What is the Legal Age of Consent in Virginia?
The legal age of consent in Virginia is 15 years old. However, there are certain acts such as cunnilingus, fellatio, and anal intercourse which they can't consent to until they are 18 years old. Persons of relatively close younger ages (13-15 & 15-17) may be considered “consenting” under certain circumstances when engaging in sexual activities with each other.
Adults are criminally liable for virtually any sexual contact with an individual under the age of 18 years old, which is known as Statutory Rape. In Virginia, rape and sexual battery are defined as “sexual intercourse or abuse, respectively, of a complaining witness against their will.” The state does not require “freely given consent” or “affirmative consent” in its definition of rape.
The lack of consent is inferred when sexual conduct was committed by the following:
- Intimidation
- Physical Force
- Threats
- Age, mental impairment, or physical disability
Are you facing allegations of rape when consent was involved? Fight for your rights and speak with our team today in a FREE consultation!
What Does "Capacity to Consent" Mean?
“Capacity" refers to one’s ability to use and understand information to make or communicate a decision. A person cannot consent to sexual acts if their mind is impaired or disturbed in some way.
Below are a few instances where a person’s capacity to consent might come into play:
- People 18 years or older who participate in a sex act with a child 15 years or older can be charged with a misdemeanor if there is no other complicating criminal aspect of the encounter. It is a felony offense if a child who is 13 years old consents to sexual intercourse with a victim three or more years younger than the accused.
- Developmental disability and/or mental incapacity can also impact a person’s ability to provide consent. Mental incapacity, under Virginia consent laws, refers to the condition of the accuser at the time of the offense. Typically, rape in these circumstances is determined by assessing the complaining witness’s understanding of the nature or consequences of the sexual act involved and whether or not the accused knew or should have known of such consequences.
- Mental incapacity extends to intoxication as well. A person is unable to give their consent if their level of intoxication is beyond reduced inhibition and has reached a point where the complaining witness does not comprehend the nature or consequences of the sexual act. Consciousness also impacts a person’s ability to consent because they are deemed physically helpless. A person is guilty of rape if they perform a sexual act with a complaining witness by using their physical helplessness against them.
Is Consent a Legal Defense?
Consent can be a legal defense against rape charges. The person accused of rape can provide evidence, including statements from the accuser, to prove consent. They can also testify about observations or perceptions suggesting the accuser’s consent. If an individual consented to the sexual act and was legally able to do so, the act was not a crime.
Do you have more questions about consent laws in Virginia? Speak with a Fredericksburg defense attorney today!