Full question:
My daughter is 14 years old and is enrolled in a music course in Tennessee. This course is actually run by two boys who must be somewhere between 17-18 years old. These young boys give music classes to the music lovers in our locality (kids and adults). As the fee for these classes is minimal, many people in the nearby area have enrolled their kids in their music course. Last Sunday when my daughter returned from her class she told me that she was forced to have sex by one of her teachers. Under what provision can I file a rape case against my daughter’s music teacher?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Statutory Rape
- Date:
- State: Tennessee
Answer:
In Tennessee, you can file a case for aggravated statutory rape under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-506 (c). This law defines aggravated statutory rape as the unlawful sexual penetration of a victim who is at least thirteen but less than eighteen years old when the defendant is at least ten years older than the victim. Since your daughter is 14 and her teacher is likely 17 or 18, this provision may apply.
Aggravated statutory rape is classified as a Class D felony, which carries a punishment of two to twelve years in prison, along with a possible fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), unless otherwise specified by law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111).
Therefore, the music teacher may be charged with aggravated statutory rape based on the circumstances you've described.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.