Los Angeles Rape Attorney

Defending Rape Charges

Being arrested for rape is a very serious matter. If you or someone you know is convicted of rape, you face a lifetime of consequences such as a lengthy state prison sentence, damage to your reputation, loss of your job and lifelong sex offender registration. The outcome of your case may depend on whether you have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to defend you. As unpopular as sex offenses and alleged sex crimes are in society, individuals accused of sex crimes have the same rights as any other criminal defendant. These rights include the right to a jury trial, the right to cross-examine witnesses, the right against self-incrimination and the right to produce evidence. Our attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates have over 70 years of combined experience defending those accused of rape and other sex crimes and request that you contact Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our firm at your earliest opportunity. With our deep knowledge base and our extensive experience, we have an advantage in defending this type of case and can aggressively defend your rights.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Sex offenses include all types of sexual activities ranging from the serious crime of rape, usually defined as sexual penetration without consent, to the less serious crime of prostitution, usually described as sex for hire. Generally, sexual assaults include unwanted physical contact with a sexual organ. Unwanted means the victim said "no", physically objected or was not able to give consent due to mental incapacitation. It is not required to show that the victim physically objected. If you are accused of any sex crimes, it is important that you seek the services of our firm's criminal defense attorneys who are experienced in these types of cases.

Every two minutes, someone in this country is sexually assaulted. 70% of rapes involve alcohol or drugs. More than 66% of sexual assault victims know their attacker; among college students this number is much higher. Types of rape include:

• Statutory rape: A sexual act with a minor under the legal age of 18. In this type of case, statutory rape charges are usually brought up by the parents of the victim but in California the state can also raise them. Charges can be brought against you if you impregnate a girl under the age of 18 even if the girl consents to the sex act.
• Date rape: A forcible sexual act between people that know each other during a social engagement. The fact that the engagement was voluntary and that the parties knew each other is not a defense for this type of charge.
• Spousal rape: Occurs when one spouse forces the other spouse to have sex without consent.

Most sexual assault crimes are charged as felonies although lesser offenses are charged as misdemeanors. Punishment for sexual assault crimes includes jail or prison, fines, community service, counseling, probation/parole and lifetime sex registration. Multiple convictions of sexual assaults lead to increasingly severe punishments. The decision whether to charge a person with a felony or a misdemeanor rests with the prosecutor; however, a criminal defense attorney, if contacted early enough in the investigation, may be able to minimize the charges that you face.

Many sexual assault acts have no witnesses; therefore, sexual assaults are regularly prosecuted, even if the evidence appears weak or the accuser lacks credibility. Possible defenses to sexual assault cases include consent, insufficient evidence and mistaken identity arguments. If you are accused of being involved in a sexual assault offense, including rape, you should speak with an attorney at our firm immediately to learn more about your rights, defenses that may be used in your case and the legal system itself. Ways that we can help you include:

• Arranging for bail, bail reductions or being released on your "own recognizance"
• Understanding the possible penalties and likely outcome of your case
• Hiring an investigator to interview witnesses and gather evidence favorable to your case
• Negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduction of the charges and sentences
• Presenting the best legal defense for you and challenging the prosecution to prove their case
• Seeking alternative sentencing programs such as electronic monitoring, residential treatment, counseling and informal probation

Being charged with rape is a very scary and disheartening experience for anyone to endure. A rape conviction will negatively affect all aspects of your life, including employment, strain on your marriage or relationship and the destruction of your good reputation. As you can see, there is a lot at stake which is why it is in your best interest to choose a skilled attorney to defend you in a rape case.

Our experienced California rape defense attorneys can assist you in proving your innocence. We understand that a false rape accusation is humiliating and damaging, and we believe it is our duty to use our knowledge of California's sex crime laws to successfully resolve your case as quickly as possible.

Contact a Los Angeles rape attorney if you are facing sexual assault charges to make sure that your rights are protected and that you are provided with an effective and aggressive representation.