When it comes to understanding alleged sexual crimes involving teenagers, one thing that people in Nebraska need to understand is what the state considers the age of consent. This is one area of law that differs from state to state. According to the Age of Consent, the state of Nebraska has identified 16 as the age at which a person is legally able to participate in sexual activity.
Some states have special provisions for teens who are close in age to each other but Nebraska does not necessarily follow that practice. These laws are sometimes colloquially called Romeo and Juliet laws in reference to young people in a relationship together.
The Nebraska State Legislature explains that if a person who is a legal adult is accused of having sexual relations with a person between the ages of 12 and 15, the adult may be accused of and charged with first degree sexual assault. The penalties for such an offense may vary and the presence of any injuries to the minor is one of the factors that a judge may take into consideration when making a sentencing determination.
It is also important for people to know that if they have been convicted of a sexual assault offense in another state, that may be recognized in Nebraska and if they are subsequently convicted of sexual assault in Nebraska, they might be subject to a minimum amount of time in prison due to the prior charge even though it did not take place in the same state.