Columbia Rape Lawyer

Rape is charged in South Carolina as criminal sexual conduct, usually sexual battery. The specific definition, such as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, will depend on the details of the case, such as whether the alleged victim was a minor. Rape cases are different from other sex crimes because someone has been alleged to have been taken advantage of and violated to the highest degree. These are cases of sensitive nature involving the negation of the alleged victim’s security and sense of safety. For that reason, the prosecutors are going to be aggressive. The judges are not generally going to look at the accused in a favorable light and juries are going to be naturally skeptical of the accused until they are shown evidence that exonerates them.

It is important to hire a Columbia rape lawyer with experience handling rape cases because it can be the experience and skill of the lawyer can make or break a case. If they find the right lawyer who is experienced and they start building the best defense possible from day one, they stand a better chance at a positive outcome in court. Experienced attorneys conduct their own independent investigations, and that can make all the difference in a case. It can be the difference between a not guilty verdict and a guilty verdict. It can be the difference between the prosecutor reducing the charge or dismissing the case. Hiring the right sex crimes lawyer and contacting them as soon as possible is vital to avoiding or mitigating the consequences of a conviction.

Ways To Be Charged With Rape

People can be charged with rape most commonly when the alleged victim claims that they were threatened or forced to do something against their will. There is date rape as well, which is when a person is involuntarily given alcohol or prescription drugs to lower their ability to consent.

Statutory rape occurs when the alleged victim is under the age of consent. Because they are under the age consent, a sex act is still considered rape even if they did consent. The law does not allow them to make that choice. Those are the different ways people are most commonly charged with rape.

A tenacious Columbia rape lawyer could review the facts of the case and help build a strong defense.

Penalties and Aggravating Factors To a Rape Charge

All rape charges are felonies, and the potential penalties can range from 10 years to life in prison. If the case involves a minor, the accused person may even face the death penalty. Since the penalties for rape can be severe, it is best to seek help from a skilled Columbia rape attorney as soon as possible.

Aggravating Factors

The aggravating factors involved in sexual battery cases include the alleged victim’s resistance being overcome by force or the alleged victim being prevented from resisting because the accused person was armed with a deadly weapon as well as threats of immediate bodily harm or the alleged victim having a physical or mental infirmity that prevents them from resisting. These are the same aggravating factors of rape cases. Additionally, an aggravating factor can be the alleged victim’s age, as underage minors are legally considered unable to give consent to sexual acts.

Reach Out to a Columbia Rape Attorney Today

An experienced Columbia rape lawyer knows how to challenge and fight these cases. An accused person should find somebody who has that experience and can make a positive difference in the case by doing the things necessary to get the best result possible. When an accused person’s reputation, livelihood, and freedom are at stake, they should find a diligent lawyer who has had success in defending these cases. The should know what to expect, the players involved, the police that investigate these crimes, the prosecutors who seek out convictions in these cases, and has dealt with local judges in these matters before.

Call today to get started building your defense.