Criminal Sexual Contact With A Minor

Defense For Those Charged With Sexual Contact With A Minor

In cases of consensual sexual relations between two minors, a "Romeo provision" in the law sometimes offers an effective defense. The Romeo provision may apply in cases where the male is younger than 18 and the minor female is at least 14 years old. It is not a valid defense for a suspect to claim having mistaken the other person's age.

Furthermore, despite popular misconceptions, the Romeo provision does not apply when the male is older than 18.

If you have been charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor, you need to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer on your side will explore every angle of an alleged statutory rape situation to discover all reasonable avenues of defense.

A conviction on charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in South Carolina will most likely result in required listing on the state's sex offender registry.

Other negative consequences may include:

• Jail and/or prison time
• Fines and penalties
• A permanent criminal record
• Damage to one's reputation and social standing
• Possible academic consequences and other school-related troubles when the suspect is a college or high school student

Been Charged With Sexual Contact With A Minor?

The attorneys at Monckton, Hembree & Humphries Law Firm, P.A., are prepared to go on the offense if necessary in defense of your reputation and career. We aggressively represent South Carolina residents and visitors through all stages of a criminal prosecution. We focus our efforts on protecting our clients' constitutional rights, their freedom and their futures.

Our clients include:

• Tourists
• Out-of-state visitors on business in South Carolina
• Students
• Juveniles
• Professional and blue collar workers

To learn more about the scope of our criminal defense law practice, contact an experienced trial attorney at the Monckton, Hembree & Humphries Law Firm in Myrtle Beach.