Statutory Rape, sometimes called Sexual Assault on a Minor, is a sexual act in which the victim is not recognized under the law as being old enough to manifest consent to a sexual act.

What is important to remember here is that even if the victim gives actual consent to the act of sex, the law maintains that when the victim is under the "age of consent" (16 in most states), the law regards the victim as not old enough to give consent to sex.

Furthermore, if the victim lies about his or her age and the defendant is not aware of their actual age, this is usually not a defense to the act of sex with a minor.

Statutory Rape charges are rampant in our society today. There is currently a nationwide crackdown on perceived sexual predators spearheaded by the news media. These allegations can arise from a teenager angry with a step-parent, a student claiming an improper relationship with a teacher or a college age boy having sex with a high school age girlfriend.

A statutory rape conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. If convicted, you can face a lifetime registration as a sex offender and severe criminal penalties.

Sex crime charges generally pit the word of the accused against the word of the victim. Do not be tempted to plead guilty early in these cases. Instead, you should plan an strong defense that will overwhelm the prosecution.

Physical evidence may be available immediately after the alleged act. This evidence can be used in your defense if you obtain an effective defense team immediately.

Sexual defense is different from other areas of criminal law and requires very specific techniques and experience. An effective defense team often employs psychologists, medical experts, private investigators and an attorney with the expertise to use these tools in the most effective manner.

One defense strategy is to deny that the alleged sexual act occurred in the first place or that the sexual act did not involve the defendant. DNA and other forensic evidence may be used to support this defense. Another strategy is to argue that the act was consensual. This requires skilled argumentation by your attorney and may depend strongly on the use of psychologists, character witnesses and expert private investigation services.

LibertyBell Law Group was founded by a group of top criminal defense attorneys who have a track record of generating spectacular results. We grew frustrated with the fact that thousands of people still suffer life-altering consequences because they do not have the ability to mount an adequate defense.

We created this law firm to level the playing field. We hand-picked only the top trial attorneys in the nation -- including the foremost experts in sex crimes defense. We have extensive experience and an impressive track record of results in sensitive and highly challenging sex crime cases.

We provide these legal veterans with all of the resources they need to get the best possible results for our clients. We make this powerful legal defense force available and affordable in all 50 states.

As a client, you can now draw on the combined talents and resources of a large, national law firm with one goal -- getting the best possible result for your case. We stand ready to defend you both inside and outside the courtroom.

Call us now at 1-800-432-BELL (2355) for a free consultation with one of our star attorneys. Early intervention is the key to our mutual success.