Sex Crimes: Corruption of Minors

by | Jul 18, 2016 | Sex Crimes

In terms of Sex Crimes, Corruption of Minors is one of the least serious offenses that you can be charged with.  Sex Crimes charges such as Corruption of Minors is a serious charge when compared to non-sexual criminal charges.   The corruption of minors is serious offense and is not taken lightly in Pennsylvania. Registration of sex offenders  As defined in the PA crimes code, the corruption of minors is whoever, being of the age 18 years and upwards, by any act corrupts or tends to corrupt the morals of any minor less than 18 years of age, or who aids, abets, entices or encourages any such minor in the commission of any crime, or who knowingly assists or encourages such minor in violating his or her parole or any order of court. By doing so, they are committing a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition, whoever, being of the age 18 and upwards, by any course of conduct in violation of Chapter 31 (relating to sexual offenses) corrupts or tends to corrupt the morals of any minor less than 18 years of age, or who aids, abets, entices or encourages any such minor in the commission of an offense under Chapter 31 commits a felony of the third degree.

According to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, “corrupting the morals of minors” includes actions that would offend the common sense, sense of decency, propriety, and morality which most people in the community entertain. Corruption of Minors charges  It is not uncommon for someone to be charged with corruption of minors along with several other offenses. If the victim is under the age of 16, it is no defense that the actor did not know the age of the minor or believed that they were of legal age. It is also not a valid defense to claim that the victim consented to any illegal or sexual acts. Two crimes that are mainly associated with corruption of minors are underage drinking and sex crimes. In Pennsylvania specifically, it is possible to be charged with the corruption of minors and not with statutory rape. In PA, the age of consent is 16, while a minor is considered anyone under the age of 18. This leaves a confusing gray area that allows for legally consensual sex to result in charges. ​

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