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Tuesday, 31 January 2012 15:47 |
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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ Certain rape cases could be prosecuted
beyond South Dakota's statute of limitations if a bill that passed
a Senate panel becomes law.
South Dakota prosecutors presently can charge rape case suspects
up to seven years after the alleged crime or until the victim is
25, whichever is longer.
The bill removes the time limit if the victim is under 13 or if
the rape occurred through force. It does not remove it under other
circumstances, including if the victim can't consent because of
physical or mental incapacity, or if the victim consumed alcohol or
drugs.
Thirty-three-year-old rape victim Jolene Loetscher testified at
the hearing. All seven senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee
voted in favor of the bill that now goes to the full Senate.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) |
