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Question: who can press charges for stachetory rape

Answer:

Generally, anybody with knowledge of a sexual relationship between a person who is under the age of consent  (18)  and a person who is over the age of consent  (18)  can ask that charges be filed. That means that a family member or a friend of either party, a co-worker, teacher, counselor, employer, or a stranger who can testify to the illegal relationship, is able to press charges. 

Often times, the parents of the younger person ask that charges be filed, but it is not uncommon for the younger person to file the charges on their own. The police will investigate any allegations and decide whether or not to pursue the matter any further. Afterwards, they present their evidence to the prosecution and the prosecution decides whether or not to take the matter to court.  It does not matter if the person under 18 agrees or not. See Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-2405(A), Sexual Conduct with a Minor  (A.R.S. § 13-1405(A))

Visit the Arizona Crime Victims Website for more information about victim's rights, where to get help and other resources. You may also want to visit the Arizona Department of Health's Rape Prevention and Education Program for an on-line list of Arizona and National Crisis Lines and related concerns.


Comments
1 thru 5 of 5 comments
On 02/13/09
maria from AZ said:
ive known my bf for a year now. and weve been dating on and off. we've been dating again for the past three months amd i told my parents and they want to press charges against him. but we havent had sexual contact since he was 17. hell be 19 soon and ill be 17 in october hes only 2 years older than me and he lives in glendale when i live in surprise. can they still press charges?
On 03/17/08
ces from KY said:
if the sex is willing i believe charges should not be allowed to be filed. and tha willing sex between a 17yr. old and a 14yr. old should be allowed as long as they both want it.
On 02/25/08
Lydia from AZ said:
I'm turning 18 soon, and my boyfriend is 16 1/2. Is it illegal for us to just date, as long as we aren't partaking any sexual conduct? His parent's don't exactly like me for the dumbest reason. I just don't want them flipping out and pressing charges on me if they happen to feel like it.
On 07/08/07
Max from WI said:
I doubt it. It happened when you AND him were both still minors, but technically it's illegal for him to now if he is 18. Gay law, huh?
On 06/14/07
Chels from AZ said:
My boyfriend and I have been dating since I was 14. When I was 15 and he was 17 we had sex. Can any charges be pressed against him, is that technically illegal?
1 thru 5 of 5 comments



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