dicindiolaw | April 6, 2022 |
Rape Charges in West Chester, PA
Being charged with rape can be terrifying. The consequences of a conviction for a sex crime in West Chester, PA, are severe. You could face substantial fines, jail time, and stigmatization as a sexual offender.
The West Chester rape defense lawyers of DiCindio Law, LLC understand the stakes. The best way to protect yourself is to hire experienced criminal defense lawyers in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Our defense lawyer is a former Chester County prosecutor, so he understands how the system works.
Do not assume your innocence will prevent you from being found guilty of a rape charge. Instead, contact our law office or call (610) 430-3535 today to schedule a free consultation with a West Chester criminal defense lawyer to discuss how we can help you fight criminal charges.
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How Our West Chester Sex Crimes Lawyers Can Help After an Arrest on Rape Charges in West Chester, PA
You never thought you would face criminal charges. Yet here you are staring at the reality of going to jail because you are being accused of rape. But, you do not have to face the situation alone. Our legal team at DiCindio Law, LLC can help.
When you hire us to handle your criminal case, we will:
- Conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation into the rape allegations against you
- Explain your legal options for fighting rape charges
- Hire experts to disprove the allegations by the state
- Interview witnesses and search for evidence to support what you allege happened
- Analyze the state’s case against you to determine weaknesses
- Research statutes and case law relevant to the criminal charges filed against you
- Work to negotiate to have the rape charges dismissed or reduced
- Negotiate an acceptable plea agreement when necessary
The police officer and prosecutor might already believe you are guilty of committing rape. They are not necessarily interested in hearing what really happened. However, we believe you; we will do everything possible to protect your right to a fair and just outcome if you are facing rape charges in West Chester, PA.
With a former state prosecutor heading our law firm, we understand how the system works. Let us help protect you during each step of the criminal justice process. Call now for your free case evaluation with a West Chester sex crimes attorney.
What Constitutes Rape in Pennsylvania?
Rape is considered a sex crime in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania statutes define rape as having sexual intercourse with another person when one of the following is true:
- Using force or threats of force that would cause a reasonable person not to resist
- The victim is unconscious
- The assailant knows that the victim is unaware that sexual intercourse is occurring
- The assailant used alcohol, a date rape drug, or another substance to prevent the victim from resisting sexual intercourse
- The victim is incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse because of mental incapacity or disability
- The victim is a minor under the age of 13 years
Rape is charged as a first-degree felony under Pennsylvania law. The punishment for a rape conviction can include substantial prison sentences and fines.
What Are the Penalties for a Rape in West Chester, PA?
Pennsylvania views rape charges very seriously. Therefore, the penalties for a rape conviction are severe. You could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 if you are convicted of raping someone in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, the court may impose additional penalties in some situations. For example, if the person uses a date rape drug or other substance to induce memory loss, the court may add ten extra years to the prison sentence and increase the fine to as much as $100,000.
If the victim is a minor under the age of 13 years, the prison sentence increases to 40 years. If the minor sustains serious injuries, you face life in prison for a rape conviction.
As a convicted rapist, you must register as a sex offender for life under SORNA (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act).
Fighting Rape Charges in Pennsylvania
An arrest on rape charges does not mean you are guilty of rape. You have the right to seek legal counsel and present a robust defense against the rape charges. It is vital that you do not talk to police officers, law enforcement officials, or prosecutors without a West Chester sex crimes lawyer.
Also, do not attempt to contact the alleged victim or anyone connected with the victim. Trying to resolve rape charges on your own can provide the prosecution with more evidence to use against you in court.
Instead, talk with a lawyer in West Chester about potential defenses to rape charges such as:
- You and the alleged victim engaged in consensual sex
- You have an alibi for the time of the crime
- You were mistakenly identified as the assailant
- The alleged victim is making false rape accusations
- There is a lack of intent or knowledge
- Police obtained evidence illegally
- Challenges to the reliability and accuracy of forensic evidence and DNA tests
- Challenges to a witness’s credibility
The first step is to reach out to an experienced West Chester sex crimes attorney to discuss your case. From that point, your attorney handles your defense.
Schedule a Free Consultation if You Are Facing Rape Charges in West Chester, PA
If you have been accused of raping another person, you need to act now to protect yourself. The attorneys at DiCindio Law, LLC are prepared to begin fighting on your behalf. Your initial appointment is free and confidential. Call now to talk to a sex crimes lawyer if you are facing rape charges in West Chester, PA.