Full question:
I am 14 years old and live with my parents and one brother. Yesterday, my brother’s friend had come home for a night stay. Around midnight, my brother’s friend came to my room and forced me to have sex with him. My brother’s friend is 18 years old. What is the punishment for rape in Maryland?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Statutory Rape
- Date:
- State: Maryland
Answer:
In Maryland, if a person engages in vaginal intercourse with a victim who is under the age of 14 years and the person is at least 4 years older than the victim is, then such a person may be held guilty of felony of rape, and be punished with an imprisonment not exceeding 20 years. The term “vaginal intercourse” is defined under Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 3-301. The relevant statutory provisions in this regard are stated below.Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 3-304 reads:
“(a) Prohibited. -- A person may not engage in vaginal intercourse with another:
(1) by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
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(3) if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.
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(c) Penalty. --
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.”
(1) by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
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(3) if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.
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(c) Penalty. --
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.”
Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 3-301 defines the term vaginal intercourse.
“(g) Vaginal intercourse. --
(1) "Vaginal intercourse" means genital copulation, whether or not semen is emitted.
(2) "Vaginal intercourse" includes penetration, however slight, of the vagina.”
(1) "Vaginal intercourse" means genital copulation, whether or not semen is emitted.
(2) "Vaginal intercourse" includes penetration, however slight, of the vagina.”
In Maryland, the punishment for rape is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
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.
