Rape is one of the most charged and almost self-convicting charges that can be leveled against someone. It is life changing, and can mean instant and prolonged incarceration.
That’s why I cringe at the idea that a few seconds can transform someone from innocent love status to one of a pariah, consummately evil and deserving of society’s long and lingering hatred.
What are the ramifications of vote or not vote? What are the ramifications of drink or don’t drink? Both of these are more or less wink-wink nod violations when it comes to the penalties.
So no I’m not saying all age related standards are wrong. What I am saying is that there is an awful lot riding on the rape parameters, and it does bother me someone could be judged so differently just a few days later.
I have had clients in this situation where the parents get mad and call the cops on what is, quite honestly, not the type of predatory behavior these laws are intended to prevent. A guy who is 18 dating a 16 year old girl for example. And then if he gets convicted he has to register as a sex offender which carries a whole load of disasters from housing to employment. Frankly, these types of situations do not warrant such drastic punishment and there should be room to take account of the difference between some 50 year old with a 16 year old vs. 2 teenagers.
If you do the crime, you better be willing to do the time..all of our actions have consequences...be they good or bad...if the 18 yr old had been a boy...it would have been just as bad...if it had been a teacher...it would still be a crime...if you make mistakes,you will have to live with the consequences of your actions; don’t whine after the fact..