Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure in Tennessee
Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Nashville, TN
There are four specific statutory rape charges under Tennessee law: statutory rape, mitigated statutory rape, aggravated statutory rape, and statutory rape by an authority figure. This page focuses on statutory rape by an authority figure. This is the most serious form of this offense, punishable by up to 15 years in state prison, heavy fines, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
If you are a teacher, coach, doctor, parent, guardian, or another person who has been accused of statutory rape by an authority figure, your future is at stake. You must not wait to seek legal counsel. Even informal allegations or an investigation may threaten your career, your custody rights, or your professional license. At May McKinney, we can work quickly to manage every aspect of your case, protecting your reputation and rights. Our Nashville statutory rape lawyers understand how to effectively handle these severe and sensitive matters, fighting to preserve our clients’ best interests.
Call (615) 265-6383 today to find out how our Nashville statutory rape attorneys can help you.
TCA: § 39-13-532 – Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure
To convict someone of statutory rape by an authority figure, the state of Tennessee must prove each of the following:
- Unlawful sexual penetration occurred between the defendant and the alleged victim;
- The alleged victim was 13 to under 18 years old at the time of the offense; and
- The defendant was at least 4 years older than the alleged victim at the time of the offense.
The state must also prove that, at the time of the offense:
- The defendant was in a position of trust or had disciplinary or supervisory power over the alleged victim; or
- The defendant had parental or custodial authority over the alleged victim; and
- The defendant used this power, trust, or authority to accomplish the penetration.
The most challenging issue that arises when defending these charges is proving a person was an authority figure. Most of the cases decided by the Court of Criminal Appeals have involved teachers, employers, and those with a family relationship to the victim. One critical issue is determining if a person was in a position of trust. This determination depends not on the length or format of the relationship, but rather on the nature of the relationship. The judge will consider whether the defendant formally or informally acted in a relationship that promoted confidence, reliability, or faith with the victim.
Penalties for Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure in TN
If a person is convicted of statutory rape by an authority figure, the punishment is severe. A conviction by a trial or a plea to the charge results in the automatic revocation of the bail bond. The offense carries mandatory prison time, ranging from 3 to 15 years. Alternative sentencing with probation is not an option. Registration as a sex offender is mandatory.
If you or someone you know is facing an allegation of statutory rape by an authority figure, contact May McKinney at (615) 265-6383. We serve Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Mount Juliet, and all of Tennessee.
Our Clients Say It Best
Read Our Client Testimonials
At May & McKinney, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"You Made a Difficult Situation Endurable"
Thank you so very much for all you have done and are still doing. Thank you for being such a great attorney in our time of need. You made a difficult situation endurable.
- L.M. -
"Best defense lawyer in the middle Tennessee area"So I was charged with schedule 2 simple poss and paraphernalia. His excellence got it dropped to a simple paraphernalia charge with unsupervised probation! It was a mandatory 30 days in jail to basically nothing but fines. Well worth every penny. If you need a lawyer call this guy immediately. He'll do everything he can with a smile to give you the best results possible. Thank God for Rob Mckinney!!!- Daniel Himes
-
"We Owe You"We owe you so much for helping us and our son. We appreciate your legal expertise and support you gave our son this April.- Melissa & Alan
-
"Incredibly helpful"This was my first experience ever being accused of a crime and I was very nervous and scared. Rob and his staff were incredibly helpful, answering all of my questions and putting my mind at ease throughout the process. In the end, we were able to get everything dismissed successfully. Although in the grand scheme, my case was a relatively minor one, Rob always was there to help and it was clear that his knowledge and experience would be hard to find anywhere else. I would absolutely recommend Rob and his team to anyone looking for a defense attorney.- SA
-
"Forever Grateful"My family will always be grateful to you.- Satisfied Client
-
"Perfect Results"I am grateful for this level of professionalism and you would be foolish not to have her represent you.- Kyle
-
"You Have Proven Yourself"Thanks once more for your ability to get it reduced and if I ever need legal assistance in the future, you have proven yourself to me.- A.W.
-
"Made a Horrible Situation Bearable"
Shyanne immediately knew what to do and handled my case with professionalism and expertise. She made a horrible situation bearable and stayed with me throughout the process.
- Satisfied Client
