Bend Statutory Rape Attorney

State & Federal Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Deschutes County

Statutory rape charges in Oregon move quickly, and a conviction can reshape every aspect of a person’s life. At Ward Grover & Thomas, we represent individuals accused of these offenses in Bend and throughout Deschutes County, in both state and federal court. Our team brings over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience. We’ve been handling sex crime cases since 2011, including obtaining not-guilty jury verdicts on Measure 11 charges such as Rape I and Sex Abuse I. We also work with investigators and expert witnesses to support thorough case preparation from the moment charges are filed.

What “Statutory Rape” Means Under Oregon Law

Oregon doesn’t have a single criminal offense called statutory rape. The term describes a category of charges under state law that criminalize sexual activity with a minor based on age thresholds. The specific charge and its severity depend on the ages of the parties involved.

The most common charges in this category include:

• Rape in the Third Degree (ORS 163.355): Applies when the victim is under 16. This is a Class C felony.
• Rape in the Second Degree (ORS 163.365): Applies when the victim is under 14. This is a Class B felony.
• Rape in the First Degree (ORS 163.375): Applies when the victim is under 12. This is a Class A felony and a Measure 11 offense.
• Sexual Misconduct: Intercourse with an unmarried person under 18 is a Class C misdemeanor. It is the least serious charge in this category.

Related charges such as sexual abuse, sodomy, and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor may also be filed depending on the circumstances. These are strict-liability offenses with respect to the victim’s age in most degree classifications. The minor’s apparent or stated willingness is not a legal defense under Oregon law.

Penalties for Statutory Rape Charges in Oregon

The penalties across these charge tiers extend well beyond prison time.

• Third-Degree Rape (Class C Felony): Up to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000.
• Second-Degree Rape (Class B Felony): Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
• First-Degree Rape (Class A Felony): Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $375,000. As a Measure 11 offense, this charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence without the possibility of parole or early release.

A conviction on any of these charges triggers lifetime sex offender registration under Oregon’s Sex Offender Registry Act. Failing to register is itself a Class C felony. Beyond registration, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect child custody, professional licensing, housing options, and civil rights. Proximity restrictions may also limit where a registered person can live or work relative to schools and other locations where minors are present.

The decisions made in the days immediately following an arrest can have lasting consequences for the defense. Call Ward Grover & Thomas at (541) 312-5150 to discuss your case as soon as possible.