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Virginia Date Rape Lawyer

“Date Rape” or “acquaintance rape” as it’s also commonly known, is any type of rape that occurs when the alleged victim and the perpetrator already know one another. It may occur between two people who have just met that night, or between long-time romantic partners or even spouses.

The seriousness of these consequences highlights the importance of having an expert legal representative in the event that you are charged with rape. A Virginia date rape attorney will have experience in criminal cases throughout the state of Virginia, and know the key elements needed by the prosecution for a successful rape conviction. Especially if drugs or alcohol were involved, the element of consent will be key.

By telling law enforcement that you were unaware that the victim was able to give proper consent, you are effectively volunteering an admission of guilt.

If you or a loved one is being charged, accused, or investigated regarding date rape, contact a Virginia date rape attorney at (703) 278-2800 for a free consultation. For other sex crimes, please click here to visit our Virginia sex crimes lawyer page.

Defining Date Rape

The Code of Virginia covers various forms of rape, including date rape, in § 18.2-61. Essentially, any act of sexual intercourse performed against the victim’s will, by force, threat or intimidation against the victim or another person, or by way of the victim’s “physical helplessness or mental incapacity,” can merit a rape charge in Virginia.

Not all date rape involves the perpetrator using violent force to subdue the victim. If the victim was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that may qualify as “physical helplessness or mental incapacity” and present grounds for a rape charge.

Many rape cases happen as a result of these situations, in which the victim is unable to give proper consent. In some cases like this, perpetrators might be unaware that they are even committing a crime.

The consequences of a conviction may vary depending on the nature of the rape in question, but they are always severe. If found guilty of rape in Virginia, a person faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Even once a prison sentence has been served, there are lifetime consequences in the form of mandatory registration as a sex offender, and the presence of a non-removable felony criminal conviction on one’s record. Visit this page for more information about the sex offender registry.

Contact a Virginia Date Rape Attorney Today

Any actions of yours before or during your arrest or court proceedings, even statements of innocence to law enforcement officers, might possibly be used against you at a later date, so advice from a Virginia date rape attorney is extremely important to ensuring the eventual success of your defense.

Even if you suspect you might be under investigation for a rape charge in the future, it is important to safeguard your rights by securing the services of an experienced lawyer without any delay.

The award-winning attorneys with Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law are committed to excellence in criminal defense cases. Because it is such a serious crime, even being accused of rape can leave a shameful mark on your public and private life.

If you choose us to represent you, regardless of the circumstances of your case, you can count on us to fight tirelessly to investigate the full nature of the charges against you and battle to clear your name. For a free initial consultation with a Virginia date rape attorney, call our offices today at (703) 278-2800.

If you are being charged, investigated, or accused of date rape in the state of Maryland, please visit Kush Arora’s webpage for more information.

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