Sex and the Law By Alexis Woods

Being Young Even if you consider it to be love, having sex with a person under the age of 18 is illegal even if they consent.

What is Sexual Assault and Battery Any type of sexual activity to which you did not consent. (It IS illegal) Assaulting or aiding in the assault of another is with the intent to commit rape, sodomy, or oral copulation is felony sexual assault. Touching another person sexually without consent for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse could be sexual battery and may lead to jail/prison and or a fine of up to $10,000 (and if convicted you may have to register as a sex ofender which has its own problems).

Date Rape Data suggests that women in their late teens and early twenties are the most likely to be raped. One scenario known as date rape or acquaintance rape, is an encounter turns into non-consensual sex. No relationship with a person, not even marriage, entitles you to sex. It is always rape when one party says “No.”

Date Rape Drugs They are drug that may be slipped into the drink of an unsuspecting victim to render them physically helpless and pave the way for sexual assault. Such drugs are usually colourless and tasteless Three such drugs, also known as club drugs, include GBH (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) If someone slips you this drug and rapes you (or tries to) they could face up to 20 years in prison

What could happen if I am charged with statutory rape? If the age difference is less than 3 years you could be found guilty of a misdemeanor. (this means up to a year in jail) If the age gap is greater you could be charged with felony and be in prison. In addition to jail/prison time you could be liable for $10,000 in civil penalties. If you are over 21 and the minor is under 16 you could face up to $25,000 in penalties.

If my girlfriend becomes pregnant, am I legally required to support the baby? Yes! Even if you are not married You must support the child until they graduate or turn 19 (which ever occurs first) If you fail to provide required support and health insurance you can be taken to court by the other parent. ALSO if the county ends up caring for the child, a judge could order you to pay the county’s attourney fees and court costs if the county takes the case to court.

What is the baby drop-off law It is a law aimed at deterring mothers –often young and desperate- from abandoning their unwanted newborns in dumpsters, cardboard boxes, or other unsafe locations. A newborn’s parent (or other individual with legal custody) can voluntarily surrender the infant to any “safe surrender site” and not risk prosecution for child abuse or abandonment. The infant must be 72 hours old or younger. Hospitals and fire stations are designed as “safe- surrender sites” and are responsible for taking custody of the newborns.