What to do if when I was 19 years old I dated a girl who told me that she was 17 but who was in fact 15?
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What to do if when I was 19 years old I dated a girl who told me that she was 17 but who was in fact 15?
A couple months into the relationship we had sex. Her parents caught us and called the cops. After I was arrested I was informed that the girl was only 15. I took a plea deal for sexual abuse in the first degree. Every detail about the case said that it should have been dropped, but the DA persisted. I was a black man being accused by a rich white mother. I was told taking the plea was the only option to not spending an obscene amount of time in jail as I had already been in jail for 4 months and wanted to go home. Because of this, I am now a registered sex offender with a 2 risk level. I found out that I can petition to have this reduced. What do I need to do?
Asked on February 25, 2013 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You need to get a lawyer immediately. You should know that intent is not relevant; these violations are strict liability. If she is underage, then that is it; you committed the crime. Talk to a lawyer and see if or she can subpoena this girl about her lying.
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