Many people in Connecticut might generally have an understanding that statutory rape refers to sexual contact with a minor, they may not fully understand the state’s laws on this matter. This is because the laws can be quite complex and there is not just one definition of what might constitute statutory rape. Learning about this is importnat for anyone who might have a relationship with someone under the age of 18.
According to Age of Consent, the state of Connecticut identifies 16 as the age at which a person may voluntarily and legally agree to sexual activity. This, however, is far from the only guideline and there may even be times when sexual contact with someone who is 16 or 17 may be involved with a charge of statutory rape.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries describes sexual contact between someone under the age of 18 and and someone older if that older person is in some type of authority or power position over the minor. This might include a teacher, coach, tutor or legal guardian. In these cases, the sexual activity may be considered statutory rape even though the minor is over the basic age of consent.
In addition, there are guidelines relating to the relative ages of the people involved. If a minor is under the age of 13, for example, statutory rape might be alleged if the other person is only two or more years older. If the minor is over 13 years old, however, the age difference for a statutory rape charge may be three years.
