Speak Up! - View Question #563

« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #563

Question: If a man 35 years old touches/fondles a girl 17 years old, what punishment could he get?

Answer: Sexual abuse is a very serious crime. It is a class 5 felony which is punishable by up to 2 years in prison, up to 3 years probation, and a fine of up to $150,000.00.

If you are in need of immediate help with an abuse issue, call one of the hotlines below:

-ArizonaChild Protective Services 888-SOS-CHILD or

888-767-2445

-Child Help USA Hotline 800-422-4453

-National Crisis/Suicide Hotline 800-999-9999

-National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

-Teen Link (Various Topics) 800-235-9678

-Youth Crisis Hotline 800-448-4663

-If you believe that you are in danger of physical harm, call 911 immediately!


Comments
6 thru 10 of 14 comments
On 12/28/03
Ashley from AZ said:
If I decide to date a guy that's 23 years old but I don't have sex with him, can he still get in troble? And if I do decide to have sex with him, and my parents want to press charges but cannot prove that we've had sex, can he get into troble?
On 08/13/02
JF from GA said:
Against my first instincts, I'll comment, and I'll do so using correct spelling and grammar. Every situation is different, and while I do not condone premarital sex or other contact, I must tell my own story. My fiance and I met when I was 17 and he was 30. He could have been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Instead, we have been happily married for over a decade. Follow your heart, but listen to your head!!!!!!
On 06/28/02
Martinique from PA said:
I am 17 and my fiancé is 30. We will not have sex before we are married and we will not get married for 4 years. We are both good people and just want to spend our time together but my parents forbid it :( Is there anything I can do to be with the man I love or should I be miserable because of my parents distorted views. Where do I stand legally? What would happen if I were to leave home and go live with my fiancé - could either of us be prosecuted for anything?
Editor's Note:
Yes. Please follow this link for more information.
On 04/15/02
LCP from OH said:
I know that if this happens to someone 17 vs. someone who is 6 the punishment is harsher on the 6 yr old child. I know it isn't right but it is true. I think anyone that does something like that to a child should be prosecuted the same no matter what the age of the victim. The punishment also depends on exactly what was done to the victim. If it was touching it is not considered to be as bad as other things that the person could have done.
On 01/25/02
Karen Baker from AZ said:
I thank that that is true in some cases
6 thru 10 of 14 comments



Read more about the law and Violence
Related Stories
Related Laws
« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #563