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 someone under the age of 14 and is at least four years older than the victim, they can be charged with felony rape. The punishment for this crime can be up to twenty years in prison.
According to Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. § 3-304:
(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; (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.
(c) Penalty. -- A person who violates subsection (a) is guilty of felony rape in the second degree and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
The term "vaginal intercourse" is defined as genital copulation, including any penetration of the vagina, regardless of whether semen is emitted (Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. § 3-301).
In summary, the punishment for rape in this case could be imprisonment for up to twenty 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.