Rape is a serious crime in the state of California, and depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, a person convicted of a rape charge may face serious penalties including incarceration, fines, and compulsory sex offender registration. However, being accused of a crime does not mean that you lose your rights, and one of those rights is to a legal defense in the courtroom. If you have been accused of rape and live in the greater Los Angeles area, talk to a rape defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your rights as a defendant under the law.
According to California Penal Code Section 261, rape is an act of intercourse that is committed without someone’s consent. What most people think of as consent, however, may not match the legal definition of consent. For example, if someone explicitly states that they agree to intercourse, their voiced agreement could be null and void under the law if they are found to have been intoxicated while giving that consent. Also, persons with certain disabilities that are thought to affect the executive function and logical reasoning are not legally able to consent to intercourse even if they verbally agree to it.
The state law that governs rape charges outlines different types of rape depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, with penalties varying depending on those circumstances. Some of the types of rape cases Okabe and Haushalter can defend against include:
If you are facing one of these or any other rape charges, we urge you to reach out to a defense attorney to learn more about your legal options. The sooner you call, the sooner your attorney can begin working on putting together a rock-solid defense for your case.
Although rape is a serious charge and should be treated as such, being accused of this crime does not have to ruin your life. A knowledgeable defense attorney can stand up for you in court, assuring that your side of the story gets told. An attorney can argue your case and negotiate for reduced charges and minimized sentences if appropriate, and can work toward a satisfactory resolution to the case with your best interests in mind.
Being charged with rape can feel devastating, but you don’t have to face these accusations alone. If you need a rape defense lawyer in Torrance, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can assist you. We have a reputation for using solid, results-driven defense tactics and are known for providing all our clients with nothing short of courtroom excellence. We offer no-cost case evaluations to all potential clients, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us today to learn more about how we can put our criminal defense expertise to work for you.
