A 14-year-old lied to 21-year-old; had sex; got pregnant

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I'm 14-years-old and I lied to a 21-year-old and told him that I was 18. He believed me because I don't look anything like my age. We had sex and a few months later I found out that I was pregnant. I'm currently 7 months pregnant. I'm in Social Service custody and they're trying to press charges on him but have little information. Can he sign the birth certificate? Will they be able to go behind my back and get that information from the hospital? Do you think its safe for him to attend the birth of the baby?

Asked 10/28/2009 under Criminal Defense | 343 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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Criminal Defense Law Answers

Damon Chetson / The Chetson Firm, PLLC Answered 2 years ago | Contributor with 0 answers This attorney is licensed in North Carolina

Talk to an attorney. This is First Degree Statutory Rape, where the victim is 13, 14, 15 and the defendant is 6 or more years older than the victim, with a minimum of 144 months in prison (12 years) and a maximum of life (if the defendant has a very bad prior criminal record).

Your baby's father is clearly subject to prosecution for statutory rape.  Unfortunately, statutory rape is a "strict liability" crime.  That means that he can be convicted regardless of whether he actually knew that you were underage.  If he signs the birth certificate, his signature could be used as proof against him, and he could be charged.  I suggest that he consult with an attorney as soon as possible so that he can protect his rights as a parent while also protecting his rights from a criminal perspective.  Good luck.

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