Virginia Teen Receives Blended Sentence for Rape

A 17 year-old teen, J. J. H., received a blended sentence of both juvenile and adult punishment for raping a 15 year-old Chesterfield County girl in a recent court case. The teen acted in conjunction with another boy who is a member of the MS-13 gang. Both were convicted of rape in the incident. J. J. H.'s sentence consisted of a 10-year sentence in an adult prison with all 10 years suspended along with 3 ½ years in a state juvenile detention center until he turns 21. The teen will also be required to register as a Virginia sex offender. He was found guilty of rape in March of this year after pleading guilty before the judge. Both he and the other boy who is also 17 were tried as adults.

The two teens offered the girl a ride home when encountering her outside a residence where she had been visiting a friend. Because she was acquainted with them, the girl accepted their offer. Instead of taking her home, however, they took her to J. J. H.'s friend's apartment where the other boy sexually attacked the girl while threatening her with a machete. Both he and J. J. H. raped the girl who later reported the attack to her mother. Due to the gang affiliations of the one boy, the mother was afraid to report the incident to police but did so several days later.

Criminal Defense in Richmond, Virginia

The above case illustrates the seriousness of a sex crime conviction. It also shows how juveniles can be tried as adults in crimes that are considered to be violent and dangerous. Sex crime accusations, such as sexual assault and rape, especially in the case of a minor, are vigorously prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Adults convicted of sex crimes face years in prison, heavy fines, restitution, probation, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, which severely limits their future prospects.

If you are facing sex crime allegations or if you are the parent of a juvenile who has been arrested and charged with any crime, you should immediately get aggressive and skilled legal representation. The criminal defense firm of Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law, located in Richmond, offers dedicated legal assistance from a former prosecutor who knows cases from both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Jones has years of experience defending individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offenses, from sex crimes to DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, fraud, juvenile crimes, weapons charges, murder, and manslaughter. Contact his firm 24/7 to arrange to speak with him about your arrest and charges and learn what can be done in your defense.