Understanding Hawaii Statutory Rape Charges

The word rape is typically associated with strong feelings of sexual force and violence; however, there are some categories of rape that are non-violent in nature. Statutory rape can be non-violent in nature, but is considered rape due to the age of the victim. Hawaii statutory rape laws are greatly enforced in order to better protect the youth of Hawaii by ensuring individuals over the legal age will be punished for attempting to, or actually influencing, young adults to engage in sexual relations. Statutory rape lawyers from Harrison & Matsuoka in Hawaii provide information to help people understand statutory rape, including a description of what constitutes rape.

Hawaii Statutory Rape Laws

Hawaii statutory rape laws were created in order to protect adolescence from mature sexual influences and situations. Statutory rape is categorized in different degrees; all degrees are considered a felony, but some degrees are less punishable then others. The age of consent in Hawaii is 17; any individual over 18 engaging in sexual relations with another individual under the age of 17 could potentially face criminal charges. First-degree statutory rape in Hawaii is any sexual act with another person under the age of 14 when the offender is over 18. It is also considered first-degree statutory rape when an individual five years older than a 14-16 year old engages in sexual relations with any individual between 14-16.  

What Constitutes Rape?

What constitutes rape? This is a universal question in which many people are unaware of the exact answer. Rape is the act of forcefully, whether by physical, mental or emotional force, engaging in sexual relations with an unwilling, unable, or too naïve and immature to consent to sexual relations. Statutory rape is considered rape because the victim is naïve, or not matured fully in the decision making process.

Statutory Rape Lawyers in Hawaii

Statutory rape laws in Hawaii are strict and violations of these laws are categorized as a felony. If convicted, felony statutory rape charges could result in long prison incarcerations and the lifetime registration as a sex offender. When faced with severe penalties it is important to seek experienced legal counsel to guide your case throughout the litigation process. The first step after being charged with violating any statutory rape laws in Hawaii is to seek a sexual assault attorney. An attorney will aggressively defend your rights and charges in trial. We are a sexual abuse law firm that has obtained successful results by trial and negotiations; contact our sexual assault attorneys at Harrison & Matsuoka today at 808-523-7041, or complete our web form for additional information or help with your case.