Rape Charges

Charged with Rape in Norfolk, VA?

In short, rape is usually defined as "sexual penetration without consent." Rape charges are extremely serious as they can result in prison time, loss of your job, being registered as a sex offender and a lifelong stigma.

Rape can involve vaginal intercourse between a male and female, anal intercourse, the insertion of any part of the body or instrument into the vaginal or anal cavity or penetration, however slight of the vaginal or anal cavity.

False Accusations

Rape charges are often based on the testimony of the accuser and the defendant. Frequently, there are no witnesses or compelling evidence. It is not uncommon for false allegations of rape to surface. Rape accusations can occur at a party after someone has had too much to drink and has behaved in a way that they normally don't. These accusations can be the result of getting caught in a compromising situation or can surface after a night of remorse or regret after drinking.

At other times an individual has a financial motive or a vengeful motive when erroneously claiming that they were raped. A common factor in a rape is "force or the threat of force," if this factor was not involved in your case, we will do everything we can to prove that the sex act was consensual. One statistic suggests that one in four accusations of rape is false.

As Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting explains on its site, "According to the FBI, about 95,000 forcible rapes were reported in 2004. Based on the statements and studies cited above, some 47,000 American men are falsely accused of rape each year." A rape accusation can be a great tool in which a woman can retaliate against a man in her life. Even simple rape accusations can be devastating and can cause you to lose your job, friends and your reputation.

Penalties You Could Face

If you are convicted of rape in Virginia, you could face five years to life in prison, a possible mandatory minimum of 25 years and a suspended sentence of no less than 40 years, depending on the nature of the charge.

The most devastating aspect of being charged with rape is that if you are convicted, you will be registered as a sex offender. If you have more questions about the Virginia Sex Offender Registry, check out the Virginia State Police's Frequently Asked Questions page by clicking here. No matter what the circumstances surrounding the rape accusations against you, it is imperative that you take action immediately to secure the aggressive legal representation you need on your side!