Statutory Rape Attorney in Franklin

Facing A Statutory Rape Charge In Franklin? We are here to support you

Being accused of statutory rape in Tennessee can feel overwhelming. You might be worried about prison, sex offender registration, and your future. If you are facing this kind of allegation here in Franklin, you need clear information and focused legal guidance as soon as possible.

Under Tennessee law, sex offenses involving someone under the age of consent are treated as serious felonies. A conviction can mean incarceration, strict supervision, and long-term registration requirements that affect where you live and work. The consequences reach far beyond the courtroom and can touch your family relationships, employment, and reputation in this community.

I am Attorney Dana McLendon, and for more than thirty years, I have represented people across Middle Tennessee, including here in Franklin and in Williamson County. I handle every criminal defense case personally, and my goal is to help you understand what you are facing, protect your rights at each stage, and work to safeguard your future as we navigate this difficult situation together.

Call (615) 437-6320 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our statutory rape attorney in Franklin.

Why Work With My Firm For Your  Statutory Rape Case?

Choosing the right lawyer for a statutory rape charge requires more than hiring a general criminal defense attorney. These cases demand local experience, careful attention to detail, and an understanding of how each decision can affect your future. This is the approach I take with every client at my firm:

• Local Experience With Sensitive Allegations: I have practiced criminal defense and family law in Middle Tennessee for more than three decades. I regularly appear in courts in Franklin, Williamson County, and surrounding areas, and I understand how local judges and prosecutors tend to evaluate statutory rape and other sex-related charges. This experience allows me to give realistic, grounded advice about risk and strategy.
• Direct Attorney Involvement In Every Case: Every statutory rape case at Dana McLendon Law is handled by me personally. You are not passed to an associate or filtered through staff. When you call, you speak with the attorney who will stand beside you in court. This direct communication is critical in cases where timelines, messages, and personal history matter.
• Insight From Criminal Defense And Family Law: Many statutory rape allegations arise in emotionally charged situations, such as breakups, custody disputes, or broader family conflict. Because I practice both criminal defense and family law, I pay close attention to how a criminal case may affect, or be affected by, current or potential family court proceedings.
• Efficient, Secure Case Management: My firm uses secure digital tools and full digital integration to manage documents, communication, and filings efficiently. This allows you to review materials, share information, and stay informed without unnecessary delays, helping us focus more time on strategy and less on paperwork.

Understanding Statutory Rape Charges Under Tennessee Law

Before you can make good decisions about your case, you need a basic understanding of how Tennessee law treats sex offenses involving minors. Tennessee has specific statutes that define when sexual activity becomes a criminal offense based on the ages of the people involved and their age difference. Even if you believed there was consent, the law may treat the situation differently because of age.

In general terms, Tennessee law sets an age of consent and then creates different categories of offenses when one person is below that age, and the other is older by a certain number of years. These offenses are often classified as felonies and can carry significant prison sentences. The exact classification can depend on factors such as the age of the younger person, the age difference between the parties, and the nature of the alleged conduct.

A conviction for a statutory sexual offense in Tennessee can bring more than just a sentence. Many convictions lead to sex offender registration requirements that can last for many years, sometimes for life, depending on the specific statute involved. Registration affects where you can live, the jobs you can hold, and how you move through daily life in this area.

The law in this area is detailed, and small changes in facts can have a large impact on what charges apply and what penalties are possible. For that reason, I focus on carefully reviewing ages, timelines, and the language of the actual charging document. Only by understanding those details can we begin to discuss realistic risks and potential strategies for your defense.

What You Should Do If You Are Accused of Statutory Rape in Franklin

When someone accuses you of statutory rape, the situation can feel overwhelming and urgent. Many people instinctively want to explain themselves or fix what they believe is a misunderstanding. Taking action too quickly, without legal guidance, can unintentionally make the situation far worse.

• Do Not Explain Yourself To Authorities Yet: It is natural to want to talk to police officers, school officials, or others in authority, but doing so before speaking with a lawyer can seriously harm your case. Anything you say may be used during an investigation or prosecution. Once you have representation, you and your attorney can decide what information should be shared, when, and how.
• Preserve All Communications And Records: Do not delete text messages, social media posts, photos, emails, or other communications connected to the relationship or allegations. These records often play an important role in understanding timelines and context. Deleting material can raise red flags and may undermine your defense.
• Follow All Court Orders Exactly: If there is a no-contact order, bond condition, or protective order in place, it must be followed strictly, even if it feels unfair. Courts closely watch compliance. Any contact with the alleged victim or their family, even if well-intentioned, can result in new charges or bond violations.
• Act Promptly And Get Legal Guidance Early: Statutory rape cases often move quickly, with interviews, deadlines, and court dates arising soon after an accusation or arrest. Contacting an attorney early allows time to review the allegations, explain what to expect, and help you avoid common mistakes that can worsen an already serious situation.

