Norfolk Statutory Rape Attorney

Facing A Statutory Rape Allegation In Virginia? Our Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been accused of statutory rape in or around Norfolk, you are dealing with one of the most serious and stressful situations a person can face. The stakes include prison, a permanent felony record, and possible sex offender registration. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

At Protogyrou Law, we focus our practice on defending people against serious criminal charges throughout Virginia. Our attorneys bring over 100 years of collective criminal defense experience, and we are based in Norfolk with a statewide practice. We have handled tens of thousands of criminal cases in state and state and federal courts, including work before the United States Supreme Court.

When your future and reputation are on the line, you need more than general information. You need a seasoned legal team that understands how Virginia prosecutors build sex offense cases and how courts in this region operate. We invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation so we can talk through what happened and the options that may be available.

To speak with our experienced Norfolk statutory rape lawyers, call us at (757) 267-6611 or contact us online today. 

Why Choose Protogyrou Law

Statutory rape and related sex offense charges are different from most other criminal accusations. The law is complex, emotions run high, and the social stigma can follow a person long after the case ends. Our firm is built for high stakes criminal defense, and we have been representing clients facing serious charges across Virginia since 1998.

Our attorneys have collectively handled tens of thousands of criminal matters, from DUI to homicide. That breadth matters when you are choosing a statutory rape lawyer Norfolk because it means we have seen how different fact patterns play out, how prosecutors approach sensitive allegations, and how judges tend to respond to various arguments. Our goal is to bring that hard earned perspective to every new case.

Members of our team have received recognition from publications such as Super Lawyers and Virginia Business Legal Elite. These honors reflect respect from peers within the Virginia legal community. We have also handled high profile cases that attracted mainstream media coverage, which helps us understand how to navigate publicity and protect a client’s reputation when a case could draw public attention.

People from every walk of life have turned to us for representation, including judges, police officers, public figures, self insured corporations, and national insurance companies. This diversity of clients shows the trust that knowledgeable insiders place in our firm. It also underscores our commitment to discretion and careful preparation in every matter.

Understanding Statutory Rape Charges

To make informed decisions, it helps to understand what statutory rape means under Virginia law. Virginia generally treats sexual conduct involving minors differently from adult relationships, even when the younger person says the encounter was consensual. In certain age ranges, the law does not recognize that consent in the same way, and the older person can face criminal charges.

The exact charge and potential penalty depend on factors such as the ages of the people involved, the age difference between them, and whether there is any allegation of force or coercion. Some situations may be charged as serious felonies that can involve years in prison and the possibility of sex offender registration. Others may involve lesser felonies or misdemeanor offenses, but even those can carry long term consequences for employment, education, and family relationships.

Many statutory rape cases arise out of real life situations that are more complicated than a short description suggests. These can include high school or college age relationships, online interactions that later lead to in person meetings, or encounters where alcohol or drugs were present. Digital communication such as text messages, social media chats, and photos often plays a major role in how these cases are investigated and prosecuted in Virginia.

Cases involving allegations in this region may be heard in the Norfolk General District Court at the early stages and then in the Norfolk Circuit Court if they are pursued as felonies. The specific court and path your case follows depend on the allegations and how the Commonwealth’s Attorney chooses to proceed. Having a local criminal defense team that regularly appears in these courts can help you understand what to expect at each step.

We approach every statutory rape case with the understanding that there is more than one side to the story. Our responsibility is to focus on the law and the evidence and to work to protect your rights and your future, regardless of public opinion or initial assumptions.

What To Do After An Allegation

The hours and days after learning of a statutory rape allegation can shape the rest of your case. Many people feel an understandable urge to explain themselves to police, to the alleged victim, or to friends and family. Well meaning but unplanned conversations can create evidence that is later used against you in court.

In most situations, it is safer not to speak with law enforcement about the details of the accusation until you have talked with a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney. Exercising those rights is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to protect yourself while you get legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

Evidence can be critical in statutory rape defense. Text messages, social media content, call histories, photos, and travel records may all play a role. It is usually important to preserve this information and avoid deleting anything, even material that feels embarrassing or unhelpful. A lawyer can help you evaluate what is relevant and how it may fit into a defense strategy.

