Statutory Rape Defense in Madison County

Criminal Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Madison County, Mississippi

A statutory rape charge demands immediate action. Anything you say to investigators before speaking with an attorney can be used to build the prosecution’s case against you. Calderón Law defends people accused of sex crimes in Madison County and across Mississippi, and as the state’s first 24/7 law firm, we’re available to take your call the moment an investigation begins, whether that’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.

Don’t speak to investigators before you speak to us. Call (662) 594-2439 now for a free consultation with a defense attorney who is available to help around the clock.

What Statutory Rape Means Under Mississippi Law

Mississippi Code Section 97-3-65 defines two distinct statutory rape scenarios, and both share one critical feature: consent is not a defense. Age and the relationship between the parties determine the charge, not what the alleged victim says happened.

Victim at Least 14 but Under 16:
A person 17 or older who has sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 14 but under 16 and at least 36 months younger, and not their spouse, can be charged under this scenario.

Victim under 14:
This scenario applies to any person who has sexual intercourse with a child under 14 who is at least 24 months younger and not their spouse. Neither the alleged victim’s consent nor their prior sexual history is a valid defense under Mississippi law.

Penalties for a Statutory Rape Conviction in Mississippi

The consequences of a conviction depend heavily on the ages involved. Mississippi law creates distinct sentencing tiers.

Under the 14 to 15-year-old victim scenario:

• Accused ages 18 to 20: Up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both
• Accused 21 or older: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense; up to 40 years for a subsequent offense

Under the under-14 victim scenario:

• Accused 18 or older: Life imprisonment or a term of no less than 20 years

Beyond prison, a conviction typically requires registration as a sex offender. Courts may also issue a criminal sexual assault protection order that stays in effect for a minimum of two years after the sentence, supervision, or parole period ends. These are life-altering consequences, and the strength of your defense from the earliest stage matters enormously.

How a Case Moves Through Madison County Circuit Court

A statutory rape case in Madison County, Mississippi typically begins with an investigation or arrest by local law enforcement, followed by booking and an initial hearing where the court sets bond. Felony sex crime cases then proceed through preliminary hearings and arraignment before moving toward trial in Madison County Circuit Court, where Circuit Judges Dewey Arthur and Steve Ratcliff preside over felony matters. The grand jury indictment phase is a critical juncture: having an attorney actively defending your rights before the case reaches that point can affect how the prosecution builds its file.

How We Defend Statutory Rape Charges

Effective defense begins long before a courtroom appearance. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and examine every element of the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, inconsistencies, and procedural errors. Drawing on our background in criminal defense, we build a litigation strategy tailored to what the evidence actually shows. When a case calls for additional support, we draw on a network of attorneys so our clients have access to the support they need.

Why Clients Facing Serious Charges Choose Calderón Law

You work directly with the same attorney from your first call through the resolution of your case. Our founder, Arthur Calderón, is a creative and witty trial lawyer whose courtroom skills have been described as one of a kind. He prioritizes fast communication, including responding to emails right away so work on your case can begin immediately. We treat clients like family, which means we listen to the full weight of what you’re going through, not just the legal facts. We serve both English- and Spanish-speaking clients across Mississippi.

Start Your Defense Today

Consultations are scheduled to fit your availability, and payment plans are available so financial pressure doesn’t stand between you and qualified legal representation. No case is too large or too serious for our team to handle with full attention and preparation.

The earlier you have an attorney in your corner, the more we can do. Call (662) 594-2439 now to reach Calderón Law any time, day or night.