Jamie Lynn’s Pregnancy: Was It The Result Of A Crime?

The pregnancy of 16-year-old Jamie
Lynn Spears brings up a lot of questions, but the one on many peoples’ minds is
whether this could be a case of statutory rape.

Jamie Lynn has told OK! that Casey Aldridge is the father of her baby.

While there are varying reports about Aldridge’s age, most place him at
either 18 or 19, making him an adult, while Spears, at 16, is still a minor.

Whether the consensual sex with Spears can be considered a crime, depends on
which state the baby was conceived in.

If the baby was conceived in California, where Jamie Lynn filmed “Zoey 101”
for Nickelodeon, and where she and Casey have often been spotted together, Casey
could have committed a crime.

California law makes a distinction in the weight of the crime charged, based
on the age of the people involved. Because Aldridge is not more than three years
older than Jamie Lynn, getting her pregnant in California could be a misdemeanor
under state law.

As for the potential penalty, prosecutors could push for up to a year in
jail.

In Louisiana, the state in which Jamie Lynn said she plans to raise her baby,
Aldridge is up forjust one penalty, dependant on whether he is 18 or 19.

If he is 18, no crime has been committed.

If he is 19, however, Aldridge could be charged with a felony carnal
knowledge of a juvenile. The maximum penalty for the felony could be up to 10
years in prison, with or without hard labor.

In Aldridge’s home state of Mississippi, where he reportedly works as a pipe
layer, statutory rape only applies to sex with persons 15 years of age or
younger.

However, regarding the states where the conception could be considered a
crime, defense attorney Jeffrey Steinberger, told Access Hollywood that
prosecuting Aldridge is highly unlikely.

Prosecutors look for “necessary intent,” Steinberger explained and because
Aldridge and Spears are involved, attorneys are unlikely to go after the
teen.

Steinberger also noted that because both parties are under the age of 21,
prosecutors are also likely to stay away from the case.