sex.
Aggravated indecent liberties with a child is sexual intercourse with a child between age 14 and 16.
Unlawful voluntary sexual relations is sexual intercourse with a child age 14 to 16 when the offender is under age 19 and less than four year older.
These crimes are felonies subject to sentencing guidelines.
