The Hanzel Law Firm
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Accused of Statutory Rape?

We Fight for Your Rights.

The Hanzel Law Firm is a leading defense firm that is prepared to protect your reputation and freedom. Call today!

Free Consultation

Facing Statutory Rape Charges in ?

Call (843) 202-4714 for Immediate Legal Help

Accused of statutory rape? Even if you have not been formally charged, speaking with our defense firm will be crucial to building a powerful defense strategy. We work hard to ensure no charges are filed and apply aggressive, proactive defenses to secure the best possible outcome. Due to the nature of these offenses, there will be very little room for forgiveness or sympathy from prosecutors, officers, judges, or jury members. Don’t wait to build your defense.

Call (843) 202-4714 to determine how we can help you avoid or minimize the penalties associated with a sex crime.

  • Michael B. Hanzel & Lauren Hanzel

    Former JAGs Providing Legal Counsel

    If you are facing criminal charges, such as sexual assault, drugs, DUI, or even attempted murder, having experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel can be vital. As accomplished military crimes attorneys, The Hanzel Law Firm can provide you with representation to help you gain confidence throughout the legal process.

    Both of our lawyers are military veterans and understand how important your career is to your livelihood. They have now turned their attention to defending our service members with skilled legal strategies. Being former JAGs has allowed them to gain unique knowledge into how many military prosecutors develop their arguments. We believe that someone who is willing to sacrifice so much for our country has already done enough fighting. Our legal team is focused on providing our clients with tougher than tough representation.

Our Case Results

Results While on Active Duty

  • Charges Dismissed

    All charges dismissed for an officer falsely accused of sexual assault, rape, conduct unbecoming, and fraternization. Overcame unlawful command influence of powerful Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and went toe-to-toe with the high-powered Washington DC law firm representing the complaining witness. Ultimately, won a motion striking down the Article 32 rules put out by the Secretary of the Navy himself, and got the case dismissed on the eve of trial through our own investigation that proved the complaining witness had lied. Then won a unanimous 3-0 no basis vote at the Board of Inquiry, fully exonerating this officer client.

  • Drop Of Administrative board

    In a senior officer case, persuaded NOAA to completely drop an administrative board against a ship Commanding Officer accused of breaking environmental regulations.

  • Case Won

    Represented a Navy Commander at a BOI where he was accused of abusive sexual contact and sexual harassment by three separate women and won a no basis.

  • Case Won

    Won a high-profile rape trial for a Navy SEAL accused of violent rape, aggravated assault and numerous other crimes. Was brought onto this case to salvage it from counsel who were floundering, and succeeded in getting client acquitted of all serious charges. The complaining witness was discredited, and he was only convicted of two minor charges based on his own statements, one of which was overturned later on appeal and the other of which is pending appeal.

  • Honorable Discharge

    Won an honorable discharge for a Navy SEAL who was jailed for months by the state of Virginia after a drunken bar fight in which he severely injured a civilian.

Put The Hanzel Law Firm in Your Corner

You Fought for Our Rights. Allow Us to Protect Yours.

  • Our Attorneys Have a Proven Track Record as US Navy JAGs

  • We Know the Criminal Justice System Inside & Out

  • We're Committed to Fighting for Your Constitutional Rights

  • Our Team Provides Zealous & Ethical Legal Advocacy

Send Us a Message

We're Prepared to Defend Your Freedom Against an Unfair Justice System - Call Now!

Penalties & What Conviction Could Mean for You

A conviction for statutory rape can result in some of the most severe criminal penalties under the law. Even an allegation could cause serious and life-changing issues: your reputation could be marred, your future could feel uncertain, and you could be even prohibited from seeing your children. Our firm is focused on securing results that help protect your future and freedom.

  • Time in Prison or Jail
  • Excessive Fines and Fees
  • Loss of Right to Own a Firearm
  • Sex Offender Registration
  • Forfeiture of Assets
  • Immigration Consequences

More Answers to Your Questions

Read Our FAQs

  • Questions

  • What is statutory rape?

    Answer

    In the most general definition, statutory rape is defined as the act of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person who is a minor (under the age of 18). Because laws concerning statutory rape can vary according to State, and because certain courts handle these types of cases differently, it is important that you work with a defense attorney who understands the ins and outs of the law and can use this knowledge to your advantage.

  • The other party lied about their age. What happens next?

    Answer

    At The Hanzel Law Firm, we understand that dishonesty could be a huge factor in statutory rape cases. Unfortunately, lying about one’s age can be detrimental for the accused: these lies can put the accused in a difficult position and can make a case very complex. Our team can investigate all avenues of defense and create a compelling defense to help a judge or jury understand all circumstances of the case, including any lies or statements the victim made to you.

  • What if I was in a relationship with the victim?

    Answer

    Most courts recognize that anyone who is not of the age of consent (18 years old) cannot responsibly give consent to engage in sexual relations. Even if you were in a relationship with the victim, the law may not recognize that the victim was able to give consent and act freely on that consent. The exception to this is marriage (even if your spouse is a minor).

  • Should I talk to the police about my version of the events?

    Answer

    Absolutely not. If you have been taken into custody, or if you think you have been targeted as the center of an investigation, it is important that you remain silent. You have the right to assert your silence when asked questions by police or investigators. This means any verbal or written statements regarding the events in question should not be made without the presence of your attorney.

  • Possible Case Outcomes

    Charges Reduced

    Most sex crimes are considered to be felony offenses. We work hard to reduce the charge to a lesser degree, such as a misdemeanor.

  • Possible Case Outcomes

    Plea Bargain

    It is our primary goal to help make sure our clients secure the best possible outcome, even if this means negotiating with prosecutors.

  • Possible Case Outcomes

    Case Dismissed

    We fight tirelessly to secure complete case dismissal so you can walk away from a serious criminal allegation with a clean slate.

Increase Your Chances of a Better Outcome

We Know the Law. We Can Protect Your Rights.

  • Am I
    going to jail?

  • How serious
    is this?

  • I can't afford
    to pay the fines

  • Is this going on my
    criminal record?

  • Can you help?

  • I regret all of it

Few things can be as overwhelming as a sex crime allegation and we know you have plenty of questions. Speak with us to get the sound legal advice you need.

Receive Your Free Consultation

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