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  1. #1

    Default Statutory Rape Statute of Limitations

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

    When I was 12 I started having sex with a man who was almost 20 years old. At age 17 I became pregnant by the same man. We got married and had 4 children total together. I feel like I was lured into the sexual relationship because I was having problems with my father. The man convinced me that my father hated me and no one would love me like him. I ended up seeing a mental health professional because of it when I was 13. And on and off after that. I lived through years of abuse, not being allowed to work or drive. I am missing several front teeth. There were times I would wake up because his hands were around my throat and he basically raped me. I finally got out of the relationship when I was 30 years old. Homeless, no money, and he has the kids. He ended up dating a girl who was still in high school. They live together and have a baby. He is almost 20 years older than her. We are getting ready to go through a divorce and custody battle. This is going to be brought up. My problem is that I am being told he could be charged with statutory rape because I was so young and even first degree sex offense. I am being told that there is no statue of limitations for this because it is a felony crime and even though we got married it does not matter. I was also told that the conditions of our marriage makes it worse for him.

    I have to admit that while it concerns me that his age range is getting younger, and we have a daughter, I am not sure I want to put him through all of that. I am quite confused. I do not want to back down from him in court, I am being fair, not asking for alimony, and I do as much as possible to support my children. But I am not sure I want him to go through all of that and possible jail and having to register.

    Can he still be charged with a sex crime after all these years?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Default Re: Statutory Rape Statue of Limitations

    You were told incorrectly.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Statutory Rape Statue of Limitations

    Maryland has no generally applicable statute of limitations for felonies. Still, the chances of a prosecution after 20 or so years is pretty small, unless his new girlfriend is underaged.

    Meanwhile, you need to decide if you're more interested in protecting him from what you describe as a pattern of criminal activity and abuse, or if you're interested in protecting your children.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Default Re: Statutory Rape Statute of Limitations

    Quote Quoting Lilredrocket
    View Post
    Can he still be charged with a sex crime after all these years?

    That depends on what the law was when the crimes occurred, not now!

    Limitations of prosecution change over the years. True, some states in the last decade or so have expanded/extended them, especially for child sexual assault, BUT they can NOT be made retroactive.


    This requires an evaluation of an attorney.

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