How I Approach Statutory Rape Defense in Franklin

When I take on a statutory rape case, I start by listening carefully. I want to understand how you experienced the relationship or interaction, what you knew about ages, and how the accusation came to be made. That personal account is essential because police reports and charging documents rarely tell the full story.

From there, I review the official documents, including arrest reports, warrants, charging instruments, and any discovery that becomes available. I pay close attention to the alleged dates, locations, and age information. In these cases, a year of age or a few days on a timeline can affect which statutes apply and what the potential penalties look like under Tennessee law.

Modern statutory rape cases often involve digital evidence. Messages, social media activity, and photographs can shed light on how a relationship developed, what people said to each other, and how certain events unfolded. My goal is to organize and understand that material in a way that helps us evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s version of events.

Throughout the process, I strive to communicate clearly about what is happening in your case. You will be able to reach me directly with questions, and I will explain your options in plain language. My approach is steady and thorough, with a focus on preparing carefully for each court date and each decision we face.

Protecting Your Future and Reputation in Franklin

For many people facing a statutory rape charge, the greatest fear is not limited to the immediate sentence. You may be deeply concerned about being labeled for life, losing contact with your children, or being unable to work in your chosen field. Those are realistic worries, and they deserve careful attention as part of your defense.

A conviction for a sex offense involving a minor can affect child custody, visitation rights, and existing or future divorce proceedings. Family courts in Tennessee take these issues very seriously. My work in both criminal defense and family law allows me to look at your situation through both lenses, so we can discuss how choices in the criminal case might influence any present or potential family court matters.

Registration and a felony record can also limit where you live, the jobs you can hold, and how you participate in community life. When we talk about possible resolutions, I work to identify options that may reduce the long-term impact where that is realistically possible, such as negotiating for different charges or conditions that may carry less severe collateral consequences. The specifics vary case by case, and I will be clear about what is and is not possible under Tennessee law.

My goal is to help you think beyond the next court date and consider the years ahead. That broader view guides the advice I give and the strategies we discuss. Throughout the process, I keep your future and your family at the center of our conversations, so that your defense is focused not only on the present crisis, but also on the life you hope to rebuild afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Have To Register As A Sex Offender If I Am Convicted?

Many people convicted of statutory sexual offenses in Tennessee are required to register as sex offenders, but whether you must register and for how long depends on the specific statute, the level of the offense, and the outcome in your case. Some offenses carry lengthy registration periods, and others may be treated differently under the law.

How Much Prison Time Could I Face For Statutory Rape In Tennessee?

The possible prison time for a statutory rape conviction in Tennessee can vary widely. It depends on the felony classification of the charge, the age difference between the parties, the younger person’s age, and your prior criminal record, if any. Some statutory rape offenses carry multi-year sentencing ranges, while more serious categories can involve significantly higher exposure. Part of my job is to look at your exact charge, the facts the state is alleging, and your background, then explain the realistic range of outcomes that might apply. We will discuss those ranges early, so you understand the potential risks as we consider your options.

Should I Talk To The Police Or The Alleged Victim Before I Get A Lawyer?

In almost every situation, you should not talk to the police or reach out to the alleged victim about the allegations before you have spoken with a lawyer. Anything you say, even if you believe it is helpful or clarifying, can be misunderstood or used against you in court. Contacting the complaining witness or their family can also violate informal expectations or formal no-contact conditions, which can lead to new problems.

How Will This Charge Affect My Job and My Professional License?

A statutory rape charge or conviction can have serious effects on employment and professional licensing. Many employers in Middle Tennessee use background checks and may have policies about pending charges or certain types of convictions. Licensing boards often require disclosures and may open their own proceedings based on criminal cases. The exact impact depends on your profession, your employer’s policies, and the outcome in your criminal case.

Talk With A Statutory Rape Lawyer in Franklin

If you are facing a statutory rape allegation, you do not have to face it by yourself. A single charge can affect your freedom, your record, and your life here for many years. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and start to regain some sense of control.

When you contact my firm, you will talk directly with me. I bring more than three decades of criminal defense and family law experience in Middle Tennessee to every case I handle, and I work to protect both your immediate rights and your long-term future. Your consultation is confidential, and my goal is to give you clear, candid guidance about what comes next.

Call (615) 437-6320 to schedule a free consultation with our statutory rape lawyer in Franklin.