If charges have already been filed, you may face an arrest, a bond hearing, or a first appearance in the Norfolk General District Court. Conditions such as no contact orders, limitations on internet use, or restrictions on where you can live or work may be considered. These early hearings can affect your ability to keep your job, continue school, or remain at home while the case is pending.

Immediate steps that often help protect your position include:

• Remain calm and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your legal counsel.
• Politely decline to answer questions from police until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Preserve potential evidence such as messages, emails, and photos, and avoid altering or deleting content.
• Stay off social media about the situation and avoid posting indirect comments about the case.
• Contact Protogyrou Law as soon as possible to talk confidentially with our criminal defense team.

Every situation is different, and not every step will apply to every person. When you contact us, we can help you understand which actions are most important in your circumstances and how to prepare for the next scheduled court date or law enforcement contact.

How Our Defense Lawyers Help

When you hire our firm to handle a statutory rape defense, our work typically begins with a careful review of the allegations and any available evidence. We want to understand how the accusation arose, what statements have already been made, and what digital or physical evidence may exist. Our preparation focused approach is designed to help us identify weaknesses and unanswered questions in the prosecution’s case.

In many statutory rape matters, key issues can include the exact ages of those involved, the timing of the relationship, and any history between the parties. Digital records often provide context that is not apparent in a short police summary. Our attorneys look at how messages unfolded over time, what was actually said, and whether those records support or undermine the narrative presented by the Commonwealth.

We also consider legal and constitutional questions that may affect how evidence can be used. These can involve search and seizure concerns related to phones or computers, the handling of interviews, and whether procedures followed by law enforcement meet the requirements set by Virginia law and the United States Constitution. Our experience in both state and federal courts gives us a broad foundation for evaluating these issues.

Because we maintain a statewide practice based in Norfolk, we are familiar with the procedures and expectations in the Norfolk Circuit Court and other courts across Hampton Roads and Virginia. That local knowledge can help us advise you about how judges and prosecutors in this area generally approach sex offense allegations and what you might encounter during hearings and negotiations.

Communication with clients is a central part of our work. We strive to keep you informed about developments, to answer your questions, and to help your family understand what is happening at each stage. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make decisions about your case, while we focus on the legal work and preparation that happens behind the scenes.

If you are searching for a statutory rape attorney Norfolk to guide you through this process, we encourage you to reach out to us. A confidential consultation can give you a clearer picture of what you are facing and how our attorneys may be able to help.

To speak with our experienced Norfolk statutory rape lawyers, call us at (757) 267-6611 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to police if I am innocent?

It is usually safer to speak with an attorney before talking to police, even if you believe you did nothing wrong. Innocent people can still say things that are misunderstood or taken out of context. We can help you decide whether, when, and how to give any statement.

What penalties can I face for statutory rape in Virginia?

Penalties depend on the specific charge, ages involved, and any prior record. Some cases carry the possibility of years in prison and sex offender registration. Others may involve lesser felonies or misdemeanors. We can review your situation and explain the potential range of consequences that may apply.

How will your firm protect my privacy and reputation?

We treat every case as confidential and handle sensitive information with care. Our firm has represented judges, police officers, and public figures, so we are accustomed to managing matters that attract attention. We work to limit unnecessary publicity and to address reputation concerns as part of the defense strategy.

What happens at the first consultation with your attorneys?

During an initial consultation, we typically ask you to walk us through what has happened so far and any upcoming court dates. We discuss the law, potential options, and ways to protect your rights. You also have the chance to ask questions about our approach and what working with us looks like.

Can you help if my case is already in Norfolk court?

In many situations, we can step into a case that is already pending in the Norfolk General District Court or Norfolk Circuit Court. The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to review what has been filed and to prepare. We will discuss your current status and possible next steps.

Talk With Our Criminal Defense Team

Finding out that you or your child is facing a statutory rape accusation is frightening, but you do not have to handle it alone. Speaking with experienced criminal defense counsel can help you understand the process, avoid common mistakes, and begin working toward the best outcome that the facts and law allow.

At Protogyrou Law, our attorneys draw on decades of criminal defense experience in Norfolk and across Virginia, including work on high profile and complex cases. We are committed to preparation, careful investigation, and clear communication with our clients. Your first step can be as simple as a confidential phone call to our office.

To speak with our experienced Norfolk statutory rape lawyers, call us at (757) 267-6611 or contact us online today.