Rape

Rape is one of the most serious crimes. Besides just the harsh sentences, extreme social and professional consequences follow the charge. Negative reactions from the community will materialize, regardless of innocence or guilt. Being accused of rape can set off a string of repercussions that will hurt your reputation and family as well as yourself. Not only are you facing a lengthy prison sentence, you might also be labeled as a “rapist.” You will have to deal with derision and anger from your coworkers, neighbors, and friends. Your family will also have to face negativity from the claims that you raped someone.

This is all the more reason to vehemently fight these charges and mitigate the stigma. As an individual, you need to remain strong in such trying circumstances and hire a seasoned Sex Crime attorney who specializes in fighting cases of rape. Our Pittsburgh rape defense lawyers are ready to fight for your rights.

Things You Must Know About Rape Charges

According to the last updated laws in Pennsylvania, a person can be charged with rape for being involved in sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion with the complainant (who can either be a male or a female). By law, rape occurs when:

• Use of force or threat thereof is used to prevent resistance from the other person
• Complainant is unconscious or unaware when the sexual act is being committed
• The person charged uses drugs or intoxicants on the complainant, given to him or her without their knowledge, to prevent him/her from resisting the act
• The complainant is incapable of consent due to mental disability

A conviction can result in a felony of the first degree and lead to 20 years of imprisonment, with an additional 10 years if he/she has drugged the complainant with a rape drug like GHB during the act.

Rape of a child under the age of 13 is a first-degree felony, and the punishment is even more severe if the child suffers from an injury during the act. A conviction for rape of a child comes with a prison term of up to 40 years. Retaining a rape defense attorney in Pittsburgh is an important step to take to help avoid or minimize the penalties.

You can be accused of rape charges as a result of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or simply out of spite and hatred. Although such allegations will not get you convicted of this crime, they can still cause your arrest, inviting more contempt from friends and relatives.

Also, often sex crimes involve alcohol and drugs. So, it might happen that the claimant was not in the state to give consent and hence, accuses you of rape while you were under the impression that it was legitimate and the sex was consensual.

How to Deal with Rape Charges

If you have been charged with rape, you need to immediately contact a Pittsburgh rape defense attorney. Here are some other things we recommend you do:

• Stay silent. If police start asking questions, tell them you want an attorney and politely refuse to answer their questions.
• Refuse to answer any questions or give out statements without your attorney present. Statements you make can be used against you in court.

How Can We Help You?

As a reputable Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Sean Logue has a proven track record of fighting for his clients’ rights. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star Sean Logue enjoys a 10.0 Avvo rating, and this is a testimony to his proven track record. Our team would thoroughly investigate the case to gather crucial evidence, and closely monitor its gathering by law enforcement agencies to ensure that proper procedure was followed.

The sooner you call Logue Law Group, the better it will be for your case. We are known for aggressive advocacy and would fight for you.

Don’t delay your decision any further, call a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh at (412) 612-2210 or contact us online.