In Washington, the legal age of consent is 16. Any sexual contact between an adult and someone under that age can lead to a statutory rape charge—even if the younger person agreed to the interaction.
Consent from the minor is not a defense under the law. The purpose of these strict statutes is to protect minors who are legally considered incapable of making informed decisions about sexual activity.
These cases often arise from relationships that may appear consensual on the surface, especially between older teenagers and young adults.
However, the law is designed to prevent exploitation, and once an age gap threshold is crossed, criminal charges may follow—even if there was no coercion or violence.
Rape of a Child Offenses
Washington law classifies statutory rape under the “Rape of a Child” statutes, divided by the victim’s age and the age difference with the accused:
- First Degree: The victim is under 12 years old, and the offender is at least two years older
- Second Degree: The victim is 12 or 13 years old, and the offender is at least three years older
- Third Degree: The victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the offender is at least four years older
Each of these offenses is a felony. Prosecutors do not need to prove force or intent to harm—only the age gap and the sexual conduct. These charges carry mandatory prison time and registration as a sex offender.
Related Offenses
Statutory rape isn’t the only charge that can apply to these situations. Sexual misconduct with a minor is another statute used when the alleged victim is 16 or 17 and the adult holds a position of authority or trust, such as a teacher, coach, or foster parent.
These charges recognize the imbalance of power in certain relationships and carry serious legal penalties, even though the age of consent has technically been reached.
Penalties and Collateral Impact
Convictions for any of these offenses can result in:
- Prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
- Restrictions on where you can live and work
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
- Long-term damage to personal relationships and reputation
Importantly, Washington does not allow a defense based on mistaken belief about the victim’s age. Even if a minor lied about their age, the adult is still legally responsible.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
If you’re under investigation or have been charged, the most important step is to remain silent and retain legal representation immediately. These are high-stakes cases, and early legal intervention is critical to your defense.
Contact Scott Lawrence to begin building a defense and protecting your future.
The content in this article does not constitute legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. If you are facing criminal charges or have legal concerns, consult directly with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation.
